EXHIBIT HONORS NEW ULM INTERIOR DESIGNER

Jun 14, 2016

By Edie Schmierbach

NEW ULM — Christine Carmichael was an interior designer with a zeal for enlivening run-down structures. Her decorative talents helped preserve the historic value of the Anton Gag House, and she spearheaded the interior renovation of the residence of Minnesota's 14th governor, John Lind.

This photo of Christine Carmichael shows her in the solarium of the Governor's mansion in St. Paul, where she selected the furnishings. (Submitted photo). 

Carmichael was 56 when she died about a year ago at her home in New Ulm, not too far from the historical houses whose beauty she had restored. Her 30-year career in design and consulting, which began at Kay's Interiors in New Ulm, incuded several years as the owner of Design Directions LTD.

HGTV’s “Restore America” once tapped her knowledge about South German Street. The humble interior designer, however, usually avoided the spotlight.

“Christine never wanted to be front and center. Clients and the designs came first and foremost,” said Charis Carmichael Braun of Sparkill, New York.

Braun said her sister's uncomfortableness with public attention stemmed from her struggles with poor health. Carmichael suffered rheumatoid arthritis and bladder cancer, which made her sensitive to others' frailties. "Christine fought through the illnesses and used them as fuel," Braun said. Her sister's obituary described a focus on designs to help people stay in the places they loved, no matter what their age or ability. Carmichael had dealt with auto-immune disorders throughout her life.

After moving to Minnesota from Wisconsin with her family, she graduated from Martin Luther Academy in 1976, pursued studies in psychology in Rochester and earned a degree in interior design, environment and urban studies from Mankato State University.

Carmichael was very active in the New Ulm community. Martin Luther College and area churches consulted with her, she served on the initial board for the Wanda Gag House, and she was the first chairperson for the New Ulm Heritage Preservation Commission.

IF YOU GO
"A Life by Design" show

What: Exhibit focusing on interior designs by the late Christine Carmichael

Where: Four Pillars Gallery
Grand Center for Arts and Culture, 210 N. Broadway, New Ulm. 

When: Friday through July 8. Reception 7-9 pm. Friday. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Outside of New Ulm, Carmichael served on the Governor's Residence Council and was Designer of Record for the restoration of the Dayton House in Worthington. Carmichael was the researcher for a renovation project that gutted the home of Gov. Mark Dayton's great-grandfather, George Draper Dayton.

Braun said her sister accessed all sorts of historical documents to determine the furniture and paint colors used in the restoration. The information gathered was not complete, so Carmichael creatively filled in the holes. "She had to put herself in Dayton's shoes and imagine what his life would have been surrounded by and what his choices would have been, the lamps, the wallpapers. "For example, Christine chose a horsehair sofa," Braun said. "As a result of the Dayton House project, she was asked to select furniture for a sun room in the governor's mansion for Tim Pawlenty."

Braun will be in New Ulm Friday night to unveil her oil portrait of Carmichael, during a reception honoring the late interior designer. Painting her sister's portrait was a challenge to navigate psychologically. "It was a groundbreaker for me," said Braun, who also is a director for an outreach program through the Art Students League of New York. "Doing the portrait was very difficult. I'm using the painting as a catalyst. Life is too short and my to-do list is too long.

"I've always been able to view her as my mentor," she said. "I watched her carry her own banner of pride for her community, her family and her associates. Now it's time for me to pick up my own banner."

Braun's husband, Andrew, a wood-worker, created a plaque that also will be displayed at 4 Pillars Gallery during the exhibit, "Christine Carmichael: A Life by Design."

Carmichael served as lead interior designer and project coordinator for The Grand Center for Arts and Culture. The art gallery uses space on that building's second floor.

This first appeared on the Mankato Free Press' website and print edition:
Schmierbach, Edie. "Exhibit honors New Ulm interior designer." Mankato Free Press. 16 June 2016: www.mankatofreepress.com. Web. 16 June 2016.
http://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/lifestyles/exhibit-honors-new-ulm-interior-designer/article_10e4778e-3254-11e6-b9cf-171843d62f91.html

CARMICHAEL CELEBRATED

Carmichael, in an undated file photo

June 16, 2016

By Connor Cummiskey, Staff Writer

NEW ULM - The Grand is celebrating the life and work of Christine Carmichael, the interior designer known for her work on the Governor's Residence, the Dayton House and The Grand itself.

