For Maritime Aquarian exhibit: Local woman helps create lighthouse

Thursday, 19 November 2009 00:00

A whimsical lighthouse made by a Redding woman and her friend is included in The Maritime Aquarium’s eighth annual Festival of Lighthouses.

Dianna Manger of Redding created her entry, “The Halo Effect,” with friend Barbara Seith of Norwalk. It’s decorated with a menagerie of household objects, including flip-flops, Pez dispensers, plastic containers and stuffed animals. The light itself shines through an opening cut into a polka-dotted Coca-Cola tin that once held caramel corn, and a Planter’s cashew can serves as its crown.

The two women were so excited about their project that they kept a blog about its creation. It may be found online at FestivalofLighthouses.blogspot.com.

On their blog the women refer to their lighthouse as “Haley.” They said it works in two ways — it lights up the Planter’s can top and it also casts a glow on the ceiling.

“Unfortunately, there is a HVAC grate right above so that impacts the effect a bit... All in all she looks great — you should definitely go see her.”

The women’s “Halo Effect” is one of the display’s 23 creative lighthouses that will be on display at The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk through Jan. 18.

Rules are kept to a minimum to spur creativity. Lighthouses must be three to six feet tall and have a working light — beyond that, it’s up to the creators’ imaginations. Entries in the 2009 display include highly detailed replicas of real lighthouses. Whimsical designs include a lighthouse as an enormous sand castle and one shaped like a giant squid battling a sperm whale.

After enjoying the lighthouses, visitors may cast a vote for their favorite. The first-prize winner, to be announced Jan. 21, receives $1,000. Other prizes are $500 for second place, $250 for third, $200 for fourth, $150 for fifth, and $100 for sixth.

The Festival of Lighthouses is free with Maritime Aquarium general admission, which is $11.75 for adults, $10.75 for seniors (65-plus) and $9.75 for children (2-12).

For more information about Maritime Aquarium offerings, call 203-852-0700 or go online to www.maritimeaquarium.org.

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