Question 1

How much does it cost to attend?

Accepted Answer

It depends on which parts of Art in Bloom you'd like to experience! 
Attending just the gallery is pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $5. 
A Garden Tour Pass is $30 and includes both the garden tour and gallery access. 
The Everything Pass is $55 and includes the gallery, garden tour, and First Bloom.
 First Bloom tickets are $25 on their own. 
During the event, you'll also have the opportunity to purchase artwork, bid in our vase auction, and shop our gift shop.

Question 2

What's included in the Everything Pass vs. individual tickets?

Accepted Answer

The Everything Pass ($55) includes access to all three main experiences: the gallery exhibit, the Garden Tour, and the First Bloom premiere event. The Garden Tour Pass ($30) includes the garden tour and gallery access. 
First Bloom tickets ($25) cover the premiere event only. 
Gallery-only access is available at the door on a pay-what-you-can basis.

Question 3

Where can I buy tickets?

Accepted Answer

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at our main office (225 W State St, Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm). Tickets will also be sold at the door for all events, provided there is remaining capacity.

Please note that we will be closed Thursday, June 18th from 10am–5pm for setup.

Gallery-only tickets are not available for advance purchase, as they are donation-based and sold at the door only.

Question 4

Is there a discount for BMCA members?

Accepted Answer

Yes! BMCA members can purchase the Everything Pass for $45. Check your email for a coupon code, or contact us and we'll be happy to send it along.

Question 5

Can I attend just the gallery for free?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Gallery-only access is pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $5. These tickets are only available at the door.

Question 6

What are the dates and hours for the gallery exhibit?

Accepted Answer

The Regional Artists Gallery — featuring the artwork that will inspire our floral designers — opens June 1st and runs through June 17th, free and open to the public Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm. 
The floral exhibit opens at First Bloom on June 18th and continues June 19th–20th (10am–4pm) and June 21st (12–4pm).

Question 7

What is "First Bloom" and do I need a ticket?

Accepted Answer

First Bloom is our premiere event — a sneak peek at the floral arrangements at their freshest, with drinks, desserts, and a chance to meet the floral designers and artists. If you've attended Art in Bloom before, this replaces what was previously called the Preview Party. 
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or in the office in advance. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door if capacity allows.

Question 8

What is the Garden Tour and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

The Garden Tour gives you special access to private gardens around Black Mountain — people's homes and personal passion projects that are typically closed to the public. 
You'll receive a map with garden addresses the evening of June 18th and can visit them in any order you choose. Your pass is valid for both tour days (June 19th–20th), so you can split your visits across both days or revisit your favorites. You'll also find plein air artists at work in each garden!

Question 9

What is plein air painting, and will I see artists working in the gardens?

Accepted Answer

Plein air is the practice of creating artwork outdoors, on location. We'll have artists working live in each garden during the tour! 
We celebrate the full diversity of what that can look like — so in addition to painters, you may also encounter sketch artists, photographers, and fiber artists.

Question 10

What is the "Art from the Garden" exhibit and is it free?

Accepted Answer

Art from the Garden is a gallery exhibit featuring work created during the Garden Tour. The opening reception is June 26th (5–6:30pm), and the show runs through July 24th, free and open to the public Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm. 
As a special addition, plein air artists will have smaller works and prints available for purchase throughout the show — a wonderful way to take a piece of Art in Bloom home with you.

Question 11

What is Ikebana floral design?

Accepted Answer

Ikebana is the Japanese tradition of floral arrangement, emphasizing minimalism, balance, and the relationship between the plant material and the space around it. It's a beautiful contrast to Western floral design, and seeing both styles represented in the same exhibit is one of the unique highlights of Art in Bloom.

Question 12

How are the floral arrangements related to the artwork in the gallery?

Accepted Answer

Each floral designer selects a piece from the gallery that speaks to them, then creates an arrangement in response to it — complementing, expanding upon, or entering into conversation with the work. The result is a layered experience where nature and visual art inspire each other.

Question 13

How long will the live floral arrangements be on display?

Accepted Answer

The floral arrangements are on display beginning at First Bloom on June 18th through Sunday, June 21st at 4pm. 
Because these are living arrangements, we encourage you to see them as early as possible for the freshest experience!

Question 14

Is the gallery wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no — our gallery is only accessible via stairs at this time. There are three steps to enter our front entrance and 13 steps to reach the gallery on the third floor. Our elevator has been non-functional since Hurricane Helene, and we are actively working with our building owner, insurance, and FEMA to restore it. 
We deeply regret that this will prevent some visitors from experiencing the exhibit this year, and we are committed to resolving this as quickly as possible. 
Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Question 15

Are the gardens on the tour accessible for people with mobility limitations?

Accepted Answer

Because the gardens are private homes and personal spaces, we are unable to guarantee accessibility for all locations. We will do our best to note which gardens are accessible or have limited accessibility on your tour map. 
If you have specific questions or needs, please reach out to us before the event and we'll do our best to help you plan your visit.

Question 16

What workshops are available and how do I register?

Accepted Answer

This year's Art in Bloom workshops include An Artful Journey: The Garden Edition with Julianna Caro (June 26th, $25) and Mosaic Mushrooms with Michelle Bettencourt (June 13th–14th, $100, supplies included). 
You can register for each workshop by completing the registration form linked on the Art in Bloom page and submitting your tuition payment.

Question 17

Do I need prior experience for the Mosaic Mushrooms workshop?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! Whether you're completely new to mosaics or have dabbled before, this workshop is designed to support you every step of the way. All supplies are included, and you'll leave with two finished mosaic mushrooms ready for your garden.

Question 18

Are workshops included in the ticket price?

Accepted Answer

No — workshops are separate from event tickets and require their own registration and tuition payment.

Question 19

How do I become a sponsor?

Accepted Answer

We'd love to have you! Please reach out to us at associatedirector@blackmountainarts.org to learn about sponsorship opportunities and how your business can be featured across Art in Bloom's marketing and materials

Question 20

How can I volunteer as a Garden Guide or Gallery Docent?

Accepted Answer

We'd love your help! Click the volunteer sign-up link on our website to browse available shifts and choose what works for you. A staff member will follow up via email with details. 
All volunteers are invited to an orientation gathering on June 15th at 5:30pm — a great way to meet fellow volunteers and get all the info you need.

Question 21

Can I donate if I can't attend in person?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Art in Bloom is our biggest annual fundraiser, and donations are always welcome and deeply appreciated. You can give using the donate button at the bottom of this page or the donate button in the header of our website. Every contribution helps us continue bringing arts programming to the Swannanoa Valley.

Question 22

Is Art in Bloom family-friendly?

Accepted Answer

It can be a wonderful experience for families! We ask that young visitors remain with adults at all times, especially in the gallery. As with any art exhibit, we ask that all visitors — young and old — refrain from touching the artwork or arrangements, and help maintain a calm and respectful environment for everyone.

Question 23

How does attending Art in Bloom support the community?

Accepted Answer

Art in Bloom is our largest annual fundraising event, typically representing 6–8% of our total annual budget. The revenue generated allows the Black Mountain Center for the Arts to continue offering accessible, low-cost arts programming to the Swannanoa Valley — from classes and workshops to gallery exhibitions and theatre productions. 
Your ticket purchase, donation, or artwork purchase directly supports working artists and the creative life of our community. 
Thank you!

FAQs

Frequently asked questions