Wallflowers: Art in Bloom at the North Carolina Museum of Art

Dutch Flower Painting at the NCMA

I think it took less than three seconds to say YES! to the invite. A dear friend recently called to see if I would be interested in seeing the Art in Bloom exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Although I’d heard of exhibits like this, I had never actually attended one, so this felt like the perfect way to herald in the 2022 spring season–especially since it involved a visit to one of my favorite museums and a road trip!  

NC Museum of Art

I love the NCMA for sooo many reasons. Let me count the ways…..

First, there is the museum campus. The museum sits on an impressive 164 acre park embedded with 30 site-specific sculptures inspired by the natural world, as well as an amphitheater, a pond and miles of trails that connect to local green ways. So it is the perfect place to lose yourself in both art and nature. Or have a picnic. Or just walk—you could literally walk for days here.

Of course, I also love the museum for its collection which spans over 5000 years of artistic history. There is literally something for everyone–which is why they call it the People’s Collection. The range and depth of representation is truly amazing for a museum of its size.

I also love the intimate gallery spaces. You can really get up close and personal with the works here. They have one of my favorite Wyeth paintings (Winter, 1946) and you can get close enough to see each and every blade of grass and brushstroke. (There is glass over the top which is why you see that awful reflective line down the middle of the pic! ugh! Sorry, it’s really stunning in person!)

Winter, 1946 by Andrew Wyeth

Here is another one of my favorite pieces in the collection.

The Garden Parasol, by Frederick Carl Frieseke

If you are interested in knowing more about the collection here is a link to the galleries. Oh, and if you are into podcasts, be sure to check out Art Curious, hosted by Jennifer Dasal the museum’s Associate Curator of Contemporary Art .

Art in Bloom

I am happy to report that the Art In Bloom exhibit did not disappoint. I was, in fact breathtaking—especially given the intimacy of the gallery space. Every corner I turned brought something new and exciting into view.

The exhibit featured over 40 arrangements interpreting works from the People’s Collection, combined with huge intermittent pedestals that highlighted the colors and plants of various countries around the world, like Mexico, Africa, & India.

Here is Costa Rica. The sheer scale of it made me feel like a butterfly.

And this charming arrangement represents India & its vibrant culinary spices.

So, in case you are wondering, the designers get assigned to their works through a lottery system. Of course, some choose to interpret literally and others abstactly, which is what made it so fun.  I would be hard pressed to choose a favorite, but there were some definite stand-outs.  What follows is just a small sampling of highlights. I will start with some of my favorite literal interpretations:

Isn’t it great how the designer used the vase in this more literal piece? Such fun!

What I loved about this literal interpretation was that when you walked around the back side of the arrangement you felt like you were looking through the back of the painting!

Here is another great literal interpretation. I love that the designer’s description says:

“It’s pleasantly antithetical to use flowers, one of the oldest signs of life and rejuvenation, to depict a boat trip to the land of the dead.”

Several designers were there to discuss their work and it was such a thrill to get the inside scoop. This designer, a former docent, explained that the artist, Sir Thomas Lawrence was a self-taught child prodigy at the age of four, who supported his birth family of 12!

Monet as Delphiniums

The Designer’s Choice Award Winner. I love how the grape vine in this piece echos the curls on Miss Miller’s forehead.

This was a favorite. The subtle colors were so perfect, and I totally fell in love with the shadows cast by the flowers.

And speaking of shadows—how about this moving piece: Sabbath Lamp. The designer writes:

“Inspired by the shadows and textures this lantern emits, I wanted to honor this piece’s significant past by presenting a celebration of light and resilience.”

So those are just a few of my favorites. I can’t wait to go back next year, and in the meantime, I’ll be sure to attend as many floral exhibits as I can find. I would love to hear any recommendations for shows in the comments below! Or just tell me about your favorite arrangement. Do you prefer the abstract of literal interpretations? I would love to know!