The Florence Griswold Museum: Wee Faerie Village presents WHIMSICAL KINGDOMS
October 1 through November 1
Visitors follow the “Treasured Map” to over thirty hand-crafted faerie kingdoms and scenes – from Cinderella’s enchanted castleto Rapunzel’s towering towerto Aladdin’s shimmering palace. All ages will marvel at the detail and craftsmanship as they visit scenes from King Arthur, Harry Potter, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Lord of the Rings.
The artists were challenged to create their kingdoms using natural materials. Their imaginations conjured fanciful edifices detailed with pinecone pinnacles, fungus fortresses, acorn-topped timbered towers, bark-covered buttresses, fluttering feather flags, and driftwood drawbridges.
Saturday, October 3
The Museum and Whimsical Kingdoms are open 10am to 5pm
Princess Merida from Brave invites you to her Highland-Fling Crafting Party
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Merida appears at 11:30am, 12:30pm,1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm
Come to our daylong Merida’s Highland-Fling Crafting Party and enjoy sweet treats and crafts while awaiting Merida’s arrival. The feisty Scottish Princess will share adventure stories and song before posing for pictures.
Sunday, October 4
The Museum and Whimsical Kingdoms are open 11am to 5pm
Crafternoons in the Kingdom
Every Sunday October 4 to November 1
Enjoy a different faerie-based hands-on project for families to enjoy during their visit.
October 4 – Crowns and Tiaras
October 11 – Paper Dragons
October 18 – Wizardly Wands and Hats
October 25 – Scepters and Shields
November 1 – Paper Castles
Tuesday, October 6
5:30 to 7pm
Quests and Perils, Castles and Palaces: Classic Story Arcs in Fairytales Explored
Referencing several stories featured in this year’s Whimsical Kingdoms, Schenker outlines the characteristics of the classic fairytale narrative with particular attention to the significance of architectural elements such as castles, towers, and palaces. Register Online…
More things to do….
Saturday, October 10
11:30am and 2:30pm
Wee Faerie Concert with Maria Sangiolo
Sunday, October 11
1-3pm
Wandering Prince Charmings – enjoy the exuberant prince-like voices of Connecticut College’s all-male a cappela group, the Co-Co Beaux.
Columbus Day, Monday, October 12
The Museum is open!
Wee Faerie Bizarre Bazaar: A Quirky and Creative Artisan Faire
10am-3pm
Artful objects by local crafters inspired by the faerie realm featured in this one-day, pop-up event.
Mirth in the Monarchy Monday Featuring A Parade for the Newly Crowned Prince
10am-5pm
- A variety of crafts in the Hartman Education Center from 11am to 4pm.
- At 11:30am get your enchantment on with L’Ana Burton who leads faerie dance lessons.
- Marvel at the “bronze” sculpture of the Crowned Prince.
- At noon the faerie dancers enchant the sculpture to life so he can lead the parade.
- Sand-sculpting demonstrations during the day.
- Wings, crowns, tiara and Medieval attire encouraged.
Saturday, October 17
Drop Off: 9am-11am; Awards: 3pm; Pick Up: 4-5pm
Cool & Creative Castle Cake Contest
Bake and decorate an edible castle. Cakes should be fully complete before delivery. Entries on view for visitors to choose the top three “Best in Show” creations. Three $75 Shopping Sprees in The Shop to be awarded. Bakers receive up to two free adult admissions on the day of the contest.
Tuesday, October 20
2-5pm
Creating Whimsical Characters: A Master Class for Adults with Faerie Artist Katie Scarlett Faile
Join Whimsical Kingdomartist and published illustrator Katie Scarlette Faile for this introduction to the whimsical world of faeries. During the workshop, Faile works with adults to draw, ink, and paint a faerie character of their own, while discussing her own creative process for character development. Class size is limited to offer individual attention to each student. $75 (members $60) Register Online…
Thursday, October 22
5:30pm
Art*Bar Happy Hour: Faerie Making Mania
The Museum’s Art*Bar combines creativity with light fare and libations. On this special faerieedition of Art*Bar, there will be three special faerie projects: making faeries led by artists Mary Jo Helchow, drawing faeries by artist Katie Scarlett Faile, and crafting mini faeries thrones by Museum Educator Julie Garvin Riggs. $25 (members $22) Register Online…
View all Whimsical Kingdoms programs and events…
The events are rain or shine and free with admission. Children under 12 are free. During WeeFaerie Village admission prices are $15 adults, $14 Seniors, $13 Students, $5 Members. Museum passes, Library passes, 2-for-1 offers, and other discounts apply to the regular admission fee.
Admission includes access to the Wee Faerie Village outdoor exhibition and the new exhibition in the Krieble Gallery, as well as the historic Florence Griswold House and the rest of the Museum’s facilities.