A few weeks ago, I headed up to the Portland Museum of Art (PMA) in Portland, Maine. They were hosting their second annual "Art in Bloom." This is an event that many museums host, where local florists and garden clubs are challenged to create floral designs inspired by specific works of art in the museum. We took a docent-led tour of the Art in Bloom installation and it was fascinating for two major reasons:
- The docent really wanted us to give our opinions about whether or not the floral arrangements "worked." There was a lot of disagreement in the crowd, which was interesting.
- The docent shared some of the parameters of the challenge with us: (1) Floral artists get to choose from a list of works. Every single artist received their first choice this year. (2) Water is not allowed in any of the containers, so the florists have to refresh the arrangements every day — sometimes more than once a day. Also: fresh flowers in Maine in February.
Take a peek at the arrangements and see if you think they "work."
I like Art in Bloom as a concept for several reasons:
- It forces me to look at artwork for a much longer time than I normally would and really consider how it was put together — or what elements are most vital to its composition.
- It makes me think about what "inspiration" really is. Should the arrangements be a copy of the original work of art? Is a response to the work rather than an imitation okay? Are the flowers meant to tell a story or simply mimic the visuals?
- It forces me to think of floral arrangements as a form of artistic expression. How obvious and yet how overlooked.
- I love seeing flowers in the museum!
I will say that Portland's Art in Bloom was not quite as impressive as the Museum of Fine Arts (2017, 2018) here in Boston. It was smaller in scale, but I also thought the floral arrangements were lacking in imagination in many instances. Nonetheless, a very enjoyable afternoon that I'm delighted to share with you!
Thanks for stopping by!
This is so lovely … I just Googled to see if there were any similar shows here in my neck of the woods, so glad you shared and was fascinated by the concept and the results! I have to so though, I cringed at your comments comparing Portland to Boston … I mean it makes sense it wouldn’t be as impressive and esp at the “the floral arrangements lacking in imagination”. I guess that is why I don’t show my art work to anyone, I would terrified of comparisions as art is such an abstract thing …. then there is the other side of the coin, criticism helps us grow. Hard to say, but I am excited to see an exhibit such as this!
This is so lovely … I just Googled to see if there were any similar shows here in my neck of the woods, so glad you shared and was fascinated by the concept and the results! I have to so though, I cringed at your comments comparing Portland to Boston … I mean it makes sense it wouldn’t be as impressive and esp at the “the floral arrangements lacking in imagination”. I guess that is why I don’t show my art work to anyone, I would terrified of comparisions as art is such an abstract thing …. then there is the other side of the coin, criticism helps us grow. Hard to say, but I am excited to see an exhibit such as this!
This is so lovely … I just Googled to see if there were any similar shows here in my neck of the woods, so glad you shared and was fascinated by the concept and the results! I have to so though, I cringed at your comments comparing Portland to Boston … I mean it makes sense it wouldn’t be as impressive and esp at the “the floral arrangements lacking in imagination”. I guess that is why I don’t show my art work to anyone, I would terrified of comparisions as art is such an abstract thing …. then there is the other side of the coin, criticism helps us grow. Hard to say, but I am excited to see an exhibit such as this!
This is so lovely … I just Googled to see if there were any similar shows here in my neck of the woods, so glad you shared and was fascinated by the concept and the results! I have to so though, I cringed at your comments comparing Portland to Boston … I mean it makes sense it wouldn’t be as impressive and esp at the “the floral arrangements lacking in imagination”. I guess that is why I don’t show my art work to anyone, I would terrified of comparisions as art is such an abstract thing …. then there is the other side of the coin, criticism helps us grow. Hard to say, but I am excited to see an exhibit such as this!
This is so lovely … I just Googled to see if there were any similar shows here in my neck of the woods, so glad you shared and was fascinated by the concept and the results! I have to so though, I cringed at your comments comparing Portland to Boston … I mean it makes sense it wouldn’t be as impressive and esp at the “the floral arrangements lacking in imagination”. I guess that is why I don’t show my art work to anyone, I would terrified of comparisions as art is such an abstract thing …. then there is the other side of the coin, criticism helps us grow. Hard to say, but I am excited to see an exhibit such as this!
This is so lovely … I just Googled to see if there were any similar shows here in my neck of the woods, so glad you shared and was fascinated by the concept and the results! I have to so though, I cringed at your comments comparing Portland to Boston … I mean it makes sense it wouldn’t be as impressive and esp at the “the floral arrangements lacking in imagination”. I guess that is why I don’t show my art work to anyone, I would terrified of comparisions as art is such an abstract thing …. then there is the other side of the coin, criticism helps us grow. Hard to say, but I am excited to see an exhibit such as this!
