Whether or not Mother Nature cooperates, April showers will bring May flowers. It just might not be how you’d expect.
On May 1, 150 floral arrangements will fill the Minneapolis Institute of Arts for the 31st annual Art in Bloom. Inspired by the museum’s permanent collection (which spans 5,000 years and 83,000 pieces), the truly great thing about this event is that it offers a new perspective on the pieces—where else could you see how a florist interprets a painting or artifact? With arrangements placed next to their referenced works, visitors can walk the galleries in amazement of the creativity.
There are two other big pluses: it’s free, and there is an array of accompanying events to partake in.
Thursday, May 1
- Art in Bloom Pop-up Shop (opens 9 a.m.)
- Coffee in Regis Fountain Court for morning lecture guests (9:30 a.m.)
- Lecture/demonstration: Laura Dowling, “Flower Concepts, Crafts and Color: New Inspiration in the Garden Style” (10 a.m.)
- Art in Bloom Tours (10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 7 p.m.)
- Formal Luncheon (11 a.m.-2 p.m.)
- Lecture/demonstration: James Farmer, “Splendid Spring: A Time for Renewal” (2 p.m.)
- Flowers After Hours (5:30-9 p.m.)
Friday, May 2
- Art in Bloom Pop-up Shop (opens 9 a.m.)
- Coffee in Regis Fountain Court for morning lecture guests (9:30 a.m.)
- Lecture/demonstration: Bill Taylor, “The History of Flower Arranging from the Egyptians to the Present” (10 a.m.)
- Art in Bloom Tours (10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m.)
- Master Floral Class (1:30 p.m.)
Saturday, May 3
- Art in Bloom Pop-up Shop (opens 9 a.m.)
- Art in Bloom Tours (10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m.)
- Family Event (10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)
- String Quartet Performance (2 p.m.)
Sunday, May 4
- Art in Bloom Pop-up Shop (opens 9 a.m.)
- Art in Bloom Tours (10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m.)
- Art in Bloom Florist Appreciation Event with announcement of People’s Choice Awards (1 p.m.)
So stop in, get your spring fix, and experience the museum in a new way. It might even inspire your summer plantings.
