MINNEAPOLIS, APRIL 6, 2015–The Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) celebrates spring with Art in Bloom, an event that fills the museum with thousands of flowers to provide visitors an opportunity to experience the museum’s timeless art in a fresh way. Presented by the Friends of the Institute and now in its 32nd year, Art in Bloom showcases more than 160 floral displays inspired by works of art in the MIA’s collection. The event is the MIA’s most popular fundraiser, drawing nearly 40,000 visitors last year. General admission to Art in Bloom is free, with ticketed events held to further enrich visitors’ experience. Art in Bloom is on view April 30 – May 3, 2015.
During Art in Bloom, the MIA welcomes distinguished speakers to participate in lectures and demonstrations. On Thursday, Dean Norton, the Director of Horticulture at Mount Vernon offers an insider’s look at the gardening world of George Washington in his lecture “Welcome Home, George Washington.” Mount Vernon preserves the most accurate 18th century gardens and landscapes in America. Other events include “Classical Design with Wildly Beautiful Organic Materials,” a demonstration by Manhattan’s celebrated florist to the stars Emily Thompson; a demonstration “The Slow Flower Movement—From the Field to the Vase” and a hands-on floral workshop led by award-winning author and outdoor living expert Debra Prinzing; and world-renowned scientist and bee expert Dr. Marla Spivak’s lecture “State of the Bees.”
In addition to demonstrations, Art in Bloom also offers “Flowers After Hours,” an evening event with music, cocktails, flowers, and socializing on Thursday, April 30; a family event including storytelling, crafts and prizes on Saturday, May 2; and the Art in Bloom Pop-up Garden Shop, which is newly located in the Wells Fargo Room, near the museum’s first floor lobby.
The ticketed lectures, demonstrations, and luncheons, as well as sales from the Art in Bloom Pop-up Shop, fund Friends of the Institute initiatives to bring more than 81,000 schoolchildren to the museum each year and provide nearly 93,000 pre-K through grade 12 students with opportunities to participate in unique art education experiences. Visit artsmia.org/art-in-bloom-2015/ for the 2015 Art in Bloom program and to reserve event tickets.
Lead Sponsor: Bachman’s Honorary Chairs: Teresa Pfister and Joan T. Smith
Generous support provided by Gabberts Design Studio & Fine Furniture, Lakewood Cemetery, Martha Head, Nordic Ware, SpartanNash, Lucy and Bob Mitchell, and Tom and Lynn Schaefer.
Additional support provided by E.M. Birt, Edina Eye Physicians & Surgeons, Olson Law Firm, Caldrea, Helen W. Leslie, Mary Grau, Patty and Sam McCullough, D’Amico Catering, Acendas, Len Busch Roses, Susan Arndt, JeanMarie Burtness, Pamela Friedland, Julie Holland, Katie Remole, Connie Sommers, Arna Yetter, Maxine Wallin, B.T. McElrath Chocolatier, and Prism Research.
Media Partner: OUTFRONT Media
ABOUT THE MINNEAPOLIS INSTITUTE OF ARTS
Home to over 87,000 works of art representing 5,000 years of world history, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) inspires wonder, spurs creativity, and nourishes the imagination. With extraordinary exhibitions and one of the finest wide-ranging art collections in the country—Rembrandt to van Gogh, Monet to Matisse, Asian to African—the MIA links the past to the present, enables global conversations, and offers an exceptional setting for inspiration.
General admission to the MIA is always free. Some special exhibitions have a nominal admission fee.
Museum hours: Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Monday closed. For more information, call (612) 870-3000 or visit artsmia.org.