November 19, 2011 through January 8, 2012
Photos from Magic of Christmas Party
Press
The Day (article by Amy Barry/photos by Dana Jensen)
Mystic River Press (focuses on palette artist Dennis Sirrine)
Magic of Christmas featured on Fox CT Daytrippers with Sarah Cody.
November and December are particularly
delight-filled at the Museum.
In the historic rooms of the Florence 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 was 60 years old in 1910.
Fantasy Trees
See If You Can Find...Some Stars of Lyme-Old Lyme
See If You Can Find...Some Stars of Lyme-Old Lyme
By Lori Warner and Jacqueline Kangley
Lori Warner Gallery, Chester
With All the Trimmings
By Patricia and Lilliane Spratt
Patricia Spratt for the Home, Old Lyme
A Victorian Tree for Miss Florence
By Marc Petrovic and Kari Russell-Pool
Signs of the Season
By Matthew Greene
Outdoor Decorations
Sheila Wertheimer and the Museum's Garden Gang
Miss Florence’s Artist Tree 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 a hundred 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!
The Magic of Christmas exhibition is generously sponsored by Essex Savings Bank and Essex Financial Services
The town of Old Lyme and its merchants continue the merriment with a series of special events called Light Up Old Lyme. Click here for town-wide special activities and merchant offers.
The Museum is partnering with Bring Our Music Back’s Festival of Trees and Music, November 25 through December 4, at the Lyme Art Association. Purchase admission at either location and take $2 off the combined ticket price.
HOLIDAY TEAS
Tuesday through Saturday
December 2 – 23
3 pm
Christmas Teas at the Museum
$35 (members $30) Reservations required. Call 860-434-5542 x 111
The fee includes admission to the Museum and a 10% discount in the Museum Shop.
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.
FAMILY PROGRAMS
Sundays, Dec. 4, 11, 18, and Jan. 8, 1-5pm
Joy in the Making: A Creative Approach to the Holidays
Included with Museum Admission
Sunday visitors make mirth and more during these fun-filled holiday craft workshops. Come delight in several creative projects relating to thespirit of the season and the decorations on view.
MUSIC AT THE MUSEUM
Sunday, December 4
2-4pm
(short musical sets begin at 2pm)
Christmastime with the Co-Co Beaux
Included with Museum Admission
There’s magic in the music! Come 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.
Children's Workshop
Saturday, December 10
2pm
The Handmade Ornament: A Sewing Workshop for Kids
Presented by Linda Zimmerman, Master Teaching Artist
$12 (members $10). Enrollment limited.
Register Online
Join fiber artist Zimmerman for a creative handson workshop to design your own soft bird sculpture made from felt and embellished with buttons, beads, and ribbon.
GALLERY TALK
Sunday, December 11
2pm
Trees That Please: A Guided Tour of the Fantasy Trees
and New Palettes on Miss Florence’s Artist Tree
David D.J. Rau,
Director of Education & Outreach
Included with Museum Admission
Teddy Bear Tea
Monday, December 12
11am and 2pm
Oh By Gosh, By Golly Teddy Bear Tea Party
Fee: $14 per pair (child and adult)/$12 (members);
additional guests $7/$6 (members)
Register Online
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 should bring their favorite teddy bear or other stuffed animal along.
Open-House ***NEW EVENT***
Wednesday, December 14
6 pm
Christmas Countdown
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.
Happy Birthday Miss Florence
Wednesday, December 28
10am-4pm
A Hands-On Creative Birthday Party
Included with Museum Admission
Celebrate Miss Florence’s birthday during this daylong birthday party in the Museum’s Education Center. Come for cake and stay for a variety of hands-on creative projects that honor the woman who started it all. Harp music will be featured in the Griswold House from 11am-3pm.
Gallery Concert
January 8
2pm and 3pm
Free with Museum admission
Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28
Performed by The Camerata from All Souls Unitarian/Universalist Church in New London and directed by Kit Johnson
The Camerata, fourteen singers from All Souls Unitarian/Universalist Church in New London directed by Kit Johnson, performs Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28 in the Museum's Gallery on the final day of the Magic of Christmas. The piece was penned by Benjamin Britten, one of the major composers of the twentieth century. Ceremony of Carols is at times contemplative and at times virtuosic. The harmony is a wonderful combination of medieval and 20th century styles sung in middle English and accompanied by a harp or piano.
