The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) is excited to announce the spring return of its bi-annual celebration of art and floral design, Art in Bloom (March 22 - 24, 2019). The one-weekend-only exhibition and competition presents the work of talented floral designers from across West Michigan.

Art in Bloom celebrates the arrival of spring at GRAM by inviting the region's floral designers to create thought-provoking and elegantly crafted arrangements, all inspired by works in the Museum's collection. The floral designs emphasize, challenge, and build upon elements and concepts within a selected work of art, creating a dialogue between the two works. The floral designs will be presented alongside the artwork in GRAM’s Level 3 galleries.

"We're thrilled for the return of Art in Bloom to the Grand Rapids Art Museum," commented GRAM Communications Manager Elizabeth Payne. "See the first signs of spring at GRAM and experience the Museum's art collection alongside the creativity and talent of our region's floral professionals."

The 2019 Art in Bloom line-up features 17 floral designers and their interpretation of 17 works from the Museum's collection on view—ranging from Robert Rauschenberg's Sterling/Whirl to Hans Arp's La Sainte de la Lisiere.

A panel comprised of floral and art experts and members of the Grand Rapids creative community will select the Juried Winner, which will be announced at the opening reception of Art in Bloom on Friday, March 22. Visitors can cast a vote for their favorite floral arrangement for the selection of the People’s Choice Award, to be announced on Sunday, March 24 at 2 pm.

The three-day exhibition and competition include a full floral-focused schedule of events throughout the Museum.

Schedule of Events

Friday, March 22  6 pm – 9 pm: Art in Bloom Opening Reception and People’s Choice Award voting begins 6:45 pm – 9 pm: Creativity Uncorked: Wall Flowers 7 pm: Juried Winner announcement 

Saturday, March 23  10 am – 5 pm: Galleries open  and People’s Choice Award voting continues 10:30 am  – 11:30 am: Little Member Morning 11 am – 12 pm:  Drop-in Tour: Art in Bloom led by  GRAM Assistant Curator and Floral Designer 12:30 – 3:30 pm: Adult Workshop: Crepe Paper Flowers 1  pm – 4  pm: Drop-in  Studio: Pixel Pictures

Sunday, March 24  11 am – 12 pm: Art  Social: Art in Bloom 12 pm: Galleries open and People’s Choice Award voting continues 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Adult Workshop: Crepe Paper Flowers 2 pm: People’s Choice Award Announcement 2 pm – 3 pm: Sunday Classical Concert Series: DeVos String Quartet

Support for Art in Bloom is generously provided by Karl and Patricia Betz, Gregg and Rajene Betz, Kimberly and David Moorhead, Janet Gatherer Boyles and John Boyles, Patricia and Charles Bloom, Reagan Marketing + Design, LLC, West Michigan Master Gardeners Association, and Holland Litho Printing Service.