Werifesteria at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, VA
June 21, 2018
Werifesteria, an Old English term that means to wander longingly through the forest in search of mystery, is brought to life on the Summer Solstice at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, VA. As the music of a live harp and synth keyboard fills the space, viewers encounter a dragon that shoots molten glass, the Green Man, smoking glass toadstools, and a glowing glass-bodied griffin. Guests drank specialty basil cocktails from custom enchanted toad glasses. The cocktail is a nod to the use of basil in Midsummer ceremonies for prosperity and purification.
Video by Echard Wheeler
Photos by Ashley Berkman
Performance Video
Playbill
"Toad Prince" Glasses and Summer Solstice Cocktails
200 Custom drinking glasses were designed by Aaron Pexa and fabricated by the Chrysler Mueum Glass Studio.
The Toad Prince design incorporates crushed glass pieces on the sides that are then melted down to create glass “warts” reminiscent of the warts on a toad. The tactile glasses reference the Toad Prince fairytale as one kisses the glass while sipping the drink.
Basil was used as one of the ingredients in the cocktail. Basil is associated with Mars and Fire and is used on the Summer Solstice for purification, love, wealth, and protection.