The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) will celebrate the arrival of spring at its perennial Art in Bloom festival, during which talented volunteer and commercial floral artists will interpret artworks in the collection. Presented by Friends of the Institute and now in its 35th year, Art in Bloom takes place April 26–29, 2018. The four-day festival will showcase 165 fresh floral arrangements inspired by works of art in Mia’s collection and more than a dozen large-scale installations by Twin Cities florists throughout the museum.
Highlights this year include speakers, parties, a spring-themed fashion show, hands-on floral workshops, family activities, and a mixology class. Art in Bloom is Mia’s most popular fundraiser, last year drawing a record-breaking 50,000 visitors.
This festive rite of spring kicks off to the public with Flowers After Hours on Thursday, April 26, 5:30–9 p.m. Jason DeRusha of WCCO will host a fashion show of floral couture. The evening also offers a first look at the art-inspired floral works—with free admission and refreshments for sale.
Friday, April 27, brings the dazzling Art in Bloom Fashion Show and Formal Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. After gathering with a Champagne social, guests will enjoy a spring-trends fashion show presented by Galleria Edina and independent designers, with commentary by stylist Grant Whittaker. A multi-course French meal in the spirit of Julia Child follows. Tickets are $85.
Mia continues its tradition of inviting distinguished speakers to lead lectures and demonstrations during Art in Bloom. Tickets are $25. This year’s speakers include:

• Eric Haskell, PhD, Scripps College (Claremont, CA), presenting “Parterres of Perfection: The French Formal Garden and Its Lasting Influence” on Thursday, April 26, 10 a.m. Haskell, knighted twice by the French government, will discuss France’s greatest contribution to garden history: the French formal garden and its migration across Europe, all the way to America.
• Designer and author Steven Stolman, presenting “Confessions of a Serial Entertainer” and his eponymous book on Friday, April 27, 10 a.m. Stolman is a consummate host who loves a good party—from his own cocktail parties to galas. Attendees will be inspired by his self-deprecating humor and common-sense good taste. Twin Cities floral designer Mickey O’Kane will provide the floral accoutrements to complement Stolman’s tablescapes.

Other programming includes special events, tours, workshops, and the Art in Bloom Shop, located in Cargill Gallery, next to General Mills Lobby.

• Master Class: Creating French Garden Gathered Bouquets—Thursday, April 26, 2 p.m. Tickets: $75, materials included.
• Mixology Workshop: Art et Boisson (Art & Drinking)—Thursday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $75, ingredients, materials, and light appetizers included.
• Friday Night Live—Friday, April 27, 5:30–9 p.m.—with viewing of floral displays, cash bar, and a musical surprise by the Minnesota Opera. Free admission.
• Make-and-Take Workshop: Parisian Wreath from the City of Love—Friday, April 27, 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $30, materials included.
• Art in Bloom Family Event—Saturday, April 28, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. With actors’ storytelling of David Small’s book Imogene’s Antlers, face-painting, crafts, chalk-art demonstrations, and more. Free admission.
• Complimentary 45-minute docent tours of floral displays will take place throughout Art in Bloom. For a tour schedule, click here.

Proceeds from the ticketed lectures, demonstrations, and luncheons, as well as sales from the Art in Bloom Shop, provide the Friends of the Institute with funds to bring more than 81,000 school-aged children to the museum each year, and provide off-site arts education to nearly 93,000 pre-K–Grade 12 students.
Visit the Art in Bloom page on Mia’s website for the complete 2018 Art in Bloom program and ticket information. General admission to Art in Bloom is free.
Lead Sponsors: Bachman’s and Thymes
Honorary Chair: Nicolai Lewis
Sponsors: SeaChange Print Innovations, Martha Head, Tom and Lynn Schaefer Charitable Trust, Len Busch Roses, Lakewood Cemetery, Galleria Edina, Samuel and Patricia McCullough, Presbyterian Homes & Services, Jester Concepts, and the McQuinn and Arndt Families
Additional generous support: Acendas Travel, Mary Grau, Steve Havig/Lakes Area Realty, Minnesota Opera, Christine Salmen, Bob and Barbara Scott, the Wallin Family, the League of Catholic Women