This is so lovely … I just Googled to see if there were any similar shows here in my neck of the woods, so glad you shared and was fascinated by the concept and the results! I have to so though, I cringed at your comments comparing Portland to Boston … I mean it makes sense it wouldn’t be as impressive and esp at the “the floral arrangements lacking in imagination”. I guess that is why I don’t show my art work to anyone, I would terrified of comparisions as art is such an abstract thing …. then there is the other side of the coin, criticism helps us grow. Hard to say, but I am excited to see an exhibit such as this!
Thanks for sharing this! What an awesome idea! I don’t think I ve ever seen any exhibition like this here in Sweden.
Loved the second and the third ones btw
Thanks for sharing this! What an awesome idea! I don’t think I ve ever seen any exhibition like this here in Sweden.
Loved the second and the third ones btw
Thanks for sharing this! What an awesome idea! I don’t think I ve ever seen any exhibition like this here in Sweden.
Loved the second and the third ones btw
Thanks for sharing this! What an awesome idea! I don’t think I ve ever seen any exhibition like this here in Sweden.
Loved the second and the third ones btw
Thanks for sharing this! What an awesome idea! I don’t think I ve ever seen any exhibition like this here in Sweden.
Loved the second and the third ones btw
Thanks for sharing this! What an awesome idea! I don’t think I ve ever seen any exhibition like this here in Sweden.
Loved the second and the third ones btw
Thanks for sharing this! What an awesome idea! I don’t think I ve ever seen any exhibition like this here in Sweden.
Loved the second and the third ones btw
My son and I will be seeing the Art in Bloom exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum this Sunday. Can’t wait, as it never disappoints. In the past, there have been arrangements that represented sculptures, furniture and costumes as well as paintings. And I agree–lots of flowers all over the museum in February/March just makes me happy!
My son and I will be seeing the Art in Bloom exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum this Sunday. Can’t wait, as it never disappoints. In the past, there have been arrangements that represented sculptures, furniture and costumes as well as paintings. And I agree–lots of flowers all over the museum in February/March just makes me happy!
My son and I will be seeing the Art in Bloom exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum this Sunday. Can’t wait, as it never disappoints. In the past, there have been arrangements that represented sculptures, furniture and costumes as well as paintings. And I agree–lots of flowers all over the museum in February/March just makes me happy!
My son and I will be seeing the Art in Bloom exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum this Sunday. Can’t wait, as it never disappoints. In the past, there have been arrangements that represented sculptures, furniture and costumes as well as paintings. And I agree–lots of flowers all over the museum in February/March just makes me happy!
My son and I will be seeing the Art in Bloom exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum this Sunday. Can’t wait, as it never disappoints. In the past, there have been arrangements that represented sculptures, furniture and costumes as well as paintings. And I agree–lots of flowers all over the museum in February/March just makes me happy!
My son and I will be seeing the Art in Bloom exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum this Sunday. Can’t wait, as it never disappoints. In the past, there have been arrangements that represented sculptures, furniture and costumes as well as paintings. And I agree–lots of flowers all over the museum in February/March just makes me happy!
My son and I will be seeing the Art in Bloom exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum this Sunday. Can’t wait, as it never disappoints. In the past, there have been arrangements that represented sculptures, furniture and costumes as well as paintings. And I agree–lots of flowers all over the museum in February/March just makes me happy!
Kim,
criticism can be hard. i think comments are often more constructive, as can questions. critics are “supposed” to be judgemental, but they can’t read artists’ minds. you know your work best. my Mom is an artist, i am a crafter. i see no need to criticize, my comments are more along the lines of “this speaks to me” and “these colors!” if i don’t care for something, i don’t need to comment.
Kim,
criticism can be hard. i think comments are often more constructive, as can questions. critics are “supposed” to be judgemental, but they can’t read artists’ minds. you know your work best. my Mom is an artist, i am a crafter. i see no need to criticize, my comments are more along the lines of “this speaks to me” and “these colors!” if i don’t care for something, i don’t need to comment.
Kim,
criticism can be hard. i think comments are often more constructive, as can questions. critics are “supposed” to be judgemental, but they can’t read artists’ minds. you know your work best. my Mom is an artist, i am a crafter. i see no need to criticize, my comments are more along the lines of “this speaks to me” and “these colors!” if i don’t care for something, i don’t need to comment.
