Art in Bloom, the best smelling art event in the Twin Cities, opens tomorrow. I got a sneak peek today thanks to my friend Kevin sharing the inside intel that florists would be done preparing this afternoon. I got to see the flowers at their freshest and without the crazy crowd that’s bound to be there are weekend. (Pro tip: anyone can visit the Wednesday before – you just have to remember.)
Art in Bloom pairs local florists and artists with specific artworks from the regular collection exhibited throughout the museum. I love to see the creativity, imagination and sheer skill involved in the making of the arrangements. It’s fun to see which artworks are selected. Sometimes the flowers will show me a new side to a work or sometimes they highlight a work I’ve never really noticed before.
Here are some of my high lights from this year.
(Untitled) Patti Smith – originally from Big Bear. Karla Newman has replicated the format and colors of the original. I took a video to help capture the flow.
Soleil Rouge Maritime – originally by Max Ernst. Mary Ann Morgan has create an exact-ish replica of the original. She created the vase as well. I think it is amazing.
Fantasy Coffin is one of my favorite works. Not only because it’s so much fun to pose near the art. I think Angie Koebler has done a great job bringing the coffin to life and making me crave sushi.
Snuff Bottle – has been interpreted by Kristen McWilliams. She catches the inherent cuteness and utilitarian nature of the works behind her. You can almost see the flower jar fit right onto the shelf, if only it were smaller.
Bal Kontredans – original by Myrlande Constant is shining and brightly colored. It catches your attention in the gallery and so does the arrangement by Mary Kay Herman. Another work where half the battle is won around the followers themselves.
Saint-Séverin No. 2 – original by Robert Delaunay is cleverly replicated by Karen Ortiz. This is one where it feels like the work is really done through the flower-arranging.
Mostly Minnesota 