The Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, CT promises four times the magic this holiday season! This year, the ever-popular Fantasy Trees are inspired by gardens. Miss Florence’s Artist Tree returns with more palettes and decorations in the Griswold House show off classic Yankee creativity. New this year is a special outdoor installation by artist Mundy Hepburn, who uses his distinctive glass sculptures to decorate the trellises in front of the gallery.
The Magic of Christmas has become a Connecticut tradition. Visitors from across the state return year after year to see how the designers interpret the new and creative theme and learn which artists have been selected to contribute to the ever growing Miss Florence’s Artist Tree. Due to the popularity of the event, the Florence Griswold Museum has expanded its hours and is open seven days a week to accommodate visitors from November 17, 2007 through January 6, 2008.
In the Museum’s Krieble Gallery, four elaborate Fantasy Trees celebrate gardens old and new and feature the Garden of Earthly Delights, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the Sparkle of Madison Square Garden, and Giardino Italiano. “The Museum's tree designers literally work year round, and I think their brainstorming in the spring inspired the garden themes our visitors will enjoy this holiday season,” explains David Rau, Director of Education and Outreach. “They are never satisfied with the obvious and will take the garden theme and make it extraordinary."
Miss Florence’s Artist Tree is back this year with 10 additional painted palettes, bringing the count to 85 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 are used to transform the palettes into traditional holiday scenes, delightful landscapes, and more than a few surprises!
Museum Shop
Open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 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.
If You Go...
Holidays at Florence Griswold Museum
November 17, 2007 through January 6, 2008
Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. The Museum will be closed Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 23), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Christmas Day (Dec. 25) New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31), and New Year’s Day (Jan 1).
Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $4 for children 6 to 12, and free to children under 6. This includes admission to the Museum’s other exhibition.
Getting There
96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, exit 70 off I-95.
For additional information and a list of Holiday programming, contact the Museum at 860/434-5542 or www.FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org.
Top: Miss Florence’s Artist Tree is back this year with 10 additional painted palettes, bringing the count to 85 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.