It’s back. Tonight through Sunday, experience all the beauty and imagination of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ 12th Fine Arts and Flowers.
Throughout its five-day run at the museum, The Council of VMFA invites you to experience artistic flower arrangements inspired by of some of the museum’s masterpieces. The inspiring floral designs have been conceived and executed by floral designers from more than 50 garden club chapters across Virginia.
The event kicks off with a gala tonight, and in addition to the exhibition, the event includes two lectures, a flower arranging class, a fashion show, docent tours, an edible flower tasting and a lunch and brunch. There are fees for these offerings, but admission to the exhibition and galleries are free.
Two internationally known speakers will delight. Both have connections to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Designer Ian Prosser of Botanica, whose lecture will begins at 10 a.m. on Thursday, was floral designer for both Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush’s inaugural celebrations. He’s also designed flowers for clients as diverse as Tom Cruise and Queen Elizabeth.
Laura Dowling, current head floral designer for the White House and leader of Intérieurs et Fleurs, will show off and share her notable French floral techniques. Her talk will start at 10 a.m. on Friday Nov. 7.
The paintings, sculptures and artifacts — from ancient to contemporary — that have been selected for floral interpretation are as varied as the hometowns of the Virginia designers. Take in Fine Arts and Flowers and see how Virginia Smith creates an arrangement inspired by a geometric amphora from Athens, Jean Fender interprets “Bacchante and Infant Fawn” by Frederick MacMonnies, and Madeline Mayhood enhances “Her Sunday Shawl” by Robert Henri.
Having attended Fine Arts and Flowers many times before, trust me when I say you will see works from the VMFA’s collection in whole new ways. Both art forms enhance each other wonderfully.
