For Immediate Release

Art in Bloom Returns to the Grand Rapids Art Museum

Bi-annual exhibition celebrates the combined beauty of art and floral design

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, March 4, 2019 — The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) is excited to announce the spring return of its bi-annual celebration of art and floral design, Art in Bloom (March 22 — 24, 2019). The one-weekend-only exhibition and competition presents the work of talented floral designers from across West Michigan.

Art in Bloom celebrates the arrival of spring at GRAM by inviting the region’s floral designers to create thought-provoking and elegantly crafted arrangements, all inspired by works in the Museum’s collection. The floral designs emphasize, challenge, and build upon elements and concepts within a selected work of art, creating a dialogue between the two works. The floral designs will be presented alongside the artwork in GRAM’s Level 3 galleries.

We’re thrilled for the return of Art in Bloom to the Grand Rapids Art Museum,” commented GRAM Communications Manager Elizabeth Payne. See the first signs of spring at GRAM and experience the Museum’s art collection alongside the creativity and talent of our region’s floral professionals.”

The 2019 Art in Bloom line-up features 17 floral designers and their interpretation of 17 works from the Museum’s collection on view — ranging from Robert Rauschenberg’s Sterling/​Whirl to Hans Arp’s La Sainte de la Lisiere.

A panel comprised of floral and art experts and members of the Grand Rapids creative community will select the Juried Winner, which will be announced at the opening reception of Art in Bloom on Friday, March 22. Visitors can cast a vote for their favorite floral arrangement for the selection of the People’s Choice Award, to be announced on Sunday, March 24 at 2 pm.

The three-day exhibition and competition include a full floral-focused schedule of events throughout the Museum.

Schedule of Events

Friday, March 22
6 pm – 9 pm: Art in Bloom Opening Reception and People’s Choice Award voting begins
6:45 pm – 9 pm: Creativity Uncorked: Wall Flowers
7 pm: Juried Winner announcement 

Saturday, March 23
10 am – 5 pm: Galleries open and People’s Choice Award voting continues 
10:30 am – 11:30 am: Little Member Morning 
11 am – 12 pm: Drop-in Tour: Art in Bloom led by GRAM Assistant Curator and Floral Designer 
12:30 – 3:30 pm: Adult Workshop: Crêpe Paper Flowers
1 pm – 4 pm: Drop-in Studio: Pixel Pictures

Sunday, March 24
11 am – 12 pm: Art Social: Art in Bloom
12 pm: Galleries open and People’s Choice Award voting continues
12:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Adult Workshop: Crêpe Paper Flowers
2 pm: People’s Choice Award Announcement
2 pm – 3 pm: Sunday Classical Concert Series: DeVos String Quartet

Support for Art in Bloom is generously provided by Karl and Patricia Betz, Gregg and Rajene Betz, Kimberly and David Moorhead, Janet Gatherer Boyles and John Boyles, Patricia and Charles Bloom, Reagan Marketing + Design, LLC, West Michigan Master Gardeners Association, and Holland Litho Printing Service.

About the Grand Rapids Art Museum
Connecting people through art, creativity, and design. Established in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the Art Museum is internationally known for its distinguished design and LEED® Gold certified status. Established in 1910 as the Grand Rapids Art Association, GRAM has grown to include more than 5,000 works of art, including American and European 19th and 20th-century painting and sculpture and more than 3,000 works on paper. Embracing the city’s legacy as a leading center of design and manufacturing, GRAM has a growing collection in the area of design and modern craft.

For GRAM’s hours and admission fees, call 616.831.1000 or visit artmuseumgr.org.

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