Art in Bloom returns in full force  

by Catherine Currin

NCMA’s fourth annual Art in Bloom festival returns March 22 – 25 with a notably local bent. The delightful event invites 60 floral designers to create art-inspired masterpieces based on the museum’s permanent collection. This year, for the first time, the majority of the designers are from North Carolina.

Art in Bloom began as a way to “make art more interesting to first-time visitors,” says Laura Finan, the museum’s coordinator of programs. She says that mission remains, strengthened by introducing museum-goers to floral designers nearby, whom they might recognize or have a connection with. “We’re really able to showcase the talent that’s here in North Carolina.”

There are a bevy of ways to celebrate flowers and art throughout the weekend, from succulent arranging classes to park tours – and, of course, flower care 101. Here are a few.

Floral Engagements

Scavenger Hunt
Your kids can also be included in the artistic expression. Bring them
to the West Building for a family scavenger hunt featuring the floral art.
March 24; 9 a.m.; free with Art in Bloom admission

Pinks and Inks Party
Let a party be your excuse: You can visit the exhibition for the first
annual Pink and Inks cocktail party. This soiree happens after-hours
with an open bar, live models, and guest speaker Arthur Williams,
who is a renowned florist from Denver, Colorado.
March 24; 7:30 p.m.; $40 members, $45 nonmembers

Designers Challenge – Seeing Red
Think Project Runway meets Iron Chef with fresh flowers. Two designers go head-to-head to create a masterpiece. Conservator Perry Hurt will lead
the discussion on how the color red influences art as well as flowers.
March 25; 2 p.m.; $27 members, $30 nonmembers

Flower Meditation
Find your inner mantra within the flowers.
There are two chances for a guided meditation.
March 23, 6 p.m.; March 23, 7:30 p.m.;
$36 members, $40 nonmembers

Tickets to Art in Bloom are $13 for members, $18 for nonmembers,
and free for children under 6; ncartmuseum.org/bloom