Black Mountain Center for the Arts 2nd Annual Art in Bloom Scheduled for June ‘08

Art in Bloom is an event held in a myriad of museums, galleries, and other arts locations across the United States, from Boston to San Francisco and from New Orleans to Minneapolis.  The concept is for floral designers to interpret selected pieces of artwork so that a new form of art interpretation is created for a short-lived show.  The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is presenting its 2nd Annual Art in Bloom show, “Art Reflecting Art,” from June 26-29, 2008.  The show is a fundraiser for the non-profit Arts Center, located at 225 W. State Street in Black Mountain, NC (28711).  Honorary Chair for this year’s event is Becky Anderson, founder of Handmade in America.

Black Mountain Center for the Arts’ first Art in Bloom, held in early June of 2007, was a tremendous success.  The first of its kind in western NC, the event was held in collaboration with the area Ikebana International chapter, and utilized a Japanese theme.  Arts and flower lovers from all over the southeast attended events that ranged from a Japanese Tea ceremony, Ikebana and Japanese garden lectures ands demos, to Taiko drummers. Both Ikebana and traditional western floral designers presented the floral interpretations. 

Many more viewers are expected to the attend Art in Bloom this second year.  The art that will be used for interpretation by the floral designers, a Collector’s Show, will feature pieces from regional and world-renowned artists on loan to the Center from area art collectors.  This show will be available to the public for viewing at no charge in the Art Center’s Upper Gallery beginning Friday, June 6 through Tuesday, June 24.  Once the designers have completed their floral interpretations of the art, a $5 fee will be charged to view the collaborative flower and art show on Friday –Sunday, June 27-29.  Once again, both Ikebana and traditional floral designers have been invited to participate in this unusual flower show.

Other ticketed events will take place during this year’s Art in Bloom weekend.  The initial opening of the flower and art show will take place with a Preview Party on Thursday, June 26, at 6:30 pm.  The Party will include the opportunity to meet the floral designers, as well as enjoy a buffet and wine bar.  A daytime Garden Tour throughout Black Mountain and Montreat, with plein aire painters on site, will be available on both Friday and Saturday, June 27-28.  Local restaurants are participating by giving a discount for lunch to Garden Tour ticket holders. On Friday night, June 27, a concert featuring The Magills – Jim, Beth, and Andrew, playing Appalachian and Celtic music, will be at 7:30.  On Saturday night, June 28, Ron Morgan of San Francisco, America’s premiere floral designer and book author, will present a lecture and demonstration, followed by a live auction of his designs and other related items, and a book signing.  Other daytime events, including a tea and fashion show and a garden lecture, are planned that will appeal to flower lovers.  Entrance to the Art in Bloom gallery flower show will be included in all ticket prices for events.  However, for anyone who chooses not to attend an event, but wishes to see the show, the $5 admission fee will go toward the fundraising efforts of the Black Mountain Center for the Arts.