The exhibition titled "Christine Carmichael: A Life by Design" will have its opening 7-9 p.m. Friday, June 17, in the Four Pillars Gallery in The Grand. It will be on display until July 8.

A portrait plaque of Carmichael will be unveiled during the opening ceremony. The portrait was painted by Christine's sister Charis Carmichael-Braun, and the plaque was crafted by Charis' husband Andrew.

The Grand also will be raising money for a sign on the rear of the building that will complete Carmichael's vision. "It was always intended that we would have that signage on the back of the building, and there is a space for it, and there are the lights and everything, but we never got the sign done," said Megan Rolloff, a board member of The Grand.

The Historic Dayton House in Worthington will be one of Carmichael's projects featured in the exhibition. Rolloff considers it one of Carmichael's crowning achievements. She recalls Carmichael's dedication to the project was so profound she once went to Nebraska for an antique horse-hair couch before scouring the country for the fabric to put on it.

"That was a crazy project. It was so detailed, and there was so much going on, and she had so many rooms to do. I would say that definitely combined her love of design and history, and taking something that had really gotten run down - it had additions put on it, it was used for commercial purposes - and she totally brought it back. It definitely is an amazing place to see," said Rolloff.

Carmichael often worked on design projects, both public and private, that included aspects of restoration. "Whenever there was a historical project to be worked on, Christine usually was the one that you called," said Rolloff. "She listened to every need that the client had or that the project needed and she threw herself into it 110 percent, every single time. She was extremely detailed, there was no decision made that did not have a purpose," said Rolloff.

This first appeared on the New Ulm Journal's website and print edition:
Cummiskey, Connor. "Carmichael Celebrated." The Journal. 16 June 2016: www.nujournal.com. Web. 16 June 2016.
http://nujournal.com/page/content.detail/id/582536/Carmichael-celebrated.html?nav=5009.

COURAGE, COMPASSION, PASSION FOR ART

Staff photo by Kevin Sweeney
Rick Jensen of Jensen Motors, one of the sponsors of the New Ulm Athena Awards, presents the award to Chris Carmichael at the Athena Awards banquet Thursday at the Holiday Inn in New Ulm.

CARMICHAEL HONORED WITH ATHENA AWARD

May 2, 2008

By KEVIN SWEENEY Journal Editor

NEW ULM — The 2008 Athena Award winner for New Ulm is a woman of courage, creativity and passion about her art, according to those who honored Christine Carmichael at the annual Athena Award luncheon Thursday.

Friends and colleagues gathered at the Holiday Inn New Ulm for the event. Mayor Joel Albrecht said Carmichael is different from people who say, “‘Someone should do this,’ or ‘The city should do that.’ Where she stands out is she goes ahead and does it,” said Albrecht. He described how Carmichael grabbed hold of the idea of a historic preservation commission for New Ulm, and helped rewrite a boilerplate ordinance from the state to fit the city’s needs. When he brought the proposed ordinance to the New Ulm City Council, said Albrecht, it ran into opposition. It would take away the rights of property owners, or this portion was too restrictive. Carmichael helped soften it a couple of times, but finally, “She drew a line in the sand,” said Albrecht. “She said, ‘If we have to dilute this any more, there’s no point in having an ordinance.’ When I told that to the council, they said, ‘She’s really serious, isn’t she!’ And she was!” Albrecht said Carmichael, who served several years on the city’s Historic Preservation Commission “brought the charm, the grace and all the qualities she possesses to the commission. She was the right person at the right time. Thank you, from New Ulm and for future generations.”

Megan Rolloff, who works with Carmichael at Interior Motives, said Carmichael is a “giving person. The first thing she gave me was a job.” Carmichael also shared her knowledge and experience, helping Rolloff to discover a career she loves. “And she’s given me her friendship. She’s a great listener when you need an ear, and a great shoulder when you need support,” Rolloff said.

Dr. Ann Vogel said Carmichael is being recognized for her talents and accomplishments, but also for her “special circumstances.” Carmichael has severe rheumatoid arthritis, but Vogel said you wouldn’t know it when you meet her. “She’s being recognized because she shows to everybody, female and male, that you can carry on and use the gifts that you’ve been endowed with and overcome unbelievable obstacles,” said Vogel. Vogel quipped that that it’s natural that Carmichael is interested in restoration — “She IS a restoration.”

Carmichael is the proof of the saying that “the only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you use them.”

Lynn Heuchert, Carmichael’s partner in Interior Motives, said she and Carmichael share a love of design, and she was happy when Carmichael closed her own design shop and came to work with her. “She is a kind soul, and the most deserving recipient of this award there can possibly be.”

