WMA celebrates 35th anniversary during Art in Bloom
Last week Wiregrass Museum of Art (WMA) celebrated its 35th anniversary with Art in Bloom, a three-day celebration of creativity in the Wiregrass region through 12 innovative floral and object displays inspired by works from WMA’s Permanent Collection.
Art in Bloom began on Thursday, February 2nd with an evening reception to honor the works from the Permanent Collection and the creatives behind the unique arrangements. Participants included the Eureka Legacy Foundation, Dothan Montessori School, Rachel Barrentine, Lisa Bedsole, Margo Black, Amy Cooper, Jennifer Donaldson, Maggie and Kat Dulac, Ann Hart, Robin Johnston, Alberta Sanders Keener, and Calencia Perry. The night was filled with laughter and curiosity as participants connected with the community over art, drinks, food, and live classical music. Guests who attended the event got a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with the Permanent Collection in a new way.
The following afternoon, Art in Bloom continued with a Visiting Artist Workshop: Floristry Unbound with Holly Carlisle on Friday, February 3rd. Holly is a Birmingham based floral designer and visual artist who taught workshop students “The Birmingham Style,” a singular style of floral arranging characterized by the juxtaposition of traditional Japanese and British flower arranging philosophies and techniques. Students walked away with a seasonal arrangement to display in their home, a better knowledge of “The Birmingham Style,” and plenty of tips to make everyday floral arranging all the more memorable.
Finally, on Saturday, February 4th, WMA hosted its longest running program First Saturday Family Day with a special floral art activity in honor of Art in Bloom. Over 130 people joined us in the studio and created their own floral collage. First Saturday Family Day is supported by a grant from Southeast Alabama Community Foundation.
Smiles filled the galleries as many families and groups toured over three days to get a look at the arrangements, even voting for their favorites. This year’s People’s Choice winner was Calencia Perry. This three day event brought together over 400 members of the Wiregrass region and beyond. As we conclude the celebrations of WMA’s 35th anniversary this Spring, we want to say thank you for the continued support as we look ahead to the next 35 years and many more years of Art in Bloom.
