ROCKLAND — The Farnsworth Art Museum invites the community to celebrate the magic of the holiday season at its annual event, "Share the Wonder", Friday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 6 p.m. This free, family-friendly celebration will feature live music, hands-on artmaking activities, cookie decorating, and festive fun for visitors of all ages.

The first 100 guests through the museum's doors will receive a complimentary sketchbook, pencils, and an Andrew Wyeth postcard to inspire their own creativity. Visitors will be encouraged to sketch in the galleries, drawing inspiration from artworks on view, including Andrew Wyeth: Human Nature and By Design: The Worlds of Betsy James Wyeth. Throughout December, families can also enjoy special "Share the Wonder" activity booklets featuring interactive seek-and-find adventures that encourage exploration and discovery throughout the museum's galleries.

This year's celebration will transform the 365 Gallery into a magical winter woodland. The gallery will feature a whimsical, forest-inspired exhibition with works by artists Elizabeth Miller, Kristine Biegel, AJ Kras, Jim MacDonald, and others.

"Across the museum's campus, twinkling lights, seasonal greenery, and woodland-themed decorations will bring the spirit of the season to life," said the Farnsworth, in a news release.

Perception Greenspace Design will create festive greenery and wreath installations, while the Beach Plum Company of Newcastle will contribute charming woodland creatures to the 365 Gallery's window displays. Visitors can also share their holiday wishes by adding a tag to the museum's signature Wish Tree in the Library. Laurel's Dolce Vita of Thomaston will provide treats for the cookie-decorating activity.

The holiday festivities extend beyond Share the Wonder, with free admission every Sunday throughout December, as well as Sunday, November 29, and a variety of seasonal programs. 

• The History of New England holiday celebrations and traditions lecture, by Ken Turino of Historic New England, on Sunday, November 29
   
• A seasonal concert by the Windborne Singers on December 2
   
• A greenery and wreath-making workshop on December 9
   
• A linocut card-making workshopon December 11

For more information about Share the Wonder, visit https://www.farnsworthmuseum.org/share.

Share the Wonder is generously supported by The Wyeth Foundation. Generous support for First Fridays at the Farnsworth is provided by Art Bridges Foundation's Access for All program.

Located in Rockland, the Art Capital of Maine, the Farnsworth Art Museum is the only museum dedicated to illuminating the rich, living history of Maine's influence on American art. Home to a nationally recognized collection of nearly 16,000 works spanning the 19th century to today, the Farnsworth celebrates artists who were born in Maine, inspired by its landscapes and communities, or whose work has shaped the state's enduring artistic legacy. Through world-class exhibitions, dynamic educational programs, historic sites, and meaningful partnerships, the museum inspires visitors from around the world to discover how Maine continues to shape American art. Named one of the finest small museums in the country by The Boston Globe, and the Best Museum in Maine by Down East Magazine, the Farnsworth welcomes visitors year-round as a cultural destination and a vital resource for lifelong learning. Learn more at farnsworthmuseum.org.