A congratulatory letter was also read from the “Historic Worthington” organization, which hired Carmichael to design the interior for the restoration of the George Draper Dayton House in Worthington.

When Carmichael had a chance to speak, she talked about the “gift of choices” we have in our lives, and thanked those who helped her make her choices. She thanked her father for his dual Christmas gifts each year — a piece of jewelry and tools, with the encouragement that she could be whatever she wanted to be. She thanked her mother, and the close family and friends who supported her in her work, enabling her to make choices and tackle projects, even when she had to be carried up and down stairs in her wheelchair and driven around the state. She thanked her clients. “They have become the most special to me,” she said. “They are what get me out of bed every morning, the change to make a difference in the quality of life for someone.” She thanked her co-workers who have stood behind her through her challenges, and her sister Charis Carmichael Braun, who encouraged and forced her to write articles for design magazines when she was too crippled by her arthritis to work. She thanked those who organized a fund-raiser a few years ago to help with medical expenses, allowing her to avoid declaring bankruptcy and live on Social Security disability benefits, to keep having choices. “And I want to thank my lord and savior, Jesus Christ, who gives me the opportunity to make the greatest choice each day, to love Him,” she said.

This article first appeared on the New Ulm Journal's website and print edition:
Sweeney, Kevin. "Courage, Compassion, Passion for Art, Carmichael honored with Athena Award." The Journal. 2 May 2008: www.nujournal.com. Web. 15 August 2015. http://nujournal.com/page/content.detail/id/500861/Courage--Compassion--Passion-for-art.html

Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down - Athena Award

May 3, 2008

Athena Award

THUMBS UP: It was inspiring to see the respect and regard attendees at the 2008 New Ulm Athena Award banquet had for this year’s recipient, Christine Carmichael. And when Carmichael took the podium and spoke, it was easy to see where that respect and regard came from. Carmichael’s accomplishments as a professional designer and an advocate of historic restoration speak for themselves. What came through in Carmichael’s comments were the joy and passion she takes in her work, and the joy and passion she has for life. She is truly an inspiring addition to the long list of remarkable women who have received this award in New Ulm.

This article first appeared on the New Ulm Journal's website and print edition:
Sweeney, Kevin. "Thumbs Up Thumbs Down." The Journal. 3 May 2008: www.nujournal.com. Web. 15 August 2015.
http://nujournal.com/page/content.detail/id/500886/THUMBS-UP-THUMBS-DOWN.html

Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down - Athena Award

April 19, 2008

THUMBS UP: The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce and Jensen Motors have done it again, selecting an extremely deserving recipient for their annual Athena Award. Christine Carmichael is the recipient this year. She is a talented interior designer, an avid proponent of historic preservation, and a person dedicated to using her talents for the good of the community. We hope many people will turn out on May 1 at the Holiday Inn for the luncheon where she will be officially honored.

This article first appeared on the New Ulm Journal's website and print edition:
Sweeney, Kevin. "Thumbs Up Thumbs Down." The Journal. 19 April 2008: www.nujournal.com. Web. 15 August 2015.
http://nujournal.com/page/content.detail/id/500626/Thumbs-Up-Thumbs-Down.html

CARMICHAEL WANTS ‘PAY FORWARD’ ATHENA AWARD

April 16, 2008

Christine Carmichael was surprised to receive word that she is recipient of the 2008 Athena Award Tuesday.

By KEVIN SWEENEY Journal Editor       

NEW ULM — Christine Carmichael, the 2008 Athena Award winner in New Ulm, said Tuesday she wants to “pay forward” the honor that comes with it.

Presenters who surprised Christine Carmichael at her business, Interior Motives/Design Directions, on Tuesday afternoon thought she’s paid plenty already.

Carmichael has excelled in her work as a designer and interior decorator, especially her work in helping to restore historic buildings such as the Lind House and the Gag House in New Ulm, and the George Draper Dayton House in Worthington. She has also been active in community historic preservation activities in New Ulm.

All this while suffering from a form of arthritis for years that slowed her down, an illness she bears with good humor and submersion in her work. She is an inspiration to all who know her, fellow Athena Award recipients told her on Tuesday.

“When I have an ache or pain, I never complain when I see you,” said Shirley Jo Meidl, a past Athena recipient.

“That’s the problem,” said Carmichael. “Whenever I ask someone how they are doing I really want to know. And they all look at me and say, ‘Fine, fine!’” Carmichael quipped.

