The Magic of Christmas
A Festive Holiday Celebration
  Hear Director Jeff Andersen
on the Faith Middleton Show.
November 21 through January 10, 2010
 This joyous holiday exhibition is sponsored by Essex Savings Bank & Essex Financial Services, loyal supporters of the Museum. Also supporting the celebration as media sponsor, Comcast Cable.
Greg Shook, Preseident, Essex Savings Bank, Nancy Shook, Kenneth Gibble, Chairman, Board of Directors, Essex Savings Bank, Jeff Andersen, Director, Florence Griswold Museum, and Jeb Embree, Essex Financial Services.
The Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme promises triple the “magic” during this year’s celebration.
In the Museum’s Krieble Gallery, four elaborate Fantasy Trees evoke the magic of the current exhibition, Call of the Coast. “A team of talented artists and designers work year round to plan and design the trees,” explains David Rau, Director of Education and Outreach. “They work their ‘magic’ by taking an intriguing theme to dynamic heights. You never quite know what to expect!”
 Twilight Fantasy
This Fantasy Tree is inspired by the painting The Harvest Moon Walk (circa 1912) by Harry Hoffman.
Tree designed by Paula Perlini, Bonnie Buggee, and Linda Callan
 The Caw of the Coast
Inspired by the rocky coastline of Maine’s Monhegan Island, the subject of the paintings in this gallery.
Tree designed by Terry J. Eddy
 Marshland
Inspired by the many images of the salt marsh and other watery tributaries found in several of the Old Lyme paintings on view in the middle gallery.
Tree designed by Jennifer Johnson and Matt Greene
 Of Villages and Vistas
Inspired by the distinctive New England subject matter -- quaint villages and iconic architecture.
Tree designed by Susan Peterson and Judy Rathbun Whitney
Miss Florence’s Artist Tree
Tree designed by Jean Callan King and Georgann Ritter
 Miss Florence’s Artist Tree is back for its sixth year with additional painted palettes, bringing the count to over 100 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 house over a hundred years ago. The palette artists’ styles and subject matter are as varied as the individuals. Oils, acrylics, watercolors, ceramics, and collage (and this year, glass) are used to transform the palettes into traditional holiday scenes, delightful landscapes, and more than a few surprises! Designed by Jean Callan King and Georgann Ritter.
 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!
 Christmastime in the Griswold House,
circa 1910
Rooms decorated by Donna Carlson
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 was also Miss Florence’s birthday! She would have been 60 in 1910.
Twinkle Twinkle Trellises
designed by members of the
Museum’s Garden Gang: DeeDee Charnok, Bobbi Padgett, Sandy Thurston,
led by Sheila Wertheimer, Garden Historian
The three trellises outside the Krieble Gallery are decorated with silver ornaments including stars and moons creating an homage to the crisp winter nights of December. Playing off the shimmering surfaces of the Krieble Gallery, the Garden Gang has planted a winter garden of sorts with silvery branches emerging from the climbing hydrangea, the spectacular summer bloom which is ready for its “long winter nap.”
The arrangement of ornaments on the trellis is doubly fascinating by the play of shadows, both cast by sunlight and nighttime uplighting, against the white walls of the gallery. This is the third presentation in the trellises following Mundy Hepburn’s glass in 2007 and Paula Perlini’s wreaths in 2008.
Museum Shop
Open Museum hours (Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm) with unique holiday ornaments, the latest, lavish art books, unusual items for kids, artful jewelry, giftworthy art supplies, and fun stocking stuffers for the have-everything and hard-to-please. Shop Online!
Holiday Hours
The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm. The Museum will be closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, $7 for students, and, new this year, free to children 12 and under. This includes admission to the Griswold House, Museum grounds, and all exhibitions.
