Magnificent floral interpretations of great works of art will be on view throughout the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), during the 32nd annual Art in Bloom festival of flowers and fine art at the MFA from April 26–29, 2008.
Colorful arrangements, uniquely styled to reflect the spirit of the Museum's works of art, will transform the MFA's galleries and public spaces into spectacular springtime oases. Conceived by the MFAin 1976 and now replicated throughout the country, Art in Bloom brings approximately 62 New England garden clubs together, along with professional designers, during this annual event to create 80 vibrant floral displays. This year, inventive arrangements of fresh flowers complememany works from the MFA's encyclopedic collection, including paintings by Gauguin, Copley, and Sargent, as well as sculpture from ancient Rome and Egypt.
Art in Bloom kicks off Saturday, April 26, with a family day, followed by an elegant evening Opening Celebration party. Lively programs—hands-on demonstrations, lectures, master classes, and free guided tours—will take place from Sunday, April 27, through Tuesday, A29. During Art in Bloom, the MFA is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. In addition, on Monday, April 28, the Museum will host a special evening Open House from 5 to 9 p.m. Art in Bloom is generously supported by Nordstrom, and co-sponsored by Staples, Inc. The annual event is organized by the Museum's volunteer group, the
MFA Associates. Proceeds benefit programs that enhance the visitor experience, including: funding the annual Memorial Day Community Open House, grants to Museum departments, and scholarships to students at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts; and providing better tools for visitors to navigate and learn while at the Museum.
This year's Art in Bloom features floral renderings of works ranging from ancient Egyptian sculpture and Greek decorative arts, to European and American paintings, as well as musical instruments. Of special note are interpretations of several MFA masterpieces, including: Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? (1897–1898) by Paul Gauguin; Watson and the Shark (1778) by John Singleton Copley; and Head of an Arab (about 1891) by John Singer Sargent.
Other interpreted works include: the Egyptian sculpture Mentuhotep III asOsiris, re-inscribed for King Merenptah (Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 11); the Greek offering vessel Libation bowl (about 625–600 B.C.); the Roman sculpture Fountain basin with a reclining river god (A.D. 98–138); the musical instrument Mandolin (1895–1900) by Icilio Consalvi, and the exquisite hand scroll, Profusion of flowers (18th century) by Qian Weicheng, which also serves as the signature image for this year's event. In addition, this is the first year that the MFA's Teen Arts Council (TAC) is participating in Art in Bloom. (The Teen Arts Council is a group of teenagers engaged in a year-long apprenticeship that encourages a connection between the MFA and Greater Boston.)
"The MFA Associates work year round and take great pride in creating this exquisite annual gift for New England and the Museum community," said Marsha Lamson, chair of Art in Bloom 2008 and a member of the MFA Associates. "We are especially delighted this year about the range of activities and the featured lecturers from New York City, Oslo, and Tokyo, who are well known for their innovative floral designs." -- www.mfa.org
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