Kim,
criticism can be hard. i think comments are often more constructive, as can questions. critics are “supposed” to be judgemental, but they can’t read artists’ minds. you know your work best. my Mom is an artist, i am a crafter. i see no need to criticize, my comments are more along the lines of “this speaks to me” and “these colors!” if i don’t care for something, i don’t need to comment.
Kim,
criticism can be hard. i think comments are often more constructive, as can questions. critics are “supposed” to be judgemental, but they can’t read artists’ minds. you know your work best. my Mom is an artist, i am a crafter. i see no need to criticize, my comments are more along the lines of “this speaks to me” and “these colors!” if i don’t care for something, i don’t need to comment.
Kim,
criticism can be hard. i think comments are often more constructive, as can questions. critics are “supposed” to be judgemental, but they can’t read artists’ minds. you know your work best. my Mom is an artist, i am a crafter. i see no need to criticize, my comments are more along the lines of “this speaks to me” and “these colors!” if i don’t care for something, i don’t need to comment.
Kim,
criticism can be hard. i think comments are often more constructive, as can questions. critics are “supposed” to be judgemental, but they can’t read artists’ minds. you know your work best. my Mom is an artist, i am a crafter. i see no need to criticize, my comments are more along the lines of “this speaks to me” and “these colors!” if i don’t care for something, i don’t need to comment.
Considering time of year and location I think silk flowers would have been more appropriate and provide more creative options. The arrangements definitely give insight to the artwork in question, such as paint color, or canvas focal point, or the art’s source of inspiration. In fact, simply asking the question whenever looking at art, “how would I represent this art with flowers?” would allow for the same insight perhaps.
Considering time of year and location I think silk flowers would have been more appropriate and provide more creative options. The arrangements definitely give insight to the artwork in question, such as paint color, or canvas focal point, or the art’s source of inspiration. In fact, simply asking the question whenever looking at art, “how would I represent this art with flowers?” would allow for the same insight perhaps.
Considering time of year and location I think silk flowers would have been more appropriate and provide more creative options. The arrangements definitely give insight to the artwork in question, such as paint color, or canvas focal point, or the art’s source of inspiration. In fact, simply asking the question whenever looking at art, “how would I represent this art with flowers?” would allow for the same insight perhaps.
Considering time of year and location I think silk flowers would have been more appropriate and provide more creative options. The arrangements definitely give insight to the artwork in question, such as paint color, or canvas focal point, or the art’s source of inspiration. In fact, simply asking the question whenever looking at art, “how would I represent this art with flowers?” would allow for the same insight perhaps.
Considering time of year and location I think silk flowers would have been more appropriate and provide more creative options. The arrangements definitely give insight to the artwork in question, such as paint color, or canvas focal point, or the art’s source of inspiration. In fact, simply asking the question whenever looking at art, “how would I represent this art with flowers?” would allow for the same insight perhaps.
Considering time of year and location I think silk flowers would have been more appropriate and provide more creative options. The arrangements definitely give insight to the artwork in question, such as paint color, or canvas focal point, or the art’s source of inspiration. In fact, simply asking the question whenever looking at art, “how would I represent this art with flowers?” would allow for the same insight perhaps.
Considering time of year and location I think silk flowers would have been more appropriate and provide more creative options. The arrangements definitely give insight to the artwork in question, such as paint color, or canvas focal point, or the art’s source of inspiration. In fact, simply asking the question whenever looking at art, “how would I represent this art with flowers?” would allow for the same insight perhaps.
I really like the picture that you did, glad that you shared your trip to the the Museum.
I really like the picture that you did, glad that you shared your trip to the the Museum.
I really like the picture that you did, glad that you shared your trip to the the Museum.
I really like the picture that you did, glad that you shared your trip to the the Museum.
I really like the picture that you did, glad that you shared your trip to the the Museum.
I really like the picture that you did, glad that you shared your trip to the the Museum.
I really like the picture that you did, glad that you shared your trip to the the Museum.
Loved seeing your pictures. I spent 13 years with my own floral shop and would have loved to see these displays in person.
Loved seeing your pictures. I spent 13 years with my own floral shop and would have loved to see these displays in person.
Loved seeing your pictures. I spent 13 years with my own floral shop and would have loved to see these displays in person.
Loved seeing your pictures. I spent 13 years with my own floral shop and would have loved to see these displays in person.
Loved seeing your pictures. I spent 13 years with my own floral shop and would have loved to see these displays in person.
Loved seeing your pictures. I spent 13 years with my own floral shop and would have loved to see these displays in person.
Loved seeing your pictures. I spent 13 years with my own floral shop and would have loved to see these displays in person.