A Magical Evening in the Swamp

Saturday, October 24, 2026 4pm - 8pm at Lee Tartt Nature Preserve, Grenada, MS

$10 admission / 5 & under FREE

This is your chance to see a swamp differently.

As the sun sets over Lee Tartt Nature Preserve, the forest awakens with glowing lanterns, giant butterflies and moths, magical creatures, curious sculptures, music, lights, and unexpected discoveries. Created by professional artists and hundreds of community members, the Enchanted Forest celebrates imagination, creativity, and the remarkable beauty of a Mississippi cypress swamp.

Whether you're six or sixty, you'll find something to make you smile, wonder, and maybe even look at the natural world with fresh eyes.

Bring your family. Bring your friends. Bring your curiosity.

Your Adventure Includes...

The Enchanted Forest Trail
A journey through glowing art installations, giant lanterns, magical creatures, whimsical surprises, and handmade wonders inspired by the beauty and mystery of the swamp where you find yourself at the Butterfly Ball.

The Green Dragon Apothecary
Gather around the fire for treats, hot drinks, weenie roasting & s'more kits, curious collections, magical keepsakes, music, and cozy places to linger.

Hands-On Art & Play
Create, explore, play games, hunt for hidden treasures, and discover imaginative activities for all ages.

Nature's Magic
Meet live animals, explore the hidden world of the swamp through microscopes, discover the night sky with astronomers and telescopes, and experience real science woven into the adventure.

Unexpected Encounters
Friendly forest creatures, costumed naturalists, artists, musicians, storytellers, and a few mysterious characters you won't find anywhere else.

TICKET PORTAL Coming Soon

Community Workshops

The Enchanted Forest comes to life through a series of free community workshops led by professional Mississippi artists. Together we'll transform simple natural and recycled materials into the lanterns, creatures, sculptures, and curious creations that will fill the trails on opening night.

This year's theme celebrates butterflies, moths, and metamorphosis—the remarkable transformation of both nature and imagination. Along the way you might find yourself creating magical mushrooms, giant lanterns, forest creatures, whimsical flowers, mysterious cocoons, curious caterpillars, or fantastic beasts inspired by the swamp.

Workshops are designed for all ages and experience levels. Whether you're an experienced artist or simply curious, you'll find a welcoming place to create.

Workshops will be held in Grenada, Greenwood, Cleveland, and other Mississippi Locations

Every creation becomes part of the Enchanted Forest for one magical evening before being returned to its maker the following week.

Our workshops celebrate handmade creativity and make thoughtful use of natural, recycled, and reclaimed materials whenever possible.

2026 Lead Artists
Robin Whitfield • Sam Clark • Patricia Brown • Maggie Harrison • Yolande van Heerden • Shirley Hamilton • Celeste Pfau

Free to participate.
Thanks to generous sponsors and grant support, workshops are offered at no cost to participants. Materials are provided, and professional artists are compensated for sharing their time, experience, and creative talents.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Help create the magic.

Registration is required of all workshops. No previous clay or art experience is needed—just bring your imagination!

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Workshop #1 / MAGIC MUSHROOMS Saturday August 1, 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm / Grenada, MS - First Presbyterian Church

Lead Artist: Sam Clark

FREE fun, beginner-friendly clay workshop where you'll create a whimsical 6–8 inch "Mushroom Being" from stoneware clay. Using a simple step-by-step approach, Sam will guide everyone through the process, making it easy for beginners and experienced makers alike.

SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN

basics of handbuilding methods with clay
Sculpting and manipulating facial features
surface decoration techniques

Your finished sculpture will become part of this year's Enchanted Forest installation on loan and will be carefully returned to you after the event.

Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Space is Limited to 15 participants in each workshop. Please arrive on time!

Workshop #1 Sign Up

Workshop #2 / BUTTERFLY & MOTH LANTERNS Saturday August 8, 10am - 4pm / Greenwood, MS - Artplace MS

Lead Artists: Yolande Van Heerden & Robin Whitfield

Create a glowing butterfly or moth lantern for the Enchanted Forest!Your lantern will be on loan to the Enchanted Forest for one magical evening before returning home with you the following week.

In this free workshop, you'll learn how to build a lightweight illuminated lantern from natural reeds, paper, and tissue. Inspired by the remarkable butterflies and moths of Mississippi, each participant will create a one-of-a-kind lantern that will float in the forest on opening night as part of the Butterfly Ball.

No prior experience necessary.

Recommended for ages 12 and up.

This workshop requires 2 hours and is come and go at your convenience.

SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN