Museum

Art in Bloom 2023: A Vibrant Fusion of Art and Nature at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Spring is in full bloom, and so are the flowers at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) here in Boston. The museum's annual Art in Bloom event returned at the end of April, inviting art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to experience the lovely juxtaposition of art and floral displays.  This is always one of my favorite events of the year.  This year I went with my Mom and my three-year-old.

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In case you don't know what Art in Bloom is: It's a weekend festival that transforms the MFA's galleries into a stunning floral wonderland, with floral designers and garden clubs from across the region carefully crafting breathtaking arrangements inspired by the museum's artworks.  The MFA invented the "Art in Bloom" idea in 1976.  Since then many other museums have taken up the idea (it's a good one) and there might be a museum near you that does it!

Visitors are treated to a sensory experience as they wander through the galleries adorned with imaginative floral interpretations. The captivating aromas of freshly cut blossoms fill the air, while the visual delight of artfully arranged blooms against the backdrop of world-class art stirs the imagination. The juxtaposition of natural elements with centuries-old masterpieces creates a dialogue that transcends time and medium, inviting visitors to see art from a fresh perspective.

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It's also an invitation for selfies galore and just tons of photos in general.  If you see photos without people it's because I either pushed my way to the front of a crowd or I waited for the one perfect moment when no one's head was in my way.

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The main feature of Art in Bloom is the collaboration between floral designers and the museum's curators. Each floral arrangement is carefully placed next to its corresponding artwork, enhancing the aesthetic experience and creating a captivating conversation between the two art forms. And a fun conversation to have with a fellow visitor about how/if the floral arrangement captures the artwork's essence.  There is no other time of the year when strangers are so willing to talk to you!

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Art in Bloom is always a super fun experience. If a museum near you holds an annual "Art in Bloom" festival, be sure to attend.  It's an experience you won't want to miss!  Because these are real blooms, it's always a short exhibit – 3 or 4 days.  So don't miss out!

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Thanks for stopping by!

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Based outside of Boston, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a painter, printmaker, and collage artist who constructs vibrant compositions. Her artwork investigates the interplay of identity and perception, inviting viewers to take a longer look. Julie works in layers, both physically and metaphorically, exploring what is visible and what is concealed. Passionate about connecting with and inspiring other artists, she shares her expertise through in-person workshops and her online classroom at MyArtPractice.com. Julie's achievements include high-profile clients, multiple publications - including her book, “Carve Stamp Play” - and exhibits in New York City and throughout Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Brown University.

42 thoughts on “Art in Bloom 2023: A Vibrant Fusion of Art and Nature at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

  • wow — the floral arrangements are even better than last year & how clever they are to have a paper flower making activity! I love your Georgia O’Keeffe meets Julie Balzer tee shirt.

    Reply
  • wow — the floral arrangements are even better than last year & how clever they are to have a paper flower making activity! I love your Georgia O’Keeffe meets Julie Balzer tee shirt.

    Reply
  • wow — the floral arrangements are even better than last year & how clever they are to have a paper flower making activity! I love your Georgia O’Keeffe meets Julie Balzer tee shirt.

    Reply
  • wow — the floral arrangements are even better than last year & how clever they are to have a paper flower making activity! I love your Georgia O’Keeffe meets Julie Balzer tee shirt.

    Reply
  • wow — the floral arrangements are even better than last year & how clever they are to have a paper flower making activity! I love your Georgia O’Keeffe meets Julie Balzer tee shirt.

    Reply
  • wow — the floral arrangements are even better than last year & how clever they are to have a paper flower making activity! I love your Georgia O’Keeffe meets Julie Balzer tee shirt.

    Reply
  • wow — the floral arrangements are even better than last year & how clever they are to have a paper flower making activity! I love your Georgia O’Keeffe meets Julie Balzer tee shirt.

    Reply
  • what a beautiful exhibit

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  • what a beautiful exhibit

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  • what a beautiful exhibit

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  • what a beautiful exhibit

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  • what a beautiful exhibit

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  • what a beautiful exhibit

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  • what a beautiful exhibit

    Reply
  • I loved this post, Julie. Our Honolulu Museum of Art recently had a flower based art exhibit, but not in this vein. I like the idea of floral works created especially to compliment or having been inspired by specific works. Our local Garden Club also holds a magnificent show at the HOMA, but it’s all flowers, so again, different from this exhibit. COVID killed the last show, so I’m excited it will return this summer. My favorite part is the challenge to the gardeners to create a specific something from only garden materials. In the past it’s been crowns, or jewelery to name a couple. The imagination and results are inspiring and fantastic. Just like you.
    aloha, glee

    Reply
  • I loved this post, Julie. Our Honolulu Museum of Art recently had a flower based art exhibit, but not in this vein. I like the idea of floral works created especially to compliment or having been inspired by specific works. Our local Garden Club also holds a magnificent show at the HOMA, but it’s all flowers, so again, different from this exhibit. COVID killed the last show, so I’m excited it will return this summer. My favorite part is the challenge to the gardeners to create a specific something from only garden materials. In the past it’s been crowns, or jewelery to name a couple. The imagination and results are inspiring and fantastic. Just like you.
    aloha, glee

