Art in Bloom blossoms with floral exhibit

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts Upper Gallery transforms into colorful bouquet of art

Jessica Klarp
Guest contributor
The Valley Echo
July 5, 2021

A vessel created by Joel Hunnicut, on loan from Ariel Gallery, was interpreted by floral designer Lynn Powell Forbes in the 2019 Art in Bloom Preview Party. Photo courtesy of Joye Ardyn Durham

Once a year the Black Mountain Center for the Arts transforms the upper level of the historic old City Hall into a feast for the eyes. The process began last week when Art in Bloom opened with the Regional Galleries Exhibit in the Upper Gallery and the adjoining rooms.

Twenty works by talented, established artists, and selected from some of the finest galleries in the region, were chosen with inspiration in mind. Twenty floral designers, some of whom have been participating in this event for the past 15 years, have each been assigned one of the artworks and will interpret that work in flowers, Thursday, July 8. 

Half of the designers are from the Ikebana tradition of Japanese floral arranging, representing a variety of schools of practice, and half are from the western style of floral design, many are, or have been, professional florists.

“It's a compelling challenge,” said Sally Wheeler of interpreting artwork with flowers, “and one I relish.” 

Wheeler is a western-style floral designer who has been participating in the nonprofit organization’s Art in Bloom fundraiser since its inception. 

“I feel I must dive deeply into my visual subconscious even from the onset of choosing the art pieces to work from. Which ones move me? How do I relate to it? What might the artist be saying through their piece?” she said. “After I've received my assignment the real work begins. It often involves the middle of the night dream work to ‘see’ what I will try to create.”

Art in Bloom is the Black Mountain Center for the Arts’ most anticipated fundraiser. Proceeds from the event help support the vibrant arts organization which was hard hit by the pandemic. With events such as concerts, theater and fundraisers on hold for more than a year due to distancing limitations now slowly restarting, it is more important than ever to support the arts through purchasing a ticket or participating in a workshop associated with Art in Bloom.

The beauty on display and the sense of community the event fosters makes Art in Bloom  a tradition for participants and supporters. Though the event stretches over two months, the crux of the celebration and activity takes place on July 8, 9 and 10.

On Thursday, July 8, the floral designers unload buckets of flowers and position precious containers in front of their art work early in the morning. By the afternoon the Upper Level is filled with spectacular floral designs and the Arts Center is all set up for a big Preview Party, this year being held on its three outdoor decks. 

The event starts at 5 p.m. and will be catered by The Veranda Cafe. Award-winning Celtic harpist Sue Richards will be playing just outside the gallery creating an atmosphere of gentility suitable for the floral displays and lovely artwork. 

Tickets for the Art in Bloom Preview Part are $35, and include hors d'oeuvres and drinks.

Floral designs will be available for viewing the following day for $5 or as part of the six-garden self-guided Art in Bloom Local Garden Tour ($25). There are also workshops all month long that focus on flower related themes.

An everything pass for $50 includes Preview Party and Garden Tour for one discounted price.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit blackmountainarts.org/artinbloom. The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is located at 225 West State Street.