‘Twinkle Point’ Wee Faerie Village Opens at Florence Griswold Museum, Pirate Day on Saturday

The Botanical Gardens by Bettina Rowlands of Broad Brook, Conn. is one of the whimsical Wee Faerie Houses on display.

OLD LYME — Since 2009 over 175,000 visitors have immersed themselves in the spirit of imagination and whimsy that comes from visiting at least two dozen faerie-sized installations across the Museum’s campus on a perfect autumn day, and this year will be no exception.

This year’s theme is Twinkle Point, an amusement park tailored for fairy folk. Artists and faerie aficionados have worked for months on roller coasters, carousels, arcades, and shops – everything one finds at an amusement park – only tiny.

The exhibition is open from Saturday, Oct. 1, through Sunday, Oct. 30.

This Jungle Themed River Ride by Jessica Zeedyk of Cromwell is sure to delight visitors to the 2022 Wee Faerie Village.

The 27 creative installations, including those made by six schools and four new participants, are sure to have visitors in awe of their craftsmanship and whimsy.

The Museum will also offer a full roster of faerie-related programs and special events, as follows:

Peek if you dare inside the Haunted House by Bobbie Padgett and Teddi Curtiss, both of Old Lyme, and Dee Dee Charnok of Essex!

Saturday, Oct. 15 from 11am to 4pm
Ahoy! Ahoy! Pirate Day at Twinkle Point
This event is free with Museum admission.
Come meet the Free Men of the Sea, arrr-fully good re-enactors who bring the myths and history of pirates and privateers to life. Flintlock pistol demonstrations on the hour beginning at 12 noon.

Sunday, Oct. 16 from noon to 3pm
Splish! Splash! A Day at Mermaid Cove
This event is free with Museum admission.
Twinkle Point unveils its latest “living” sculpture of a mermaid to adorn Mermaid Cove. Marvel at the remarkable stillness of this mermaid before she disappears once again to her watery depths.

See what you can see in the House of Mirrors by Michele Mergy of Old Lyme and Dawn Bisharat of Madison, Conn.!

Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11am to 4pm
Maggie’s Magical Potions & Tea Shop
This event is free with Museum admission.
Learn about the many herbs that have magical healing powers and taste some delicious blends of tea. Make your own blend as well as purchase delicious baked goods.

Saturday, Oct. 29 from 11am to 2pm
BOO-HA-HA! Awesome Halloween Magic
This event is free with Museum admission.
Enjoy magic and spooky jokes with Joe Howard, entertainer extraordinaire—stilt walking, magic, and comedy to delight all ages.

Sunday, Oct. 30, 11am to 4pm
Halloween at Twinkle Point
This event is free with Museum admission.
Dress up in costumes and visit the Education Center for treats.