Morgantown resident Theresa Niner found her knack for decorative painting in the 1980s.

Through the Society of Decorative Painters she applied for an ornament, and after being chosen was able to submit her hand-painted ornament for further approval.

Out of the 70 paintings featured in the gallery, she chose to paint her own version of Kenyon Cox's Plenty, a painting featuring a child and fruit.

"I think whenever you can use any talent to do a service for the country or for anyone its always a good thing," said Niner.

Claudia Kugler just across town was also selected.

Her ornament was also one of 500 chosen for the tree.

She created a modern version of Romaine Brooks' self portrait adding her own large purse and Starbucks coffee.

"I put a modern spin on it," said Kugler, "I thought about what I like to do and I like getting coffee with my friends."

Both women say having their ornaments displayed in the Smithsonian is a huge honor, but this isn't the first time their artwork has been featured in the nation's capital.

"I've had one on the West Virginia tree and also in the Library of Congress," said Niner.

Her ornament on the West Virginia tree featured a dove in a coonskin cap that read "Mountaineers are always free."

Both women plan to visit the museum in hopes of spotting their ornaments hanging among the other artwork.