PITTSFIELD, MA.-The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, Mass., will be transformed into an enchanted forest when the popular Festival of Trees takes classic stories as its theme. "A Faerie Tale Festival of Trees" will be on view at the Berkshire Museum from November 19 through December 31, 2005. Two hundred creatively decorated trees will be enhanced by rarely seen selections from the Museum's collection, from spinning wheels to medieval arms and armor. A modern tale created by artist Nancy Dickinson will also be explored in an exhibition of her "Acorn People." The Festival of Trees, now in its 21st year, attracts more than 13,000 visitors each year.

"Festival of Trees is a wonderful tradition, and we know that this fairy tale theme will appeal to knights and princesses of all ages," said Stuart A. Chase, executive director of the Berkshire Museum. "We will create a magical atmosphere for kids and adults who will experience real historical artifacts and works of art as we showcase parts of the collection that are not usually on view. Visitors will also be intrigued by the work of a contemporary artist, Nancy Dickinson, whose Acorn People are whimsical as well as beautiful."

Visitors to "A Faerie Tale Festival of Trees" will encounter several exhibits, including a "Faerie Tale Hall of Fame." Wall cases will feature pretend "artifacts" from famous fairy tales, such as Snow White's poisoned apple, Jack's magic beans, and the Emperor's new clothes. Another gallery will showcase parts of suits of armor and medieval weapons from the Museum's collection. In honor of Sleeping Beauty, Rumpelstiltskin, and other classic tales a group of six 19th-century spinning wheels from the Museum history collections will be on view.

The tale of Cinderella will be explored in a gallery devoted to Cinderella-like stories from many cultures throughout the ages.

Nancy Dickinson creates whimsical miniature dioramas from acorns, seedpods, pinecones, and other natural materials. Visitors will see Acorn People in a variety of environments, from miniature tree stump dwellings to a string orchestra to hot tubs. Dickinson has developed an elaborate mythology for the Acorn People, including their interactions with faeries. She constructs the faeries from acrylic and other materials. Dickinson's work was recently seen at the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum in Springfield, Mass.

In addition to large trees decorated by local businesses, organizations, and volunteers, the Festival of Trees also features smaller trees decorated by area school children.

A special Festival of Trees Museum Store will offer a variety of unusual holiday ornaments as well as cards, books, jewelry, and more. The store is known for its array of toys and games for all ages and price ranges, and shoppers will find a wide array of unusual gifts for adults.

"A Faerie Tale Festival of Trees" will kick off with a gala celebration on Friday, November 18. A variety of public programs and holiday events, including a princess tea and a New Year's Eve celebration for families, are planned. For details as they are announced, visit www.berkshiremuseum.org.