156: Art in Bloom: Part One – Adventures in Arting Podcast

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Mom and I snuck in the night before the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) here in Boston — The museum’s annual Art in Bloom event at the end of April. This is always one of my favorite events of the year.

In case you don’t know what Art in Bloom is: It’s a weekend festival that transforms the MFA’s galleries into a floral showcase, with floral designers and garden clubs from across the region carefully crafting arrangements inspired by the museum’s artworks.

The MFA invented the “Art in Bloom” idea in 1976. Since then many other museums have taken up the idea (it’s a good one) and there might be a museum near you that does it!

“Visitors are treated to a sensory experience as they wander through the galleries adorned with imaginative floral interpretations. The captivating aromas of freshly cut blossoms fill the air, while the visual delight of artfully arranged blooms against the backdrop of world-class art stirs the imagination. The juxtaposition of natural elements with centuries-old masterpieces creates a dialogue that transcends time and medium, inviting visitors to see art from a fresh perspective.”

It’s also an invitation for selfies galore and just tons of photos in general. This is why we went the night before.

The main feature of Art in Bloom is the collaboration between floral designers and the museum’s curators. Each floral arrangement is carefully placed next to its corresponding artwork, enhancing the aesthetic experience and creating a captivating conversation between the two art forms. And a fun conversation to have with a fellow visitor about how/if the floral arrangement captures the artwork’s essence. There is no other time of the year when strangers are so willing to talk to you!

Art in Bloom is always a super fun experience. If a museum near you holds an annual “Art in Bloom” festival, be sure to attend. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss! Because these are real blooms, it’s always a short exhibit – 3 or 4 days. So don’t miss out!

Here are the photos from the podcast, in the order we discuss them: