Blend springtime and flowers, and the result is pure art.
Especially at the North Carolina Museum of Art, where 56 floral masterpieces created by world-class designers will be yours for the gazing beginning April 7, during the second annual Art in Bloom festival.
“After last year’s successful launch of Art in Bloom, we are thrilled to host this flower-filled festival for our visitors once again,” said NCMA Director Lawrence J. Wheeler. “This year we have exciting new speakers, a different group of creative and talented floral designers, and even more works of art to be interpreted as beautiful floral arrangements.
“It’s the perfect event to welcome spring.”
At Art in Bloom you can go beyond perusing the lavish works on exhibit to learn from locally and internationally-renowned floral artists, in workshops and classes ranging from Bonsai for Beginners to Edible Landscapes, to Your DIY Wedding.
Take a master class and enjoy lunch alongside French-born Olivier Giugni, pioneer of the leaf-wrapped vase that adds depth and movement to his creations. Or follow celebrity wedding designer David Beahm as he presents Extraordinary Flowers, Extraordinary Destinations.
And get up-close with Raleigh designer Steve Taras of Watered Garden Florist as he combines earthy elements with beautiful blooms in his presentation, Re-creating Nature.
Don’t be shy — no floral or artistic knowledge is required to attend these Art in Bloom events. In small, hands-on classes, instructors will work with students of all skill levels.
Other highlights of Art in Bloom include Papermaking from the NCMA Landscape; Impressions of an Heirloom Garden; and Bloom Where You’re Planted, a hands-on class with floral photographer Ashley Woodson Bailey.
For the Family
More good news: This four-day fest is not just for grown-ups.
For example, families can take part in a clue-filled, self-guided scavenger hunt appropriate for ages 5 and older, aimed at helping children make personal connections with art, and complete with interactive drawing components.
And in a parent-child workshop led by Cydney Davis English of The English Garden in Raleigh, kids 5 to 14 can create floral designs in pottery.
“It’s an opportunity for a shared art-making experience with an expert floral designer,” said Laura McManus, NCMA youth and family program coordinator. “We will select a vibrant palette of flowers and foliage inspired by the colors and textures of art in the museum’s collection. Using these elements, we will create a modern, Biedermeier-influenced design playing off the color wheel.”
Families can also collaborate in creating origami and paper flowers, with a little help from museum staff.
The goal of these family activities — and the entire festival, is simple.
“It’s to provide a meaningful and memorable visit to the NCMA,” McManus said, “through hands-on, active learning.”
Art in Bloom
When: April 7-10, 2016
Where: North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh
Admission: $10 for museum members, $15 for non-members, free for children 6 and younger. Additional fees apply for select events.
For the full schedule: ncartmuseum.org