    Reply
  • I loved this post, Julie. Our Honolulu Museum of Art recently had a flower based art exhibit, but not in this vein. I like the idea of floral works created especially to compliment or having been inspired by specific works. Our local Garden Club also holds a magnificent show at the HOMA, but it’s all flowers, so again, different from this exhibit. COVID killed the last show, so I’m excited it will return this summer. My favorite part is the challenge to the gardeners to create a specific something from only garden materials. In the past it’s been crowns, or jewelery to name a couple. The imagination and results are inspiring and fantastic. Just like you.
    aloha, glee

    Reply
  • I loved this post, Julie. Our Honolulu Museum of Art recently had a flower based art exhibit, but not in this vein. I like the idea of floral works created especially to compliment or having been inspired by specific works. Our local Garden Club also holds a magnificent show at the HOMA, but it’s all flowers, so again, different from this exhibit. COVID killed the last show, so I’m excited it will return this summer. My favorite part is the challenge to the gardeners to create a specific something from only garden materials. In the past it’s been crowns, or jewelery to name a couple. The imagination and results are inspiring and fantastic. Just like you.
    aloha, glee

    Reply
  • I loved this post, Julie. Our Honolulu Museum of Art recently had a flower based art exhibit, but not in this vein. I like the idea of floral works created especially to compliment or having been inspired by specific works. Our local Garden Club also holds a magnificent show at the HOMA, but it’s all flowers, so again, different from this exhibit. COVID killed the last show, so I’m excited it will return this summer. My favorite part is the challenge to the gardeners to create a specific something from only garden materials. In the past it’s been crowns, or jewelery to name a couple. The imagination and results are inspiring and fantastic. Just like you.
    aloha, glee

    Reply
  • I loved this post, Julie. Our Honolulu Museum of Art recently had a flower based art exhibit, but not in this vein. I like the idea of floral works created especially to compliment or having been inspired by specific works. Our local Garden Club also holds a magnificent show at the HOMA, but it’s all flowers, so again, different from this exhibit. COVID killed the last show, so I’m excited it will return this summer. My favorite part is the challenge to the gardeners to create a specific something from only garden materials. In the past it’s been crowns, or jewelery to name a couple. The imagination and results are inspiring and fantastic. Just like you.
    aloha, glee

    Reply
  • I loved this post, Julie. Our Honolulu Museum of Art recently had a flower based art exhibit, but not in this vein. I like the idea of floral works created especially to compliment or having been inspired by specific works. Our local Garden Club also holds a magnificent show at the HOMA, but it’s all flowers, so again, different from this exhibit. COVID killed the last show, so I’m excited it will return this summer. My favorite part is the challenge to the gardeners to create a specific something from only garden materials. In the past it’s been crowns, or jewelery to name a couple. The imagination and results are inspiring and fantastic. Just like you.
    aloha, glee

    Reply
  • The San Diego Museum of Art calls their exhibit “Art Alive.” I went every year when I lived in San Diego. It was magnificent! One year they even had Kenneth Turner there to give a talk. He was inspiring and had a wicked sense of humor. I like how the floral designs at these events make me look at familiar art in a whole new way. Next year I’ll make sure I get up to the MFA for this.

    Reply
  • The San Diego Museum of Art calls their exhibit “Art Alive.” I went every year when I lived in San Diego. It was magnificent! One year they even had Kenneth Turner there to give a talk. He was inspiring and had a wicked sense of humor. I like how the floral designs at these events make me look at familiar art in a whole new way. Next year I’ll make sure I get up to the MFA for this.

    Reply
  • The San Diego Museum of Art calls their exhibit “Art Alive.” I went every year when I lived in San Diego. It was magnificent! One year they even had Kenneth Turner there to give a talk. He was inspiring and had a wicked sense of humor. I like how the floral designs at these events make me look at familiar art in a whole new way. Next year I’ll make sure I get up to the MFA for this.

    Reply
  • The San Diego Museum of Art calls their exhibit “Art Alive.” I went every year when I lived in San Diego. It was magnificent! One year they even had Kenneth Turner there to give a talk. He was inspiring and had a wicked sense of humor. I like how the floral designs at these events make me look at familiar art in a whole new way. Next year I’ll make sure I get up to the MFA for this.

    Reply
  • The San Diego Museum of Art calls their exhibit “Art Alive.” I went every year when I lived in San Diego. It was magnificent! One year they even had Kenneth Turner there to give a talk. He was inspiring and had a wicked sense of humor. I like how the floral designs at these events make me look at familiar art in a whole new way. Next year I’ll make sure I get up to the MFA for this.

    Reply
  • The San Diego Museum of Art calls their exhibit “Art Alive.” I went every year when I lived in San Diego. It was magnificent! One year they even had Kenneth Turner there to give a talk. He was inspiring and had a wicked sense of humor. I like how the floral designs at these events make me look at familiar art in a whole new way. Next year I’ll make sure I get up to the MFA for this.

    Reply
  • The San Diego Museum of Art calls their exhibit “Art Alive.” I went every year when I lived in San Diego. It was magnificent! One year they even had Kenneth Turner there to give a talk. He was inspiring and had a wicked sense of humor. I like how the floral designs at these events make me look at familiar art in a whole new way. Next year I’ll make sure I get up to the MFA for this.

    Reply

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