The Executive Residence got a makeover from seven women living in another form of state housing: prison.
Women incarcerated at the Washington Corrections Center for Women in Gig Harbor visited the Executive Residence Dec. 3 to decorate it for its annual holiday tours, which take place during December.
By the end of the day, these women had adorned the grand staircase, windows and doorways in pine garlands, colorful wreaths, twinkling lights and floral arrangements. The festive trimmings included fresh hydrangeas, roses and holly, cultivated by students in the prison’s floriculture and horticulture vocational programs.
It takes 25 wreaths of various sizes and 880 inches of cedar garland–among other lights and embellishments–to decorate the residence. No taxpayer money is used for the decorations; community donations and revenues from private events at the Executive Residence fund the holiday decor.
The decorating tradition just entered its sixth year. It started after First Lady Trudi Inslee toured the prison in 2012. She was so impressed with the floriculture and horticulture programs that she invited students enrolled in those programs to decorate the Executive Residence for the holidays.
Read the full story on the governor's Medium page.