Doll Dressers Needed For Holiday Festival

WATERBURY — As is befitting a spectacular end of the millennium celebration, The Mattatuck Museum’s traditional holiday event, “The Festival of the Trees” will this year not only feature beautifully adorned Christmas trees, but 1,000 porcelain dolls created and donated by the famed designer and prospect resident Louis Nichole.

The dolls will be on display and for sale during the ten-day fundraiser to benefit the museum, which opens on Friday, November 19 with a preview cocktail party, and will continue through Sunday, November 28.

While the exquisite and delicate dolls are crafted in an array of styles from Gibson Girl to ballet dancer, they currently have something unique in common: they all need to have costumes fashioned to make them ready to be sold. Event organizers are asking schools, civic groups, businesses and individuals to help costume the dolls so they will be ready in time for the festival opening.

“Anyone who has talent in designing or sewing would particularly enjoy this project and be helping the museum at the same time,” said Sheree Marcucci, the museum’s publicist. She adds that, “Since Mr Nichole was so generous by donating these lovely dolls to the museum, we want them to be costumed in ways that will enhance their beauty and be worthy of a $25 price tag.”

During the week-long festival, the museum will be decked in all manner of holiday finery. Trees on display will have been decorated and donated by businesses, organizations and individuals and will also be available for sale.

A special feature of this year’s festival sure to delight children of all ages will be the “Brass City Express,” an electric train display which will chug around the base of a magnificent 12-foot tree.

The festival’s theme this year is “Twentieth Century Holidays.” Special events are planned for each day of the festival including a children’s party, a community celebration and a family party. Entertainment planned throughout the run of the festival includes dance and musical performances.

Anyone interested in costuming dolls, donating a decorated tree or both is asked to call the museum at 753-0381, extension 13.