Nicole Johnson, winning scarf designer.
Crossville, Tenn.—Crossville, Inc. has unveiled the winning design of its 2014 breast cancer awareness scarf. The artwork chosen, “Birds of a Feather,” is the creation of Nicole Johnson, showroom manager of United Tile’s Spokane, Wash., branch. Johnson was one of 12 entrants in Crossville’s first annual competition that invited representatives from the company’s distribution network to submit original artwork to be considered by a panel of judges for the final scarf production.
The judging panel was comprised of notable industry personalities and Crossville pros who voted to determine the winning design. One of the judges was Courtney Price, a Dallas-based interior designer and design writer for Huffington Post. She said, “I have deep admiration for Crossville’s spirited participation with The Common Thread for the Cure. As a survivor, I am especially honored to have been asked to participate in their awareness program. Cheers to Crossville for supporting such a worthwhile cause.”
Crossville has produced breast cancer awareness scarves since 2007, but this is the first year the company has hosted a competition to develop the design. The annual scarf production is just part of Crossville’s year-round commitment to support those in the design and furnishings industry who are facing breast cancer. A portion of profits from all sales of the Glass Blox collection goes to The Common Thread for the Cure, the industry’s organization offering practical support for families facing the ramifications of breast cancer (see commonthread.info for more information).
“We take our programs related to breast cancer awareness very seriously, and we hope we inspire our partners in the industry to do the same,” said Crossville’s vice president of marketing, Lindsey Waldrep. “By involving our distributors in the scarf creation process, we’re taking the message further and sharing in the effort to make a difference.”
The selected artwork reflects that heightened involvement, as described in Johnson’s inspiration statement submitted with her entry: “The bird motif symbolizes partnership and camaraderie for those who are going through their battles or those who have already won. When one comes alongside another and helps them fly, this companionship is what makes up the common thread.”
Crossville has made a $2,500 donation to The Common Thread for the Cure in honor of Johnson and her winning design, and will also match that amount for a total $5,000 contribution.
The scarves are made available nationwide by distributors and retailers. Crossville will launch its 2015 competition in spring of next year.