Fireflies and Faeries House Artist

Step into a world of wonder, and help us bring the forest to life.

Tenafly Nature Center invites artists of all ages, businesses, and community organizations to take part in our beloved summer evening event, Fireflies & Faeries. We’re seeking lighted faerie houses and faerie-themed artwork to transform the Red Trail into a glowing, magical experience for visitors as dusk falls.

Why Participate?

• Be part of a whimsical, well-loved community tradition
• Display your work in a storybook forest setting enjoyed by hundreds of visitors, possibly over a thousand, visitors
• Promote your art, business, or organization in a unique setting
• Option to sell your work and extend its display at the Tenafly Public Library
• Open to all ages and experience levels

Artist Participation Details

Creating & Sharing

•  Artwork must be faerie-themed and include battery-operated, non-flammable lighting
• Artists are encouraged to share progress photos on Instagram and tag @tenaflynature
• By Monday, July 20, artists must email development@TenaflyNC.org with:
• • A photo of the completed piece
  • The title of the artwork
  • Pricing information, if the piece is available for sale
• Failure to submit these materials by the deadline may result in cancellation of registration

Event Day Schedule

Sunday, July 26 (Rain Date: Sunday, August 2)

• 2:30 – 3:30 pm: Artist check-in and setup
• • Complete a name tag with contact and pricing information (if applicable)
  • A photograph will be taken of each piece at check-in
• 4:00 – 9:00 pm: Fireflies & Faeries event open to the public
• 8:30 – 9:30 pm: Artist cleanup and artwork removal
• • All pieces must be fully removed by 9:30 pm

Artist Registration & Access

• All artists pay a $10 participation fee
• • Includes event admission for the artist and one guest (a $20 value based on general admission pricing)
• Register online.
• Registration fees are non-refundable
• If your concept requires approval, decisions will be made within one week of application submission
• If you register but are unable to attend, please notify
  development@TenaflyNC.org as soon as possible

Artwork Guidelines

• There are no size limitations, however prior approval is required if:
• • Your piece exceeds 12” x 12” x 12”, or
  • Your artwork must be hung instead of placed on the ground
• To protect the preserve, artwork may NOT include:
• • Glitter (in any form)
  • Balloons
  • Fragile or easily breakable glass
  • Non-native seeds
  • Living animals
  • Open flames
• Youth artists may use store-bought items if they are creatively altered
• Artists are responsible for securing their own installations
• Tenafly Nature Center and the Tenafly Public Library are not liable for damage or loss

Location & Trail Info

• The Faerie Trail will take place along the Red Trail, a 1/3-mile dirt path through the preserve
• Please note: the trail is not wheelchair accessible
• Artists are responsible for transporting, installing, and removing their own artwork

Post-Event Library Display (Optional)

Artists may choose to extend the magic by displaying their work at the
Tenafly Public Library (100 Riveredge Rd, Tenafly, NJ 07670)

• Drop-off during normal business hours:
• • Monday, August 3
• Artwork will be displayed through August 28
• Unsold pieces must be picked up August 29 – 31
• QR codes will be used to facilitate sales
• After the event, TNC will post photos of all faerie houses online, including pricing for works available for purchase

Sales Information

• Artists may set their own prices
• TNC will promote artwork both onsite and online
• A 10% commission supports Tenafly Nature Center’s mission

Inclement Weather & Rain Date Details

• The event will take place rain or shine on Sunday, July 26
• Light mist, fog, or light rain will not postpone the event
• The event will only be postponed in the case of dangerous weather, such as lightning
• If postponed, the rain date will be Sunday, August 2
• Special add-ons, vendors, and programming on the rain date are subject to change
• Updates will be shared via email, the TNC website, Facebook, and Instagram

Workshops & Additional Opportunities

Leading up to the event, keep an eye out for faerie house–building workshops and creative programs offered by Tenafly Nature Center and Tenafly Public Library, perfect for inspiration or hands-on help bringing your magical ideas to life.

Insurance & Liability

Artists are responsible for obtaining their own business or personal liability insurance. By participating, individuals waive any and all claims against Tenafly Nature Center, the Tenafly Public Library, and venue partners.

Failure to follow event guidelines may result in removal from the event. Rules are subject to change.