FITCHBURG — The Laurelwood Garden Club, in partnership with the Fitchburg Art Museum, announced the return of its beloved Art in Bloom celebration, opening the 28th annual event from Thursday, April 23 through Sunday, April 26, at the museum, located at 185 Elm St.
“During this special centennial year, the museum will be transformed by 40 floral interpretations displayed alongside the artwork they celebrate”, said Julie Palioca, club member, interpreter, and Public Relations director for the Laurelwood Garden Club. “We are grateful for our friends, families, and members of the community who are interpreting during the museum’s 100th celebration.”
Featured exhibitions from the museum’s permanent collection include “Kaleidoscope: 100 Years of Collecting for Our Community”, an immersive, floor-to-ceiling presentation; “Festival: A Celebration of African Art”, selected for its cultural and historical significance and striking visual beauty; and the exhibition “Ask Now the Beasts” by Tara Sellios.
Art in Bloom is the Fitchburg Art Museum’s most celebrated event, drawing hundreds of visitors to witness the galleries transformed into a vibrant, colorful, and imaginative display of floral design during the four-day celebration.
Visitors are invited to experience the unique dialogue between art and nature, finding connections between each floral interpretation and its corresponding artwork.
“Once again, visitors will have an opportunity to select their favorite artwork interpretation through a People’s Choice Award,” said Palioca. “Ballots will be included in program books and may be submitted at the Laurelwood Garden Club’s information table.”
Results will be posted on the Fitchburg Art Museum’s website.
In addition to the floral displays, a variety of events will take place throughout the weekend. Admission to these presentations is included with free entry to Art in Bloom.
Make Art @ FAM: Art in Bloom Edition will be offered between 1 and 4 p.m. Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24. Sponsored by Rockland Trust and the Cathedral Foundation, this is a free drop-in artmaking session in the Art Place on Elm Studio, led by a Fitchburg Art Museum educator. Inspired participants can create vibrant floral art by painting with watercolors and sculpting with tissue paper. The program is based on floral imagery in the exhibition “Kaleidoscope: 100 Years of Collecting for Our Community”. All ages are welcome, and no experience is necessary.
On Friday evening, April 24, a Champagne Reception will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. featuring hors d’oeuvres, champagne, and live musical entertainment. Museum Director Nick Capasso will open the evening with remarks and announcements.
The Laurelwood Garden Club will present the Kay Previte Award, honoring an outstanding interpreter.
“The award commemorates Kay Previte, co-founder of Art in Bloom, whose dedication, artistry, and mentorship continue to inspire the event,” Palioca said. “This year, the club dedicates the 28th Art in Bloom in her memory”.
Advance reservations for the Friday evening Champagne Reception may be purchased online by April 23, at the museum reception desk, or by calling 978-345-4207. Tickets are $25 for museum members; $30 for non-members. Floral interpreters will receive a complimentary ticket.
On Saturday, April 25 at 2 p.m., author Neil Sanders will present “Create Your Very Own Hometown National Park,” an engaging and humorous talk drawn from his experience writing 16 mysteries, many rooted in horticulture and garden club life. The richly illustrated presentation promises to entertain all types of audiences.
“Eleven years ago, Neal Sanders and his wife Betty transformed their suburban lawn into a 25,000-square-foot native plant garden – one of the earliest examples of what is now known as a ‘homegrown national park’,” said Aimee Cotnoir, FAM’s Development Manager. In this talk, Neal will share how it was designed, built, and maintained, with surprisingly encouraging insights for any aspiring gardener.
Local musician Chris Marie Hudson will be performing a spinet harpsichord repertoire – composed in honor of the beauty of nature, especially the music of the late French Baroque – from 2 until 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26. “Her harpsichord was built by hand at Atelier de la Grande Maison, which was the workshop of Patrick Chevalier in 1985” added Cotnoir.
Visitors may explore Art in Bloom during museum hours: Thursday, April 23 from 1 until 5 p.m., and Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is free for all visitors as part of the Fitchburg Art Museum’s Centennial Celebration.
Local sponsors include Fitchburg State University, Rockland Trust, Gale Simonds Hurd, Anderson, Bagley, & Mayo Insurance, Achla Designs, IC Credit Union, Donna and Dustin Hodge, King Farm Inc, The Laurelwood Garden Club, and North County Land Trust.
For more information about Art in Bloom, contact Aimee Cotnoir at 978-345-4207 or email [email protected]. For more information about the Laurelwood Garden Club, contact Julie Palioca at 978-537-7630.
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