The elves over at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens have been busy with sorting, pricing, tagging and identifying items for its Holiday House that runs in conjunction with its annual Festival of Trees. The fantastical holiday fantasy will commence Friday, Nov. 30 with community days following from Dec. 1-9.
Holiday House Chairman David Miller has been preparing items for months, perusing objects that he knows will fly off the shelf with proceeds that benefit the gardens. Miller is a certified personal property appraiser who has been involved at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens for more than 20 years including past president of the board of trustees. Miller has also served as a trustee for several organizations including the Palm Beach State College Foundation Board, Palm Beach Art in Public Places and as honorary director of the American Red Cross Palm Beach and Treasurer Coast Region.
“I love the gardens,” Miller said. “I am so happy to be able to assisting in the important fundraising effort, and the Festival of Trees is a truly wonderful event to support.”
Hundreds of guests are expected to merrily mingle around the sixth annual Festival of Trees event, titled “Musical Masterpiece,” while admiring and scooping up hard-to-find treasures.
“We always enjoy creating a fashion, gift and home décor boutique at the gardens, and the proceeds generated from the Holiday House account for a large percentage of revenue created by the Festival of Trees,” said Cynthia Palmieri, executive director of the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens.
Co-chaired by Millie Dayton, Helene Lorentzen and K.C. Pickett with Jennifer Garrigues serving as the design chair and David Miller as the Holiday House chairman, Honorary chairs Karyn Lamb, Mieke Van Waveren and Honorary Design Chair Joseph Pubillones will also be celebrated for their ongoing commitment to the gardens and to the Festival of Trees.
The 2012 Festival of Trees Committee members are Katy Amling, Christine Beall, Amy Bernstein, Kolleen Bylciew, Kristen Cashel, Joanne Colt, Chrissy Colton, Paige Crawford, Peter Geisler, Irene Goodkind, Pansy Hallowell, Karyn Janssen, Paige Kelly, Dana Kretschmar, Karyn Lamb, Sue Levin, Helene Lorentzen, Dr. Howard Lybolt, Stephanie Mahoney, Amy Middleton, Ali Moss, Carrie Murray, Tara Nicoletti, Dack Patriarca, Joseph Pubillones, Jennifer Rodriguez, True Rodriguez, Denise Silverman, Sandy Singer, Linda Soper, Tricia Taylor, Mieke Van Waveren and Barbara Wille.
Tickets for the Festival of Trees Gala and its Community Days can be purchased on line by visiting www.ansg.org. The Gala Reception takes place Friday Nov. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. followed by its Community Days, Saturday Dec. 1-9 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets for the gala cost $225 for adults and $25 for children. Community Days tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 for children.
To learn more about the Festival of Trees and how to participate, e-mail festivaloftreees@ansg.org or call Pamela Larkin Caruso at (561) 832-5328.
The historic Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens Inc. is a nonprofit foundation established in 1977 by prominent sculptor Ann Weaver Norton. The organization has grown to be an important cultural institution giving the community and visitors an opportunity to explore nature and art in an environmentally conscience urban environment.
Dedicated to preserving the historic beauty of the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, the nationally designated property and 2.2-acre urban gardens are home to more than 300 species of tropical palms and native plants — one of the most significant collections in Florida. The gardens are located at 2051 S. Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach. The rare palm and sculpture gardens, exhibition galleries and artist studio are currently open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Available services include exhibitions, guided tours of the gardens and Norton’s original sculpture studio, guest lectures, and educational programs.
ABOVE: Karyn Lamb, Joseph Pubillones, Mieke Van Waveren and David Miller. Photo courtesy Linda Lane PR & Marketing