 *Free Weekend for New London County Residents
Saturday, November 21, 10am-5pm
Sunday, November 22, 1-5pm
Admission FREE to residents of New London County
New London County residents can enjoy all the Museum has to offer for free! Be the first to see The Magic of Christmas Celebration. Tour the art exhibitions and historic house, enjoy a hands-on project, and watch a professional artist fashion nature into art.
Free admission sponsored by the Community Foundation of Southeastern Connecticut.
 *MEET SANTA
Saturday, December 12
11am-3pm
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides with Santa
$2 per rider
There are a limited number of tickets.
Climb aboard Foxglove Farm’s charming wagonette for a horse-drawn ride on the Museum’s grounds with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Candy canes offered to all riders! Afterwards, make a holiday craft in the Education Center.
 MUSEUM SHOP EVENT
Friday, November 27
1
1am-3pm
Crafted by Hand for the Holidays
The Holidays are coming! Join us for a special in-store event featuring the works of several local artists. A great time to purchase unique, quality gifts for all those on your holiday shopping list.
 New Creative Workshops
David D.J. Rau, Director of Education & Outreach
$20 (members $18); series $55 (members $48)
Master Pieces of Paper: Creative Workshops for Adults
Register Online
Come experience the thrill of creating something personal and beautiful with
your own two hands at these fun and creative sessions. Geared for adults,
the workshops include the materials and instruction needed to create a
series of hand-crafted products.
Tuesday, November 10, Handmade Holiday Cards
Tuesday, December 8, Miniature Books as Gifts
Tuesday, January 26, Accordian Books
 *FAMILY PROGRAMS EVERY SUNDAY
Sundays through January 10
1-5pm
Joy in the Making: A Creative Approach to the Holidays
FREE with Museum Admission
Sunday visitors enjoy hands-on holiday craft workshops and creative projects that relate to the spirit of the season. For all ages!
 CHRISTMASTIME TEAS
Tuesday through Saturday
December 1 through 19
3pm
Reservations required
$30 (members $25)
Tea participants receive admission to the Museum and a voucher for 10% off in the Museum Shop (no additional members’ discount).
This year’s teas are being presented by Chester’s River Tavern, a popular restaurant known for their use of locally grown products. Featuring farm fresh savories and sweets, and accompanied by “Miss Florence’s Tea,” a special blend from Sundial Gardens.
Teas are full. Want to be the first to know about special events? Sign up for our e-newsletter.
Please Note: Christmastime Teas are very popular and sell out quickly, please make your reservations early.
Magic of Christmas Members' Party
Friday, December 4
5:30-7:30pm
Register Online
 Gallery Talk
Sunday, December 6
2pm
One Hundred Palettes:
The Artistic Gifts Adorning Miss Florence's Artist Tree
David D.J. Rau, Director of Education & Outreach
FREE with Museum Admission
 SINGING IN THE GALLERY
Sunday, December 13
Sets beginning at 2pm
Christmastime with the Co Co Beaux
There’s magic is in the music! Come enjoy the joyful sound of the Co Co Beaux, Connecticut College's famous all-male a cappella group. Now in their 30th year, this group will delight young and old alike with their spirited talent of sharing beautiful music, laughter and good times.
Take a listen!
 *Teddy Bear Tea
Monday, December 15
choose 11:30am or 2:30pm
A Very Merry Teddy Bear Tea Party
$14 per pair (child and adult)/$12 (members)
extra people $7/$6 (members)
Teas are full. Want to be the first to know about special events? Sign up for our e-newsletter.
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.
 * BETWIXT-THE-HOLIDAYS
The Pumpernickle Puppets Present
Peter Rabbit
Tuesday, December 29
choose 11am or 2pm show
$5 ($4 members) per person*
*does not include Museum admission
The Puppet show is full. Want to be the first to know about special events? Sign up for our e-newsletter.
Come and meet the Pumpernickel Puppets! These colorful puppets share the magical tale of Sir George and the Dragon with you and your young buddies. Geared for children ages 4-9, but fun for the whole family!
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