OLD LYME — Celebrate the holidays at the Florence Griswold Museum with over 200 painted palettes on display in the Krieble Galleries, décor and artist trees in the historic house, gift shopping, and numerous special, seasonal events.
Holiday Magic 2023 opens at the museum today, Friday, Nov. 24, and is on show through Dec. 31. Opening hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This year’s celebration features new twists on the traditional décor. Imagine a fictional mantel-decorating contest in the Griswold boarding house between the historic Lyme Art Colony artists. Inspired by their paintings, they rummage through their studios as well as old trunks in Miss Florence’s attic for festive objets d’art and holiday decorations. Miss Florence will announce the winner and awards ribbons on her birthday—Christmas Day.
Creatively crafted themed trees are also on display in the Griswold House. See a Scandinavian Christmas designed by FloGris Director of Development Matt Strekel, enjoy the handmade delights of Deep River ceramic artist Jana Rutty, and view the floral tree inspired by the Museum’s gardens by interior designer Stacey Danielson.
In addition to the traditional decorations, three Fantasy Trees add sparkle in the historic house and in the Krieble Gallery, more than 250 unique painted palettes adorn five Miss Florence’s Artist Trees. This year, artists from Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, and New Hampshire contributed their painted, collaged, and carved creations.
Against the dramatic backdrop of the exhibition Abandon in Place: The Worlds of Anna Audette, the trees and their decorations make a powerful statement.
During ‘Holiday Magic’, visitors are invited to consider bringing non-perishable food and hygiene items for donation to the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries.’
Visit this link for more information on ‘Holiday Magic 2023’ and associated programming.