The Athena Award program is sponsored in New Ulm by the Chamber and Jensen Motors. It is an international program that recognizes individuals who show excellence, creativity and initiative in their business; who provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community, and who actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential.

All of that makes Carmichael wonder how she has qualified. “I consider myself to have lived a very average life, with maybe a few more challenges than others, but it feels like I’m getting an award for simply getting through the day,” she said in an interview.

Her days, however, are more than average. She was owner of Design Directions, LTD for over 24 years before joining forces with Interior Motives. She has worked with many clients, not just to create a design, she said, but to have a deeper impact, to help them achieve a better quality of life and achieve a comfort and security that comes from within themselves, she said.

She has devoted a lot of time to New Ulm’s historic preservation efforts, serving on the Lind House Preservation Board and designing its historic decoration plan. She also served on the Wanda Gag House board. She served on the first New Ulm Historic Preservation Committee for 15 years and helped create the legal commission that exists today. She also designed the arbor in German Park.

“2008 Athena Award Luncheon
Date: Thursday, May 1
Time: Noon
Place: Holiday Inn, New Ulm
Tickets: $14, available at the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce”

In 2003 Carmichael was selected as Designer of Record in the restoration of the George Draper Dayton House in Worthington. This is the family home originally built by the founder of the Dayton-Target Corp.

In 2002 she was appointed to the Governor’s Residence Council by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. This council is in charge of the up-keep and decorating of the Minnesota Governor’s Mansion. She served four years and donated over 180 hours of professional service.

She has published numerous articles, and has appeared on the HGTV program Restore America. She and cabinet maker John Covington won a design award from the Minnesota Chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

“It’s a gift that I have been given to be able to do this work and to get so wrapped up in it,” she said. By immersing herself in her projects, she often forgets about her physical ailments. “When I get wrapped up in something, the last thing I think about is myself,” she said.

The Chamber will officially present the Athena Award at a luncheon on May 1, at noon in the Holiday Inn. Tickets are $14 and are available at the Chamber.

This article first appeared on the New Ulm Journal's website and print edition:
Sweeney, Kevin. "Carmichael wants ‘pay forward’ Athena Award." The Journal 16 April 2008: www.nujournal.com. Web. 15 August 2015.
http://nujournal.com/page/content.detail/id/500554/Carmichael-wants--pay-forward--Athena-Award.html

REMEMBERING CHRISTINE CARMICHAEL

June 12, 2015

To the editor:

Your most able reporter, Kremena Spengler, has done excellent work in her report on Christine's accomplishments and her courage in the face of her physical disabilities. So there is not much that I can add to her concise account, and yet I must add my own small narrative.

Christine and I were fellow artists. She in her chosen field, different from mine, but we often shared the same thoughts of artistic expression. We were not close friends, but surely friends at heart. So I feel that I can say of her, that we have lost not only her wonderful talent but also a kind and compassionate woman who took time to visit others who were struggling with physical pain and ongoing diseases. She set an example for all who knew her. She was a beautiful human being in the true sense, for her love of others and her evident joy when planning a project shone way beyond any disability of body.

I only hope that I can be the true artist that she was, and learn to be kind and humble knowing as she did that our talents are wonderful gifts from our Creator. Knowing this truth, Christine gave many hours of her time to benefit our community, and shared her loving heart with many who knew her. I know that she will Rest in Peace in the Green Pastures of her Lord's Heaven.

Ruth Lindemann, New Ulm


This article first appeared on the New Ulm Journal's website and print edition:
Lindemann, Ruth. Remembering Christine Carmichael." The Journal. 12 June 2015: www.nujournal.com. Web. 15 August 2015.
http://nujournal.com/page/content.detail/id/566249/Remembering-Christine-Carmichael.html.

CARMICHAEL REMEMBERED FOR HER DESIGN EXPERTISE

June 11, 2015

By Kremena Spengler - Staff Writer , The Journal
   

NEW ULM - Her time was short, but she made it count.

When Christine Lynn Carmichael died on June 5 at age 56, the world lost a woman described as "a passionate advocate ceaselessly working to bring beauty and comfort to people's lives," an interior designer "who built on other people's visions, seeking the ideal environment to sustain their quality of life."

Some of the things she was most proud of were the buildings and interiors she revived, say those who knew her. Examples include the Grand Center of the Arts, Wanda Gag house, Lind House, several of the large houses on German Street, Dayton House in Worthington, a sunroom in the Governor's Mansion in St. Paul and many more.

