Like bees in a garden, over 160 floral artists will spend today buzzing through the MIA, pollinating the museum’s permanent collection with artful bouquets and arrangements. The flower invasion is part of Art in Bloom, an annual event that challenges florists to interpret a piece of art in plant form. A literalist might mimic a still life, meticulously spilling tulips and daisies from a vase. More conceptual types might take aim at the Asian art collection, echoing the mystery of a surimono print in a stark bunch of allium.
The four-day event, now in its 28th year, is free, like the museum itself, and regularly draws over 20,000 visitors. Festivities include luncheons, demonstrations, and ticketed lectures, including an address from Nancy Clarke, head floral designer at the White House for over 30 years, who will speak about the history of flowers at the presidential residence.
Thursday, April 28 through Sunday, May 1
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls.
artsmia.org/art-in-bloom-2011
