Landgraf helps display Christmas ornament that honors Odessa

&lclass="BodyCopy">AUSTIN This Christmas Eve, an ornament that highlights the Permian Basin and honors the life of a humble yet remarkable West Texan hung on the Christmas tree in the State Capitol.&ltgt;&lclass="BodyCopy">Ben Powell of Odessa designed and created the ornament. While depictions of a pump jack, swaying mesquite bushes, and drill sites adorn the ornament, at the heart of it is a tribute to Sally Powell, Ben’s late mother.&ltgt;&lclass="BodyCopy">“I am proud of the personal touch on this year’s ornament as it showcases our vibrant economy, but moreover, pays tribute to Sally Powell, a West Texan who made our area a more beautiful and gentler place,” State Rep. Brooks Landgraf, R-Odessa, said.&ltgt;&lclass="BodyCopy">Sally Powell dedicated her life to art education, teaching the importance of looking for the beauty in all things and self-expression through art, while being a fierce advocate for the forgotten and less fortunate.&ltgt;&lclass="BodyCopy">“A white cat sits at the base of the pump jack as a nod to the comfortable presence mom brought to an area where comfort is not a luxury everyone can afford, and one she never charged for.” Ben Powell said. “This ornament is a testament to folks like my mom, whose initials grace the head of the pump jack, and the countless others who invisibly grace our landscape with their constant pursuit of good will for all, their fight for the underdog, and their commitment to beauty wherever it can be found or made.”&ltgt;&lclass="BodyCopy">Sally Powell taught fine art for many years at Permian High School and Bowie Middle School. She passed away in April after a valiant fight against cancer. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she brightened with the love of art and her care for the disadvantaged.&ltgt;&lclass="BodyCopy">The ornament in her memory hung on the 30-foot native Texas tree in the Texas House Chamber through the end of December.&ltgt;&lclass="BodyCopy">State Representative Brooks Landgraf serves Texas House District 81, which encompasses Andrews, Ector, Ward and Winkler counties. Landgraf lives in his hometown of Odessa with his wife, Shelby, and their daughter, Hollis Rose. He works as a fourth-generation West Texas cattle rancher and practices law at the firm of Todd, Barron, Thomason, Hudman & Bebout, P.C. in Odessa. An Eagle Scout, Landgraf is also active in several local nonprofits.&ltgt;&lclass="BodyCopy"> &ltgt;