The peony beds at The Museum at the Shacksboro Schoolhouse will be ablaze with bright red, pink and cream blooms for Peony Fest 2016 on Saturday, June 4.
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the museum grounds, 46 Canton St. in McHarrie Park. Admission and off street parking are free.
The museum gardens are the backdrop for working artists, artisans, gardeners and musicians as the museum hosts this annual celebration of Baldwinsville’s renowned horticultural heritage. New features this year include potted peony plants from the museum collection ready for planting and a music-filled “Gypsy Caravan.”
Plant sales, a photo contest, demonstrations, gardening tips and sweet treats are also on the venue. Once again orders will be taken for heritage peonies to be delivered in the fall. Everyone is invited to participate in the annual peony flower show. More information on both the photo contest and the flower show is available at shacksboromuseum.com.
Fest musicians will have a new venue this year as they perform upon the stage of the Gypsy Caravan designed and built by Charles Rusyniak. This combination vintage camper with portable stage and canopy reflects Rusyniak’s creativity, artistry and skill and also provides practical amenities for both performers and audience.
The entertainment roster has been organized by Kay Miracle, well known CNY musician, songwriter and SAMMY Award winner. Rick Pallatto will open the day and will be followed by Jim Putvin, Gina Holsopple, Jim Shaffer, Thomas Eagan and Irv Lyons, Jr., Kay Miracle, aka Loki Burke, will round out the day’s musical program.
Exhibiting artists are coming from both near and far (Baldwinsville to Massachusetts). Exhibitors include Mary Shear (photography), Doris Cross (paintings), Stacy Griffin (dichroic glass), Judith Brown-Roenbeck (watercolor paintings and hand created cards), Kris Minster (“Sew Surprised” assorted textiles), Louise Woodard (watercolor paintings), Carol Schreiner (“Silvery Moon” jewelry), Sandra Mann (woodenware, doggy neckties and more), Christine Sypher (bird baths and feeders, garden totems all made from repurposed ceramics) and Jan Revier (rug hooking).
Morning visitors are invited to look on and watch artist Sharon Blair guide a group of her plein air students as they draw and paint using the peony gardens as their subject. “Hands on” rug hooking will be available throughout the day with Jan Revier who explains this traditional art form and encourages visitors to pick up a hook and give it a try.
Returning will be Bonnie Kisselstein, Lysander historian and co-founder of Baldwinsville’s Colonial Festival, with her popular interactive “What’s It?” assortment of tools and gadgets from yesteryear. Baldwinsville’s Women’s Garden Club will again be on the scene with a huge selection of plant material, from perennials to fresh peony blooms and garden art. The Baldwinsville Public Library rounds out the roster with savvy researchers providing leads to “everything you ever wanted to know” about gardening, history, or your special interest.
Heritage peonies from the museum’s collection may also be ordered for bare rooted plants to be delivered in the fall. Proceeds from the museum peony sale are used to fund the museum’s Heritage Peony Program.
For more information visit the museum website or call 638-2452.
