Community businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to decorate holiday trees Thursday, Nov. 29-Saturday, Dec. 1, during the annual Festival of Trees at the University of Wyoming Art Museum.

Trees are then available for auction as a fundraiser to support the Art Museum’s education and public programs.

Viewing of and bidding on the donated trees, wreaths and decorations begins with an opening reception from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29. The festive reception will feature music by local students and musicians along with desserts and beverages. At this time viewers can begin bidding on auction items.

The silent auction continues through this year’s 20th annual “Happy Holidays, Laramie!” celebration from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. The event also features an exhibition of artwork by Albany County school students, visits with Santa Claus and music by school and community groups. All events are free and open to the public.

For those decorating trees, the Art Museum will provide artificial trees with stands (ranging from 2 to 7.5 feet). There is a limited number of trees: registrations will be taken on a first-come basis. To request a registration form, call Laura Morlan at (307) 766-6622 or Wendy Bredehoft at (307) 766-3496, email wbredeho@uwyo.edu.

Located in the Centennial Complex at 2111 Willett Drive in Laramie, the museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday hours are extended to 9 p.m. February through April and September through November. Admission is free.

For more information, call the Art Museum at (307) 766-6622 or visit here:

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