Mystic Museum of Art Mixes Cocktails With Fall Creativity
At a Glance
What: ARTINI: TIMELESS FALL BLOOMS — a hands-on floral design workshop paired with a signature cocktail
When: Friday, October 30, 2026, 5:30–7:45 p.m.
Location: Mystic Museum of Art, 9 Water Street, Mystic, CT 06355
Admission: $40 for museum members; $45 for nonmembers
Art Instructor: Lisa Kelly
Cocktail Instructor: Chef Anthony Caporale, internationally recognized mixology author and educator
Featured Cocktail: Pumpkin Spice Martini with a fall floral garnish
Art Project: Create a decorative faux pumpkin centerpiece using Sola Wood flowers
Techniques: Preparing, stemming, and arranging flowers; floral design, color, and composition
Included: Art instruction, project supplies, and one handcrafted cocktail
Experience: Guided crafting, cocktail instruction, and time to socialize
Audience: Adults
Registration: Online through Mystic Museum of Art
Contact: (860) 536-7601, press 0 for Visitor Services
Event Ticketing: Available through the official museum event page
Event Description
ARTINI: TIMELESS FALL BLOOMS brings together two of autumn’s favorite pleasures, seasonal cocktails and creative decorating, for an evening at Mystic Museum of Art on Friday, October 30.
From 5:30 to 7:45 p.m., participants will create a fall centerpiece featuring a faux pumpkin and handcrafted Sola Wood flowers while enjoying a Pumpkin Spice Martini prepared with guidance from internationally recognized mixology educator Chef Anthony Caporale.
Led by art instructor Lisa Kelly, the workshop is part of the museum’s Artini series, which combines hands-on art projects with signature cocktails in a relaxed, social setting.
For $40 for members or $45 for nonmembers, guests receive art instruction, supplies, and a handcrafted cocktail, making it a creative alternative to the usual Friday happy hour.
Fall Flowers That Won’t Fade
Fresh autumn flowers are beautiful, but they don’t last forever. This workshop offers a different approach to seasonal decorating.
Participants will work with Sola Wood flowers, decorative blooms made from a lightweight natural wood material that can be arranged into lasting floral displays.
Unlike fresh flowers, these blooms don’t require watering and can remain part of a home’s seasonal decorations well beyond the workshop.
Lisa Kelly will guide participants through preparing and stemming the flowers before arranging them into a faux pumpkin centerpiece.
Along the way, guests will explore basic floral design techniques, including color selection, composition, and arranging individual elements into a cohesive display.
The goal is to create something personal, whether that means a subtle autumn arrangement or a centerpiece filled with seasonal color.
With step-by-step instruction, participants will have an opportunity to learn the techniques while making a finished decoration they can take home.
The centerpiece could become part of a Thanksgiving table, brighten an entryway, or serve as a handmade gift.
A Pumpkin Spice Martini With a Floral Twist
The evening’s second creative project takes place in a cocktail glass.
Chef Anthony Caporale will demonstrate how to craft a Pumpkin Spice Martini with a fall floral garnish, bringing the flavors and presentation of the season into the museum’s art studios.
Caporale is an internationally recognized mixology author and educator whose work explores cocktail preparation, spirits, and beverage history.
His participation gives guests an opportunity to learn from a professional while enjoying a signature cocktail during the workshop.
The floral garnish also connects the drink to the evening’s centerpiece project, bringing the two creative experiences together around a shared autumn theme.
Happy Hour Meets the Art Studio
The Artini series takes a different approach to the traditional art class.
Instead of simply following a demonstration and heading home, participants can enjoy their cocktail, work on a creative project, and spend time socializing with others.
The museum provides the necessary art supplies and instruction, so guests can focus on making something without having to gather materials beforehand.
The relaxed format makes the workshop an appealing option for friends planning an evening out, couples looking for an activity together, or individuals interested in trying something creative.
And because the flowers are designed to last, the finished project offers a reminder of the evening long after the cocktail is gone.
A Creative Start to Halloween Weekend
ARTINI: TIMELESS FALL BLOOMS takes place Friday, October 30, from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. at Mystic Museum of Art on Water Street.
Admission is $40 for museum members and $45 for nonmembers, with art supplies, instruction, and a signature cocktail included.
With Halloween arriving the following day, the workshop offers a seasonal celebration centered on creativity rather than costumes or scares.
Guests can spend the evening exploring floral design, learning a cocktail recipe, and leaving with a handmade autumn centerpiece.
To purchase tickets, click the Event Ticketing link below.
Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.