Hayes Train Special
FREMONT – There is real magic in a miniature train wending its way around an equally pint-size track, especially during the holidays. That magic transforms people of any age into smiling wide-eyed children.
? The Hayes Presidential Center’s Hayes Train Special model train display marks its 19th year of enchantment when it opens Sunday, November 25. Eight model trains – all styles that have significance to 19th President Rutherford B. Hayes and his family – travel throughout a 12x24 course that includes mountains, tunnels, countryside, and villages. The three-tiered display rises to the ceiling, providing a visual wonderland that also includes 19th-century trolleys and a decorated Christmas tree. Visitors are given control of aspects of the trains’ movements and some of the display’s animated features via a series of buttons.
The exhibit, which continues through January 6, 2013, is made possible through funding from title sponsors the Gordon W. Knight Family. Additional funding is provided by Memorial Hospital.
? Adding to the holiday-theme is an exhibition of the snowflake art of Mary Gaynier. The Toledo artist holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Toledo. She began experimenting with cut-paper art in 2001 and since has had her work accepted into more than 100 juried national and international exhibitions. She is winner of numerous awards. Her work often is compared to Scherrenschnitte (scissors cutting), a traditional German art form. However, Mary never heard of Scherrenschnitte when she began cutting paper snowflakes to decorate her home for a family gathering. As an artist with a penchant for detail, Gaynier soon developed more refined cutting skills using an X-acto knife instead of scissors, while maintaining the basic circular or “snowflake” form. Her exhibition runs concurrent with the Hayes Train Special.
? Gaynier will teach a Paper Snowflake Workshop 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27 in the Hayes Museum. Cost is $3/adults, $1/children 6-12, and free for younger children. Participants must pre-register. Deadline to register is Friday, Dec. 21. Class size is limited to 50 people. All materials needed to create a cut-paper snowflake are provided.
Admission to the Hayes Train Special and Mary Gaynier snowflake exhibits is included in the Hayes Museum ticket price of $7.50/adults, $6.50/seniors age 60+, and $3/children ages 6-12. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. (Closed Mondays, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.)
As a finale to exhibition of the Hayes Train Special, a Model Train Clinic takes place 1-4 p.m. Saturday, January 5, 2013. Admission to the clinic is $2 per person. In the event of bad weather the clinic will be canceled.
The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center is located at the corner of Hayes and Buckland avenues, Fremont, Ohio. The facility is affiliated with the Ohio Historical Society. Check the Hayes Presidential Center website www.rbhayes.org for a complete list of year-round special events.
Press Release Contact Name: Nancy Kleinhenz
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Release Contact Phone: 800-998-7737
Organization Name: Hayes Presidential Center
Website or Link: www.rbhayes.org
Organization Address: Spiegel Grove (corner Hayes & Buckland aves.), Fremont, OH, 43420