'Art in Bloom' showcases flowers

Art and flowers — and the art of flowers — are a winning combination that will be in the spotlight as the Utah Museum of Fine Arts celebrates "Art in Bloom."

The biennial event will feature more than 30 interpretive floral arrangements created by Utah's top floral designers. Each artist selects an object from the museum's collection, and using flowers, greenery, custom-made containers — and his or her own artistic vision — creates a unique display to enhance, support and harmonize with the object.

All proceeds from the event support the museum's educational-outreach programs throughout the state.

"Art in Bloom" kicks off May 15 at 6 p.m. with a "Flowers After Hours" celebration, offering a stroll through a sale of small paintings by local artists, a sit-down supper, live music and more, with former NBA star Mark Eaton as master of ceremonies.

On the morning of May 16, "Art in Bloom" will open to the public with a lecture and demonstration by internationally known floral-design master and author Alisa de Jong-Stout, a San Francisco designer who has worked with the de Young museum's "Bouquet to Art" show for 14 years.

Visitors can enjoy a spring luncheon in the G.W. Anderson Family Great Hall and later attend a lecture by art historian and author Hannah Sigur, an adjunct professor at San Francisco State University and University of California-Davis, who has also studied in East and Southeast Asia.

On the morning of May 17, novice and experienced floral designers alike will have an opportunity to test and develop their skills in hands-on floral-design classes by de Jong-Stout and others.

Reservations are required for all events except the exhibition. Tickets for "Art in Bloom" are $10 for adults; $8 for students and senior citizens; $5 for children under 6. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Tickets for "Flowers After Hours" are $150; lectures are $15-$35; classes are $35-$100; luncheon is $25.

For more information, call 801-585-9880 or visit umfa.utah.edu. The museum is located at 410 Campus Center Drive on the University of Utah campus.

If you go …

What: "Art in Bloom"

Where: Utah Museum of Fine Arts, 410 Campus Center Drive, University of Utah

When: May15-17, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

How much: $10 for adults; $8 for students and senior citizens; $5 for children under 6

Phone: 801-585-9880

Web: umfa.utah.edu

E-mail: carma@desnews.com