Late November and the whole month of December are especially delight-filled at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme. Visitors of all ages can enjoy The Magic of Christmas, A Holiday Tradition through Jan. 8, 2012.
In the Museum’s Krieble Gallery, elaborate Fantasy Trees evoke the theme of the current exhibition, The Exacting Eye of Walker Evans. Artists and designers work their ‘magic’ by taking an intriguing theme to dynamic heights.
Miss Florence’s Artist Tree, which has become a holiday icon for the region, is back for its eighth year. This year’s additions bring the count to over 120 painted palettes by artists from across the country who have donated works to this one-of-a-kind tradition.
The 12-foot tree has become a holiday icon for the region. The idea of artists painting on palettes relates directly to the Museum’s history as the center for the Lyme Art Colony, and alludes to the doors and wooden wall panels the artists painted throughout Miss Florence’s boardinghouse over 100 years ago.
The palette artists’ styles and subject matter are as varied as the individuals. Oils, acrylics, watercolors, ceramics, and collage are used to transform the palettes into traditional holiday scenes, delightful landscapes, and more than a few surprises.
In the historic rooms of the Griswold House, visitors can see how families celebrated Christmas in 1910, as historically accurate decorations reveal homespun creativity and the use of surprising materials. The 1910 time period was an important era for the Griswold House, as it was the heyday of its use as boardinghouse for the artists of the Lyme Art Colony.
Christmas Day was also Miss Florence’s birthday. She was 60 years old in 1910.
The town of Old Lyme and its merchants continue the merriment with a series of special events called “Light Up Old Lyme.”
Watch for town-wide special activities and merchant offers. The Museum is partnering with Bring Our Music Back’s Festival of Trees and Music, Nov. 25, through Dec. 4, at the Lyme Art Association.
Purchase admission at either location and take $2 off the combined ticket price.
Located on an 11-acre site in the historic village of Old Lyme, the Florence Griswold Museum is known as the Home of American Impressionism. In addition to the restored Florence Griswold House, where the artists of the Lyme Art Colony lived, the Museum features a modern exhibition gallery, education center, landscape center, extensive gardens, and a restored artist’s studio. The Museum is located at 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, exit 70 off I-95 and is open year round Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1 to 5pm.
The Museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, $7 students, and free to children 12 and under.
For more information, www.FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org or call 860-434-5542 x 111.
SPECIAL EVENTS
THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING EVENTS
Friday, Nov. 25
11am, 1pm, and 3pm
The Woodland Cinderella Puppet Show
Tickets are $5 per person and must be purchased in advance by calling 860-434-5542, x 111 or online at FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org.
In this award-winning puppet version of the classic story, Cinderella is a fairy living with her step family in a tree in the forest. The King of the woodland fairies wants the Prince to marry a Fairy Princess, but none can be found. The King decides to host a fancy forest party to attract all the eligible young ladies for his son.
10am-5pm
Great Gifts “In Store” for the Holidays
The Museum Shop is filled to the brim with unique, quality gifts, special in-store treats and, terrific values. Each hour brings its own discounts on featured selections, and gift wrapping is available.
11am-3pm
Creating for Christmas: Cards, Gifts & More
Included with Museum Admission
Creative hands-on fun for all ages. Find your inner artistic elf by making festive cards and artwork perfect for the gift-giving season.
MUSIC AT THE MUSEUM
Sunday, Dec. 4, 2-4pm
Christmastime with the Co-Co Beaux
FREE with Museum Admission, drop-in, no reservations required.
There’s magic in the music. Enjoy the exuberant voices of the Co-Co Beaux, Connecticut College’s famous all-male a cappella ensemble. This talented group will delight young and old with their beautiful music in the gallery. Short musical sets begin at 2pm.
FAMILY PROGRAM
Sundays, Nov. 20, 27; Dec. 4, 11, 18, and Jan. 8
1-5pm
Joy in the Making: A Creative Approach to the Holidays
FREE with Museum Admission, drop-in, no reservations required
Sunday visitors enjoy hands-on holiday craft workshops and creative projects that relate to the spirit of the season and the decorations on view.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
Saturday, Dec. 10, 2pm
The Handmade Ornament: A Sewing Workshop for Kids
Presented by Linda Zimmerman, Master Teaching Artist
Tickets are $12 per person and must be purchased in advance by calling 860-434-5542, x 111 or online at FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org.
Join fiber artist Zimmerman for a creative hands-on workshop to design your own soft bird sculpture made from felt and embellished with buttons, beads, and ribbon.
FAMILY PROGRAM
Monday, Dec. 12, 11am or 2pm
Oh By Gosh, By Golly Teddy Bear Tea Party
Tickets are $14 per pair (child and adult); additional guests $7 and must be purchased in advance by calling 860-434-5542, x 111 or online at FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org
Share the excitement of the holidays with your little ones at this fun teddy bear tea party. Enjoy stories and crafts, yummy FUNwiches and treats. Children can bring their favorite stuffed animal.
FAMILY PROGRAM
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6 pm
Open-House Event
Exchange a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Shoreline Soup Kitchen for your admission ticket. Tour the galleries to see the decorated trees and hear a reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas before joining Steve Elci for a community sing-along and a festive lighting of The Rambles outdoor sculpture.
FAMILY PROGRAM
Wednesday, Dec. 28, 10am-4pm
Happy Birthday Miss Florence: A Hands-On Creative Birthday Party
FREE with Museum Admission, drop-in, no reservations required
Celebrate Miss Florence’s birthday with this day long party. Come for cake and stay for a variety of hands-on creative projects that celebrate the woman who started it all. Miss Florence was born on Christmas Day in 1850. Harp music featured in the Florence Griswold House from 11 to 3pm.
TEAS AT THE MUSEUM
Christmastime Teas at the Museum
Tuesday through Saturday Dec. 2 – 23, 3pm
Tickets are $35 per person and must be purchased in advance by calling 860-434-5542, x 111 or online at FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org.
Celebrate the holidays in style at one of the Museum’s afternoon teas prepared by Gourmet Galley, a caterer known for their delicious flavors and impeccable presentations. Teas feature a selection of signature savories and sweets, and are accompanied by “Miss Florence’s Tea,” a special blend from Sundial Gardens. Teas are served overlooking the picturesque Lieutenant River. The fee includes admission to the Museum and a 10% discount in the Museum Shop.