WEEKEND PICK: Tree Figures Opening Weekend at Fruitlands Museum

Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, home of Shaker, Native American and New England art & artifacts, announces its most adventurous outdoor exhibit in 94 seasons with its Branching Out grand opening events this weekend on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. This weekend, join sculptor Joe Wheelwright as he brings his dramatic installation of Tree Figures to Fruitlands 200 acres. Walk among natural sculptures created from actual trees - some over 25 feet high - as they burst forth throughout a historic landscape, taking the shape of fantastical creatures of the imagination. Take the time to learn more about Joe Wheelwright at the Branching Out retrospective of his smaller tree works within our galleries. Come meet the artist, interact at family workshops, reconnect with New England history at one of our four galleries, or simply soak in the view at our Museum Restaurant. This exciting Tree Figures exhibit runs through November 2009.
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Opening Weekend ctivities:

Catch the premiere viewing of Joe Wheelwrights Tree Figures on the grounds of Fruitlands Museum. Cleverly integrated into the existing landscape and trails, each sculpture becomes a surprise discovery that will rekindle enjoyment of the natural world. Joe Wheelwrights larger-than-life tree sentinels (ranging from 9 to 27) will make visitors think, gasp, wonder, laugh and take a closer look.

Ongoing: Visit the museum's newest exhibition Forests Interrupted, curated by Laurie Butters and John O'Keefe. This exhibit uses landscapes to explore changing ideas about wilderness and forest management, with accounts of trees contributions to New Englands heritage, past and future.

Tree Whys Drop-in Activities at the Wayside noon to 4 p.m. on both Saturday & Sunday

Bring the family to participate in fun Tree Whys activities from noon to 4 p.m., as museum staff explore trees through crafts and projects. Design your own leaf and twig fans; create a tree design bookmark to use in your "book leaves; create a labyrinth using twig colored pencils; make your own Native American Kainsish game; then walk Fruitlands' Labyrinth and visit the Farmhouse to see Henry Thoreau's pencils.

Fruitlands Facts: Fruitlands Museum,102 Prospect Hill Road Harvard, www.fruitlands.org, 978.456.3924. Open daily 11am-4pm and Weekends/Holidays 11am-5pm. Admission is free for members; Adults $10; Seniors and Students w/ a college ID $8; Children 5-17 $4; Children under 5, FREE. Trail/Grounds only, $6 adults, $3 children.Fruitlands Museum Store: Located next to our main parking lot, Fruitlands Museum Store sells admissions to galleries and grounds, Museum memberships, as well as books, cards, handmade crafts, original works by New England artists, games, childrens books, toys, and much more. Browsing encouraged -- no admission necessary! Hours: Open daily May through December. For questions, you can call the store year-round at 978.456.3924, Ext 235, or email museumstore@fruitlands.org.Tea Room Restaurant: Memorable dining and stunning views go hand in hand at Fruitlands historic Tea Room restaurant, under a panoramic tent or inside a garden arbor. Come experience creative seasonal luncheon menus, sumptuous desserts, and sweeping vistas with friends and family. Seasonal Specialties Fine Catering is the exclusive caterer for the Museum, featuring menus rich with traditional favorites and creative cuisine. Visit seasonal fine dining.com for menu. Open daily, 11AM to 4PM, May through December. Call 978.456.3924, Ext. 242 for restaurant reservations and Ext. 223 to inquire about daytime gatherings and museum facility rentals.

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