Fairy Homes Wanted
Sculpture Garden Calls for Magical Creations
By Krista Pfunder
Fairy and gnome homes, dragon lairs, magical creatures, fairy gardens, elf abodes, goblin grottoes and more are expected to make an appearance in Solomons this spring.
Tap into your imagination and join the display by designing a magical creation of your own for this year’s Fairies in the Garden exhibit at Annmarie Sculpture and Arts Center. The 12th annual outdoor show celebrates all things magical, whimsical and fun and is open to anyone with a creative spark.
“I start thinking of ideas around January and sketching out plans,” says Debbie Erb of Lusby, an artist who has created a design for the event for eight years. “I tend to come up with pretty wild ideas—one year it was alien fairies, and another year a castle in the clouds.”
Enter your design in one of two categories. The first—Fairies in the Garden—is open to artists who want to create something that will be enjoyed by guests for five months. Entries are scattered throughout the lawns, wood and trails of the sculpture garden. Creations must be made of durable materials and adhesives that can stand the test of time, as well as the enthusiastic affection of summer visitors.
“I usually work at the festival and sneak around to watch kids interact with my houses,” Erb says. “I just love to see their faces and their fascination.”
The second category—Children’s Fairy Garden—is for those who want in on the magic but are fine with a temporary display. Designs will be placed in the Fairy Lolly Creative natural play area and will be removed as they degrade.
A team effort is always encouraged. Scout groups, parent-child teams and more are welcome.
“Sometimes my husband has to help me with the infrastructure,” says Erb. “The first year he built the wooden frame for the house, which was like a piece of furniture.”
Entry forms are due by March 15. Creations must be delivered to Annmarie between March 24 and March 30. There is no fee to enter. To enter, go to www.annmariegarden.com and fill out the entry form for Fairies in the Garden — found under the “Get Involved” tab.
Creations will be placed in the gardens April 5-9, and the public can enjoy them at the Fairy House Festival April 18.