This March the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) presents Art in Bloom, its inaugural festival of art and flowers. The four-day event, March 19–22, features 45 floral masterpieces inspired by the NCMA’s permanent collection and created by world-class floral designers. The festival includes master classes, floral demonstrations, presentations by the floral designer for the Royal Family, family activities, a wine tasting, and many other events.
“We are always looking for different ways to present exceptional art and create memorable experiences for our visitors, and Art in Bloom is the perfect opportunity,” says NCMA Director Lawrence J. Wheeler. “This festival will not only highlight work by some of the best floral designers in North Carolina and beyond, but it will also allow visitors to view the works of art in our permanent collection in a new way.”
Designers featured in Art in Bloom include members of the American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD), the Judges Council of the Garden Club of North Carolina (GCNC), and professional and independent floral designers.
In preparation for Art in Bloom, the permanent collection in the Museum’s West Building will be closed on Wednesday, March 18. Iris restaurant and the Museum Store, however, will be open. The East Building and Museum Park will also remain open for visitors.
During the four days of Art in Bloom, tickets will be required for admission to the permanent collection in the Museum's West Building. The East Building and Museum Park will remain open and free to visitors.
All proceeds from Art in Bloom support Museum programming and exhibitions and benefit the North Carolina Museum of Art Foundation. The presenting sponsor of Art in Bloom is PNC Bank.
Art in Bloom
March 19–22, 2015
West Building
$15 Adults
$10 Museum members
Free for children 6 and under
Tickets on sale now!
Schedule of Events
The NCMA will host a series of special events in conjunction with Art in Bloom, including an opening reception, presentations, lectures, master classes, family activities, and a wine tasting. Visitors can register for events online at ncartmuseum.org/tickets or by calling the Museum Box Office, (919) 715-5923.
Opening Reception
Opening Reception
Thursday, March 19, 6:30 pm
West Building
$50 Members, $65 Nonmembers
Sip champagne and savor gourmet crudités as live music pumps up the Iris lounge. Breathe in the aroma of the blossoms and experience the permanent collection in a whole new light.
Demonstrations
Learn tips and tricks from celebrated floral designers, watch as they master the art and beauty of nature, or win a one-of-a-kind arrangement during an impromptu auction.
Ikebana Influence in Design with Hitomi Gilliam
Thursday, March 19, 11 am
East Building, Museum Auditorium
$40 Members, $55 Nonmembers
The grace and simplicity of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging that emphasizes form and balance, is the inspiration for international floral expert Hitomi Gilliam. Hear tips to make her simple, elegant designs on your own.
Bringing the Garden Home with Steve Taras
Thursday, March 19, 3 pm
West Building Lounge
$20 Members, $25 Nonmembers
Steve Taras of Watered Garden Florist in Raleigh demonstrates how he keeps the NCMA’s Iris restaurant wall looking bright and fresh, and how you can bring the beauty home.
AIFD Presents
Friday, March 20, 11 am
East Building, Museum Auditorium
$20 Members, $25 Nonmembers
How do they make it look so easy? Professional florists from the American Institute of Floral Design demonstrate how to brighten your home with the flowers of spring.
Edible Flowers: Food in Bloom with Jennifer Hicks
Friday, March 20, 3 pm
West Building Lounge
$20 Members, $25 Nonmembers
Jennifer Hicks of the NCMA’s Iris restaurant shares tips and techniques for incorporating edible flowers into salads, sweets, and sips. Sampling encouraged.
A Year in Flowers with Shane Connolly
Friday, March 20, 6 pm
East Building, Museum Auditorium
$40 Members, $55 Nonmembers
Shane Connolly, floral designer for the Royal Family, shares his approach to keeping your life flower filled every day. Meet him at a book signing for A Year in Flowers immediately following in the Museum Store.
Designs for the Table with Carol Dowd and Nelson Simpson
Saturday, March 21, 11 am
East Building, Museum Auditorium
$20 Members, $25 Nonmembers
Carol Dowd and Nelson Simpson of the American Institute of Floral Design demonstrate how to create arrangements for any table, any time.
AIFD Presents
Sunday, March 22, 11 am
East Building, Museum Auditorium
$20 Members, $25 Nonmembers
How do they make it look so easy? Professional florists from the American Institute of Floral Design demonstrate how to brighten your home with the flowers of spring.