"New Ulm is studded with her projects - the John Lind House, The Wanda Gag House, the Grand Center for the Arts, to name just a few ... She was a stickler for historic authenticity, and I think New Ulm is the better for it. Christine has left a true legacy in New Ulm and part of her creative spirit will always reside here."

"Christine may have been trapped within a body that limited her physically, but she wasn't trapped or limited when it came to her imagination," said Krzmarzick. "I was always amazed how she could visualize in her mind and bring to life a room or a building from thought, creativity, a pencil and a piece of paper. I loved to look at her drawings. They were like little works of art."

“She had ‘a great attachment to preserving and interpreting history through the decorative arts and architecture.”
— Vicki Pieser, who worked with Carmichael on the Wanda Gag House

"Christine was extravagantly generous with her talent in the restoration of the Gag House," said Vicki Pieser, who worked with Carmichael on the project. "She had a great attachment to preserving and interpreting history through the decorative arts and architecture. She was meticulous in her work, even though her energy was limited. Her gentleness and kind spirit made her a joy to work with."

"Christine was one of the most generous and giving people I have ever known," says Megan Rolloff, a friend and colleague. "Not only would she have given you the shirt off her back if she thought for a second that you needed it, but she was even more giving with her knowledge, her talent, and her spirit.

"I first met Christine 11 years ago when she hired me to put away fabric and wallpaper books at her then design business, Design Directions," remembers Rolloff. "I had no experience in interior design, but I really needed a job, and Christine gave me one. After a while she took me under her wing and showed me everything. I still work as a designer today and that is all thanks to Christine. Most of the practices and methods I still use are the ones that she taught me. She made it possible for me to do a job that I love every day."

"I haven't formally worked with Christine in six years, but we still remained in pretty close contact," continues Rolloff. "And two years ago we started heavy renovation on The Grand Center for Arts and Culture. Having worked with Christine on several historic design projects, I knew she was the perfect person to bring on board to make sure all the i's were dotted and t's crossed. So we got to work together one last time. Christine poured her heart and soul into that project. And it would be no where near the amazing place that it is if it hadn't been for her. She donated all her time and printed countless documents to make sure that The Grand was a building New Ulm could be proud of."

"But all professional projects aside, Christine was my friend," says Rolloff. "I will miss talking with her the most. I never felt like I had to hold back when talking with her. She never judged. I could share any crazy theory or dream with her and she would always act as though it were perfectly plausible and not silly at all. The idea that she would ever, or could ever, betray a confidence never once entered my mind all the years I knew her. It just wasn't in her. For all the pain and struggle that she had to endure everyday, she never acted as though her problems were any worse than anyone else's or that hers deserved any more attention. She was what a friend is truly supposed to be; supportive, loyal, and loving, no matter what...

"She was someone that I can honestly say made this world a better place just by being in it. She touched so many lives and gave so many of us who knew her a standard to try and live up to. Most of us will never have to summon the strength she had, or have to overcome as many obstacles as she did. And I highly doubt many could do it with as much dedication, heart, and spunk as Christine managed to, every day. She was simply one of the best people I have ever known, or probably will ever know. And I am thankful just to have been able to call her my friend."

---

Christine Lynn Carmichael was born July 5, 1958, in Kenosha, Wis., according to her obituary in The Journal.

Her funeral service will be 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, at Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm.

Carmichael struggled with many health trials along with severe rheumatoid arthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis, depression, hepatitis, ulcers, osteoporosis, calciphylaxis and, finally, bladder cancer, according to the obituary.

Having sustained four hip replacements, spinal fusion and more than 20 surgeries, Carmichael refined her focus on universal design to assure that "all of us can stay in the places we love, no matter what our age or ability." She was especially sensitive to those needing specialized design. She said she "strongly believed in maintaining a high quality of life and independence for those with limited abilities."

Respecting the buildings around us as "living documents of history," she had a zeal for enlivening decrepit structures, the obituary reads.

 

This article first appeared on the New Ulm Journal's website and print edition:
Spengler, Kremena."Carmichael remembered for her design expertise." The Journal. 11 June 2015: www.nujournal.com. Web. 15 August 2015. http://nujournal.com/page/content.detail/id/566217/Carmichael-remembered-for-her-design-expertise.html.

Christine Carmichael - Obituary

CHRISTINE LYNN CARMICHAEL, 56, OF NEW ULM, DIED PEACEFULLY SURROUNDED BY LOVED ONES ON FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015, IN HER HOME IN NEW ULM.

