Fundraiser Features Paintings Paired with Artistic Floral Arrangements

Already popular in many major cities throughout the United States, “Art in Bloom” finally comes to North Fulton, as the (JCAC) and the Southeastern Horticultural Society present the area’s inaugural event on Friday, April 29, through Monday, May 2.  

“Art in Bloom” is geared toward amateur artists, art aficionados, fans of flowers and families alike and follows the concept—established more than 30 years ago by Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts—of pairing the art of floral design with two-dimensional art pieces. According to Gail Hisle, JCAC’s executive director, floral designers select an artist from the 40 chosen by the JCAC’s Art Guild & Board and make their own interpretation of the artist’s painting using flowers. In other words, the arrangements are floral representations of the paintings, whether the paintings are still life, landscapes, portraits or even abstracts. From local Georgia painters like Ann Jackson to artists of worldwide fame like Dr. Seuss, there is plenty of talent from which to choose.

Hisle says, “There is great diversity amongst the artists. There are 40 locally renowned artists from Roswell and Buckhead art galleries. If you go to the web site, you will see names of artists that will have work hanging at the show like Ford Smith, Patrick Taylor and Bob Ichter. Many well-known, nationally recognized, local artists.”

A fundraiser for the JCAC, “Art in Bloom” features a four-day-weekend full of events and exhibits, such as flower design demonstrations, painting workshops and workshops in jewelry making, using natural florae and silver. Hisle says that in order for a fundraiser to be effective, it has to be something people will enjoy. She expects that this event will draw in artists from outside of Georgia who wish to take workshops by the much sought-after instructors. She also expects hundreds to thousands of people to visit the exhibit, family day and Art in Bloom Shop. And if all goes well, the event will become an annual one.

“Art in Bloom” kicks off with a Preview Gala, on Friday, April 29, from 7 to 11 p.m. The gala, held at Gallery Events, 10700 State Bridge Rd., includes cocktails and music and features guest Vince Dooley, author of Vince Dooley’s Garden—A Horticultural Journey of a Football Coach. Tickets for the event cost $75 each.

Saturday, April 30, through Monday, May 2, feature the “Art in Bloom” exhibit that is open to the public. Tickets cost $12 each to view the fine art and fresh flowers pairings, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (open at noon on Sunday). Also, Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is the free Family Day, which offers special art activities for the kids—many utilizing flowers—including Build-a-Flower Box project, sponsored by Home Depot. Additionally, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday boasts the Art in Bloom Shop featuring vendors with all types of merchandise such as arts, crafts, jewelry and more, created by local artists. The exhibit, Family Day and Shop take place at Gallery Events Johns Creek, 10700 State Bridge Rd.

Also on Saturday, April 30, through Monday, May 2, there are a variety of art workshops and lectures ranging in price from $45 to $220. These events take place at the Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd., Bldg. 700.

For more information, to sign up for workshops or to purchase tickets for the gala and/or exhibit, visit johnscreekarts.org or call 770-623-8448.