Lectures
The Gardens of North Carolina
Saturday, March 21, 3 pm
East Building, Museum Auditorium
$20 Members, $25 Nonmembers
Bryce Lane, host of UNC-TV’s In the Garden with Bryce Lane, takes us on a visual journey through the beautiful public gardens of North Carolina.
Flowers in Art through the Ages
Sunday, March 22, 3 pm
East Building, Museum Auditorium
$20 Members, $25 Nonmembers
Museum lecturer Joseph Covington illuminates how flowers brighten many works in the NCMA's collection, from symbols in early religious art to botanical illustration.
Master Classes
Hitomi Gilliam, AIFD
Thursday, March 19, 1:30 pm
East Building, Blue Ridge Atrium
$175 Members, $200 Nonmembers
Create a floral masterpiece to take home in this hands-on workshop with world-renowned designer Hitomi Gilliam. Space is limited. Tuition includes floral materials. All levels of experience welcome.
Shane Connolly, Royal Florist
Friday, March 20, 1:30 pm
East Building, Blue Ridge Atrium
$175 Members, $200 Nonmembers
Create a floral masterpiece to take home in this hands-on workshop with world-renowned designer Shane Connolly. Space is limited. Tuition includes floral materials. All levels of experience welcome.
Lunch and Learn with Shane Connolly
Saturday, March 21, 11 am
East Building, Blue Ridge Atrium
$225 Members, $250 Nonmembers
Enjoy lunch catered by Iris, and then create a floral masterpiece to take home in this hands-on workshop with world-renowned designer Shane Connolly. Space is limited. Tuition includes lunch and floral materials. All levels of experience welcome.
Family Activities
A Walk in the Park
Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22
10:30 am both days
Meet at Art in Bloom ticket desk, West Building
Free with Art in Bloom admission
Explore the Museum’s pond to understand how plants and thoughtful design come together to manage water flow and ensure sustainability for the Museum and Park. Recommended for children age 5 and older with an adult.
A World of Many Ecosystems
Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22
1 pm both days
Meet at Art in Bloom ticket desk, West Building
Free with Art in Bloom admission
This extended tour of the Museum Park leads to an old-growth forest near the I-440 bridge. Explore art in the Park and uncover some botanical treasures as we pass through different ecosystems. Recommended for children age 10 and older with an adult.
Origami and Paper Flower Art
Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22
10 am–noon and 1–3 pm both days
Meet at Art in Bloom ticket desk, West Building
Free with Art in Bloom admission
Fold, crease, and transform paper into water lilies and other sculptural flowers.
Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22
10 am–5 pm both days
Pick up a clue card at Art in Bloom ticket desk, West Building
Free with Art in Bloom admission
Follow the clues to find fragrant flowers and artful treasures in the galleries.
Stories in the Garden
Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22
11:30 am both days
West Building, North Courtyard
Free with Art in Bloom admission
Hear children’s books about magical and colorful gardens inspired by famous artists.
Wine Tasting
Wine Tasting
Friday, March 20, 5:30−7:30 pm
West Building Lounge
Free with Art in Bloom admission
Can you identify the floral notes in this selection of five wines? Dare to compare while surrounded by real-life bouquets.
Docent-Led Tours
Public Docent Tours
Thursday–Sunday, March 19¬–22
10:30 am and 11:30 am
Free tour with Art in Bloom admission
Works in the permanent collection take on a new character when seen next to a floral design. Uncover the joys of these intriguing combinations.
Private Docent Tours
Thursday–Sunday, March 19¬–22
1 pm and 2 pm
What inspired the floral designs and the works that influenced them? Discover some of the possibilities.
Reservations required. Contact Christine Molesky at (919) 664-6785 or christine.molesky@ncdcr.gov.
Special Art in Bloom Third Friday Tour with the NCMA Contemporaries
Friday, March 20
Happy Hour, 6:30 pm; Tour, 7:30 pm
West Building
Free tour with paid admission to Art in Bloom
Join us for a docent-led tour with the Museum’s young professionals group. Registration required: ncartmuseum.org/tickets, (919) 715-5923.
About Art in Bloom
Organized by the North Carolina Museum of Art
Presenting sponsor: PNC Bank