Imagine sitting in a picture-perfect setting, relaxing amidst 150-year-old trees seemingly tall enough to paint the sky with their swaying tops. Or snuggling in a cozy seat beneath the peaceful canopy as the stresses of your day fade away. The seat can be snug, caressing you, or it might be a large, whimsical bench meant to hold a family playfully jockeying for a favorite position. Or the seat can be a glorious, hand-carved throne waiting for a prince.

  All this is possible at “SIT A SPELL, Seats That Tell a Tale,” a new exhibit on display through October at Tyler Arboretum in Media. The exhibit showcases an impressive group of talented artisans eager to have their imaginations come alive and take the form of outdoor seating. Chairs, benches, rockers, hammocks and yes, thrones are all there—from traditional to fanciful, fashioned of wood, stone, metal and clay. Works of art meant to inspire visitors of all ages to sit, relax and enjoy nature all around them.

  The young and young-at-heart will find a perfect spot to soak in the glories of nature. Who wouldn’t want to perch on a beautiful mosaic bench featuring flowers and dragonflies created for Philadelphia’s Ronald McDonald House or recline on Tatiana’s Throne, a child-sized chaise inspired by the fairies of a Midsummer’s Night Dream?

  Children and families can try out special seats and let their imaginations conjure classic children’s stories or create stories of their own. Did a certain little blonde girl really find the seat that was “just right,” they wonder while climbing into chairs meant for Papa, Mama and Baby Bear crafted by Tyler’s volunteers? Find Chuck Feld’s Lorax-themed Adirondack chair-for-two encouraging a Suess-like feeling, or follow Alice down the rabbit hole with Marcia Wills’ clever bench.

  Inspired by the wonderful artisans of SIT A SPELL, Tyler staff decided to create a seat as well. The Very Hungry Caterpillar project incorporates natural material from Tyler’s property and the staff’s joyous appreciation for the metamorphosis of the butterfly.

Summer of Fun

  Events are planned all summer, inviting all to come and SIT A SPELL! A Storybook Celebration on June 9 invites families to revel in the world of reading as storytellers weave their tales amidst finely crafted seats. Enjoy a puppet show filled with a parade of favorite animal characters. Bring a gently used book and take another home in a Give-a-Book-Get-a-Book exchange.

  On July 15 follow Hansel and Gretel on a scavenger hunt, meet our Fairy Godmother and play enchanting games at the Festival of Fairies & Fairy Tales event.

  Whether you choose to visit Tyler to run, jump and play amidst the trees or to relax and enjoy nature’s splendor, this exhibit is not to be missed. You’re invited to come out, kick back and just SIT A SPELL.

  And there’s more at Tyler! The ever-popular Totally Terrific Treehouses are again open and ready for you to climb your way to the top. The Butterfly House returns to host native pollinators and allow visitors to get up close and personal with butterflies through their life cycles. -CL-

Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Rd., Media; 610-566-9134; Web site. The exhibit is sponsored by NBC 10, WJBR and County Lines Magazine.

Special Events

Storybook Celebration:
June 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Butterfly House Opening Day:
June 30

Festival of Fairies & Fairy Tales: 
July 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tree House Festival:
August 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Butterflies and Buggy Buddies:
September 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m