Creatively decorated trees and wreaths are on display as part of the 43rd Annual Festival of Trees and Traditions, currently at the Wadsworth Atheneum through December 11, 2016. The trees and wreaths are available for purchase to either take home or donate to a charity at the end of the event.

This year’s standout pieces include “The Pulse of Life,” a tree jointly designed by The Travelers Employee Club and The Travelers LGBT & Allies Diversity Committee. It is dedicated to those who were injured or killed in the Orlando Pulse nightclub terrorist attack on June 12, 2016. The tree is rainbow-themed with victims’ names written on the ribbon garland. At the base of the tree are messages, including, “You are valued” and “You are loved and respected.”

“The Neverending Story” tree by Life Choice Donor Services tells the stories of people who became organ donors or benefited.

Also in the mix are decorations created by preschool kids, senior citizens, high school students, and HARC clients. One tree features ornaments made by Wadsworth Atheneum staff. Two of those bulbs are shown here (first one and one below).

The Festival of Trees & Traditions, presented by the Women’s Committee of the Wadsworth Atheneum, includes musical performances and family activities each day. Admission on these days is $3 for Hartford residents, youth under 18, and museum members; $18 for adults; $15 for seniors; and $8 for students. Proceeds are used to fund special exhibitions, educational programs, and operating expenses at the museum. See the Wadsworth Atheneum’s site for full list of Festival events and activities.