The Westmoreland Museum of American Art is ushering in spring with one of its most popular annual programs, “Art in Bloom,” which tasks floral designers with creating displays inspired by artworks in the museum’s collections.
The exhibit will be on display March 25-29 along with several special events.
“Visitors can see art interpreted through an entirely different medium,” said Elle Marshall, public programs and community engagement manager. “Our museum is this sort of immersive celebration of spring.”
This is the third year “Art in Bloom” has been presented at the museum, and it’s proven to be one of its most beloved traditions.
This year, 20 designers — including five newcomers — were matched randomly with a piece of art from the museum and asked to design a floral arrangement that reflects the work. The pieces chosen for inclusion come from many different mediums and collections, Marshall said.
“We will always feature our latest exhibit, which is ‘Florida Highwaymen: Laudable Landscapes.’ There will be some pieces in there from our historical gallery, from modern and contemporary; it’s all throughout,” Marshall said.
A touch of fashion is coming to this year’s event; designers Barb Grossman and Sidney Rice have designed a gown inspired by the museum’s Chihuly chandelier that will be on display.
This year will even feature a group called the Trojan Florists, which is made up of students from Derry Area High School.
“It’s a group of three high school students who are learning horticulture, and they are competing,” Marshall said.
Three awards will be given to displays at “Art in Bloom.” The Director’s Award will be presented by The Westmoreland’s director and CEO, Silvia Filippini-Fantoni. Each of the 20 podium sponsors will vote on the Sponsors’ Award, and the public will vote for the coveted People’s Choice Award during the five days of the exhibit.
“We tally all of the votes throughout the week and then it’s announced on Sunday,” Marshall said. “We get a larger population of people to come on Sunday because it’s a community day.”
Entrance to the exhibit Wednesday through Saturday is free for museum members, $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4 to 17, and free for children younger than 4. Sunday is a free Community Day.
There will be other special programs attached to “Art in Bloom,” Marshall said. On Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the museum will partner with Gracefully Bloomed Creations for a workshop on making traditional Hawaiian headpieces. In the evening Thursday and Friday, the museum will hold “Flowers After Hours” from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
“These are extended hours, so the museum is open until 8 p.m. It’s where you can come and wear your floral attire, you can get a signature floral cocktail, and there will be live music on both of those days,” Marshall said.
On Saturday, there will be two seatings for a tea party and floral demonstration, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The event will feature a live floral design by JD Peterson and catered food from Myriam’s Table.
“It will be a really nice high tea, and then there will be a hat competition,” Marshall said.
All of the events have different prices, and registration is available at thewestmoreland.org.
“It really resonates with the community because it’s accessible. You don’t have to have an art background to enjoy it. People are always immediately drawn in by the beauty of the flowers. I think it’s just another way to engage with the artwork, and it’s a great way to welcome spring,” Marshall said.