In 1991 when Tommy Thorne-Thomsen produced the first Morris the Horse Christmas ornament, people were charmed. Thorne-Thomsen, then a member of the Tryon Fine Arts Center Board, designed Morris in 24 karat gold on jewelers brass to benefit TFAC. These ornaments have graced trees around the world, and many people own every one made.

No one could have predicted what a special collectible this would become. Thorne-Thomsen designed the ornaments through 2002, when artist Paul Koenen took over to produce the 2003-2008 ornaments. In 2009, Chris Farrell featured the Tryon Clock Tower in her ornament design, and this year Beth Child and Crys Armbrust designed a special 125th Anniversary Edition based on the family crest of Governor William Tryon, with Morris looking forward into the future and back into the past.

The ornaments have benefited the operations and programs of Tryon Fine Arts Center since 1991.

TFAC has ornaments from other years for sale, though not every year is available. To purchase the 2010 ornament, visit The Book Shelf, Tryon House, Tryon Mountain Hardware or Tryon Fine Arts Center.