Critters for sale

Critters include sheep, bunnies, chicks and ducklings

A new "crop" of critters has arrived at the Brandywine River Museum of Art. Created using all natural materials, Critters are whimsical and decorative ornaments that are perfect asa housewarming gift, shower gift, or for a special spring occasion. These springtime Critters include ducklings, sheep, doves, and many bunnies.

"We get requests for Critters throughout the year, so we decided to offer them for sale in the spring, " said Donna Gormel, director of volunteers and special events. All proceeds from the sale of the Critters benefit the Museum Volunteers' Art Purchase Fund, and Art and Education Programming.

Critters have traditionally only been available during the Christmas season.

The woods, fields, and roadsides near the Museum are the volunteers' main resource for Critter "ingredients." Pine cones, acorns, milkweed cases, egg shells, dried corn cobs, dried yarrow, statis and other dried flowers are a few of the dozens of materials used. Each Critter has a distinct character, and interesting shapes, colors, and textures are of primary importance.

Gathering plant materials is always done with conservation in mind. Plants are always cut, never pulled out by the roots. Seeds are shaken out of the seed head at the site, allowing future plants to germinate. Materials are carefully preserved and stored; what is not used one year is saved for the next.

The cost for the Critters ranges from $10 to $20. They are available in the Museum Shop, which is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed Christmas Day).

###

The Brandywine River Museum of Art, located on U.S. Route 1 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults; $10 for seniors ages 65 and over, $6 for students and children ages 6-12; free for children ages five and under Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art members. For details, please visit or call 610.388.2700. Together with its environmental program, the Brandywine Conservancy, the organization preserves art and the environment.