A Globe-Crossing, Time-Bending Adventure Awaits at Annual Wee Faerie Village Event

Florence Griswold Museum Presents A Flutter in Time: Faerie Houses Around the World & Across the Ages
October 1 - 30, 2016
 
It’s the return of the Florence Griswold Museum’s highly anticipated annual outdoor exhibition, Wee Faerie Village. This year the walking trail highlights thirty-two faerie-sized places that traverse time and place. Last year nearly 16,000 visitors enjoyed the month-ling event.
 
The Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, CT presents A Flutter in Time: Faerie Houses Around the World & Across the Ages on the grounds of museum’s campus from October 1 through 30. Visitors follow a “Time Traveler’s Guide” to thirty-two hand-crafted faerie scenes. It’s a time-bending adventure of global (and miniature) proportions! One minute visitors are in ancient Babylon, then 13th century France, next they could be in Victorian Spain, or even outer space in 2817! All ages will marvel at the detail and craftsmanship as they visit Irish faerie folk from the 18th century and a Polynesian faerie from 20th century Hawaii.
 
Last year nearly 16,000 visitors enjoyed the 2015 event, Whimsical Kingdoms during its month-long run. This year’s Wee Faerie Village is the eighth of the Museum’s annual outdoor creative installations. Challenged to create their scenes using natural materials, most artists work for at least six months on their creations. “I had great time collecting palm thatch, sea grasses, banana leaves, bamboo, driftwood, and sea shells for my Polynesian faerie village," notes Jessica Zydeek of Cromwell, CT. “I wanted to include the diverse cultural and architectural styles of Hawaii, from humble ancestral huts to the grand palaces of King Kamehameha.” Artists are selected from across Connecticut and a few from outside the state. This year, students from Deep River Elementary School, Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School (New London), the Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication (New London), and Haddam-Killingworth High School created time-altering creations. This annual event has come to signify an enriching, not-to-be-missed outing for visitors of all ages.
 
Special Events
As part of its Wee Faerie Village exhibition, adults and families with children can enjoy a month of faerie-themed activities. Events include a visit from Mary Poppins, a Pirate Day, parties, performances, book discussions, and craft activities. Many events are included in Museum admission. Visit www.FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org for a complete list.
 
Saturday, October 15
Pirates have come ashore and set up camp at the Florence Griswold Museum. Meet the Free Men of the Sea (and a few women), re-enactors who bring the myths & history of pirates and privateers to life. Pirates wander the Museum’s grounds from 11am to 4pm and visitors are welcome to visit their encampment to learn about their pirating ways. Visitors can participate in pirate crafts in the Education Center.
 
Columbus Day, Monday, October 10
The Museum will open on Columbus Day, Monday, October 10 from 10am to 5pm. Faerie dance lessons begin at 11:30. At noon, an artist from the TEN31 living statues troupe (dressed as Cupid!) will lead visitors in a parade. Wings, crowns, tiaras and global attire is encouraged. Hands-on crafts from 11am-4pm. From 10am to 3pm shop for artful objects created by local artisans and crafters inspired by the faerie realm. This quirky and creative artisan fair is a special one-day, pop-up event at the Museum. 
Set Your Time Machine for Old Lyme
Before or after visiting A Flutter in Time at the Museum, visit participating shops and restaurants in historic Old Lyme for other faerie surprises. Go to VisitOldLyme.com for details.

The Florence Griswold Museum
The Museum is located at 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, exit 70 off I-95. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm with extended hours on Sunday from 11am to 5pm. The Museum will open on Columbus Day, Monday, October 10 from 10am to 5pm. Admission during the exhibition is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, $13 for students, $5 for members. Children 12 and under are free thanks to the support of an anonymous donor. Admission includes the outdoor walking tour of the faerie village as well as the Florence Griswold House, Chadwick Studio, Rafal Landscape Center and the Krieble Gallery special exhibition, In Place: Contemporary Photographers Envision a Museum. Wee Faerie Village is supported by an anonymous donor and the Joffray Family.