It’s that time of year! Time to prepare for the Museum of Arts and Sciences’ Holiday Exhibition - The Festival of Trees! The 37th Annual Festival of Trees will include a fabulous Champagne Preview, Wednesday, November 8th, at the Museum; an elegant Gala, Thursday, November 9th, taking place at the Museum of Arts and Sciences; and, of course, the exquisite exhibition of Designer Trees that will remain at the Museum throughout the entire Holiday Season.

As work is beginning to put together the 37th annual Festival of Trees exhibit, we would love to extend an invitation to you to decorate a tree this year! Without talent and time contribution from community members like you, the continuation of the exhibition would not be possible. Tree decorating will begin on Tuesday, October 31st, and will conclude on Saturday, November 4th. The Exhibit will commence on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023, and end on Saturday, January 13th, 2024. Designers wishing to reclaim their decorations can remove their ornaments starting Tuesday, January 16th until Saturday, January 20th, 2024. Please mark your calendars!

As a token of our appreciation, we would like to give you four (4) Museum passes so that you may visit at your leisure and enjoy the Festival of Trees Exhibit. In addition, designers of a seven-foot tree or larger will receive four (4) complimentary Champagne Preview tickets or two (2) gala tickets. Designers of a three to six-foot tree will receive two (2) complimentary Champagne Preview tickets or one (1) gala ticket.

Below is the Tree Designers Guidelines, Contract, and Proposal which are due by Wednesday, October 4th, 2023. You will have the option of using your own tree or you may use one of the Museum’s trees. If you choose to use the Museum’s trees, we will assign tree size on a first-received-contract basis.

Please take a moment to complete the tree designer contract and tree design proposal. Forms may be faxed to 478-477-3251; dropped off or mailed to Museum of Arts & Sciences, 4182 Forsyth Road, Macon, GA 31210; or emailed to mharper@masmacon.com. If you need any assistance you may contact Mary Harper at the Museum (478) 477-3232, ext. 304.

Warmest Personal Regards,

Mary Harper

Festival of Trees Coordinator

Tree Designer Guidelines

1. Designer Contract

Designers who choose to use a Museum tree will be assigned a tree on a first-contract-received basis. Designers may request a Museum tree ranging from 3 feet to 9 feet. Please be sure to list names/designers/business as they should be put on gallery signage, and indicate whether you would like to donate or reclaim your decorations after the Festival of Trees exhibition is over. *It is strongly recommended to bring your own tree to ensure that it is the quality that you would like.

2. Tree Design Proposal

Tree design proposals should be as specific as possible when describing your plan for your tree. Trees must have a skirt or something covering the base unless it is one of the Museum’s potted trees.

3. Decorating

Decorating will take place at the Museum from October 31st-November 4th (Tuesday-Saturday) from 10am-5pm. If access is needed after hours, please notify Mary Harper and she will do her best to accommodate you.

4. General Information and Guidelines

Tree placement is subject to change based on location availability and the design of the tree; tree locations can NOT be guaranteed during decorating week. Trees may be adjusted by curators within reason to ensure guest safety. No changes to gallery walls may be made (i.e- wall hanging objects) without prior approval from the Museum's facility manager and must be done by the Museum's facility manager.

Contact Us

  • Tree Designer Contact Information

    Please fill out all of the fields below. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Harper at the Museum by email at mharper@masmacon.com or (478) 477-3232 ext. 304.
  • This is for any correspondence between the Museum and tree designers.
  • To ensure the quality of your Christmas tree, we recommend bringing your own. If you are using a Museum tree, please select your preferred tree size. If you are using your own tree, please select "I will use my own tree." Museum trees are assigned on a first-contract-received basis and are not guaranteed.
  • If you designed a three to six foot tree, you are eligible for either 3 Champagne Preview tickets or 1 Gala ticket. If you design a tree seven feet or taller, you are eligible for either 4 Champagne Preview tickets or 2 Gala tickets.
  • By selecting this box, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Tree Designer guidelines.

  • Tree Design Proposal

    Please fill out all of the fields below. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Harper at mharper@masmacon.com or (478) 477-3232.
  • Please list all designers and organizations as it should be listed on tree signage. If you need any changes to be made after submission, please contact Mary Harper via email at mharper@masmacon.com.
  • Please list a tentative title of your tree. Titles must be finalized by tree decorating week.
  • Please be as specific as possible and include description of tree skirt and/or objects underneath the tree.
  • If you would like to include a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) about your tree, please submit it here!