Funeral service will be 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, at Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm with Pastor Jeffrey Bovee officiating. Burial will follow at Saint Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in New Ulm.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, and 7:30-9 a.m. on Thursday at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home, NORTH CHAPEL in New Ulm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Christine is survived by her parents, Gary and Caroline Carmichael of New Ulm; sister, and brother-in-law, Charis Carmichael Braun and Andrew Braun of Sparkill, New York; brother, and sister-in-law, Grant and Lisa (Meyer) Carmichael of Eagan; niece, Emma Carmichael; and nephews, Paul and James Carmichael. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harold and Ernestine (Hohl) Templin and Dr. Charles and Alvina (Dunlap) Carmichael.

Christine Lynn Carmichael was born July 5, 1958 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Gary and Caroline (Templin) Carmichael, and was baptized at Friedens Lutheran Church in Kenosha. She was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm.

Christine was a passionate advocate, ceaselessly working to bring beauty and comfort to people's lives through her profession in interior design. She built other people's visions, seeking the ideal environment to sustain their quality of life.

After graduating from Martin Luther Academy in 1976, she pursued studies in psychology in Rochester and finished her college education with a degree in Interior Design, Environment and Urban Studies from Mankato State University. Through thirty years of interior design and consulting - from humble bathrooms to historic renovations - her career was sustained through her constant innovation, education, compassion and commitment.

She began her career at Kay's Interiors in New Ulm. She then purchased the business, and became the owner of her own firm, Design Directions LTD, for over 24 years. Christine worked as a part of Interior Motives. She then moved her practice into her home office and carried on despite physical limitations as she transitioned from a traditional design business to a computer C.A.D. based design consulting firm, Carmichael Concepts.

Having sustained 4 hip replacements, spinal fusion and over 20 surgeries, Christine refined her focus on universal design to assure that "all of us can stay in the places we love, no matter what our age or ability." She strongly believed in maintaining a high quality of life and independence for those with limited abilities. Christine herself struggled with many health trials along with severe rheumatoid arthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis, depression, hepatitis, ulcers, osteoporosis, calciphylaxis, and finally bladder cancer.

Christine served as a consultant to the Building Committee at Martin Luther College's Chapel of the Christ, and was a member of the committee working to refurbish the college's auditorium. She participated on the Design/Building Committee for the new addition at St. John's Lutheran Church and also applied her design skills to beautify the new fellowship hall at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Christine was the first Chairperson of the Heritage Preservation Commission in New Ulm through the Chamber of Commerce, and served for 15 years to help create the state-recognized Commission existing today. She was appointed to the Governor's Residence Council for four years, and was selected as the Designer of Record for the restoration of the Dayton House in Worthington, MN.

Respecting the buildings around us as "living documents of history," she had a zeal for enlivening decrepit structures. She served on the John Lind House Association Board and spearheaded the decorative renovation of the interior; she was the Vice President on the initial Board for the Wanda Gág House, instrumental in preserving the historic value of the Gág family's Victorian home. Most recently, Christine was the Lead Interior Designer and Project Coordinator for The Grand Center for Arts and Culture, and was honored as the Designer of Record for one of the 10 Preservation Alliance Awards given to The Grand. She has published numerous articles in local publications, and appeared on the HGTV program Restore America concerning historic houses on South German Street. She and cabinetmaker John Covington were awarded 2nd Place prize for their "Arts and Crafts on a Budget" large kitchen design and 3rd Place for a Category E Bath from the Minnesota Chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Christine received New Ulm's Athena Award for excellence, creativity and initiative; for her efforts to improve the quality of life for others, and for actively assisting women in realizing their full leadership potential.

Christine sought to edify her friends, family, clients, and colleagues as they worked together; noting "the very best projects are born of rich collaboration." And while her impact may be seen in the environments touched by her, her success is measured by the people that knew and loved her, who kept coming back to her for advice, for perspective, for encouragement. Her legacy will live in the lives of those who have experienced the joy of knowing someone who has shown us a way to live a meaningful life on her own terms, who desired our happiness before her own.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to WELS Missions, The Grand Center for Arts and Culture, and research for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

 

This article first appeared on the New Ulm Journal's website and print edition:
Carmichael Braun, Charis. "Obituary, Christine Carmichael." The Journal. 9 June 2015: www.nujournal.com. Web. 15 August 2015. 
http://www.nujournal.com/page/content.detail/id/566123.html.