KENT- When a creative artistic project is offered for free, one never knows who that will attract.
In the case of creating fairy and gnome houses, more adults than children will show up to transform their artistic skills in woodland homes.
“I’m not surprised there are so many adults here,” said Connie Manes, executive director of the Kent Land Trust, as she looked over the 30 people sitting around a large table affixing bark, moss, sticks, pine needles and cones with glue guns. “I’d like to make my own fairy house.”
Kent residents Karen Iannucci and Fran Goodsell were two of the adults who joined in the fun Saturday, June 29, at the Kent Greenhouse and Gardens.
“I’ve always wanted to make a fairy house,” said Iannucci. “I kind of did it when I was teaching. It is nice when we have all the materials.”
Goodsell said she was supporting her friend because this kind of activity would not normally be something she’d select. “I’m willing to expand my horizons,” she said with a smile.
Several people said they planned to put their creations outside in their garden.
The idea for the workshop came from Erin Classey, who is one of the three summer interns funded by the Kelly Alisha Tobin internship program. She pitched the idea and then designed the poster and collected the materials the participants needed.
“It required a lot more thought to plan this than I would have initially considered,” Classey said. “I’m glad a lot of people showed up. It is a lot of fun. I learned that after creating my own.”
Her own fairy home featured a tiny table set for two with tiny teacups and a small squirrel perched just inside the open door. Miniature pine cones and a string of colorful beads added to the decor.
Classey noted it is an easy project to do at home. “You just need to collect the materials from outside.”
She thanked Don Lawson, who is the KLT trails manager, for his assistance in cutting the bark to size and helping cut the bases and assisting her in sanding them to make them smooth.
John and Shari Gleissner of New Milford were looking for hikes to attend and found the workshop online. Their cousin Holly Johnson, also of New Milford, joined them.
“It sounded like fun. I like to do artwork and be creative,” Johnson said. “It is nice of them to do this for us.”
There were also a number of children and their parents who attended. Davina Scalzo was joined by her grandmother, Barbara Capasso of Bridgewater, and even brought some figurines from home to add to her house. Her female squirrel was perched inside the structure.
“I have a fairy house at home,” said Davina.
Manes and Program Manager Melissa Cherniske were already thinking about offering the program again due to its popularity, even before it ended. Cherniske particularly likes collaborating with local businesses, such as Kent Greenhouse, and she thanked the business for hosting the workshop.
