FITCHBURG — The champagne reception for the Fitchburg Art Museum’s Art in Bloom exhibit on Friday evening was a swanky affair that highlighted all the beautiful creations on display throughout the space.
The Laurelwood Garden Club in partnership with the Fitchburg Art Museum brought the return of the 28th annual Art in Bloom celebration, which opened on April 23 and runs through today, Sunday, April 26, at the 185 Elm St. museum. Local florists, artists, museum staff and Laurelwood Garden Club and community members craft gorgeous floral arrangements and installations inspired by works of art on view in the galleries that are featured in the yearly affair.
Local officials including Mayor Sam Squailia, Fitchburg City Council President Anthony Zarrella, Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge, state Rep. Mike Kushmerek, D-Fitchburg, and many others attended the champagne reception. Everyone was given a program that included a map of where all of the Art in Bloom pieces are located in the museum, all in all over 40 unique, one-of-a-kind creations bursting with vivid colorful blooms and other elements that tell a story.
The Laurelwood Garden Club is pleased to dedicate this year’s Art in Bloom to the club’s co-founder, Catherine “Kay” Previte, who died in October at the age of 102.
“We honor and thank Kay for her dedication, floral guidance, and mentoring our members,” read a tribute in the exhibit program. “Her work continues to inspire the Laurelwood Garden Club members to participate in the success of the annual Art in Bloom.”
Before the blue ribbon was presented for best in show, Fitchburg Art Museum Director Nick Capasso told the large crowd gathered that they appreciate all the dedicated event sponsors, which run the gamut from local banks and businesses to FSU to the North County Land Trust, to name just a few. He also noted the photographers capturing the activity at the April 24 champagne reception were all FSU students and that he is “always surprised but never disappointed” by the level of skill and creativity the community members put into their floral arrangements and installations.”
“Art in Bloom is truly an all hands on deck activity,” he said of the collaborative event.
Laurelwood Garden Club President Sara Gammell said they are happy to honor Previte, who was instrumental in the club’s success, and revealed the winner of this year’s Art in Bloom.
Townsend resident Jacqueline LeCuyer took home the top prize for her piece titled “Abundantia,” which features two jaw bones of cows from her property along with dried mushrooms and various flora.
“It is magnificent,” Gammell said of LeCuyer’s piece, which is located on the first floor of the museum.
This is the third time the Townsend resident has entered Art in Bloom. When asked what her reaction was when she learned that she won, LeCuyer said “complete shock.”
“I know how talented all the people are who submit. It’s tough competition,” the Lakeview Nurseries certified pollinator steward said.
She disclosed that when she received the call with the good news, she and her 6-year-old daughter were jumping for joy and “so excited.” The single mom of two offers educational programs through the Lunenburg nursery and will be marking National Pollinators Month in June.
The other big announcement of the evening came from Capasso, who disclosed that Rollstone Bank & Trust recently presented the museum with a $100,000 gift that will enable it to continue offering free admission for all museum visitors through 2029, its centennial celebration period.
“We are excited to participate with the art museum,” said Rollstone Bank & Trust President and COO Mary Beth Jokela.
She is the first woman to run the Fitchburg-headquartered corporation in its history and shared that Rollstone is celebrating a special anniversary as well — 180 years in business.
“Let’s celebrate,” she said after Capasso thanked them for their generous donation.
Original article
Comments