Article and photos by Becky Fillinger
The 40th anniversary of Mia’s Art in Bloom (AiB) Festival opens today, April 25, and runs through the 28th. Admission is free and open to everyone. As you wander from gallery to gallery, you’ll be delighted to see how over 100 local floral artists interpret artworks chosen by a Mia curator.
Perry McGowan with his floral arrangement to accompany Portrait of a Girl by Georg Pencz
We spoke with Perry McGowan, and greatly admired his interpretation of Portrait of a Girl by Georg Pencz in Gallery 342. McGowan has been a participating floral artist at AiB for 6 years but was quick to explain that he is a CPA, not a florist or artist by training. “It’s a huge honor to be chosen to participate and to be able to see your sculpture in a public place, especially at Mia. It’s an absolute joy to see people respond and connect to my, and my co-artist Zuzana Menzlova’s, sculpture.”
Mia welcomed over 60,000 visitors last year to AiB and this year should also see record crowds. Prepare for crowds and give yourself time to appreciate the wonderful pairings of Mia’s artworks alongside gorgeous floral interpretations. The museum’s restaurant will be open daily during the festival, and food trucks will be onsite as well. Full event information can be found here.
Billboard by Grace Hartigan
The Intrigue by James Ensor
Nanbozhoo and Toad Woman by Rabbett Strickland
The Smoker by Édouard Manet
Although admission to AiB is free and open to everyone, it’s important to realize that it is the Friends of the Institute’s most essential annual fundraiser. Funds raised enable Friends to sponsor events like AiB and to continue Mia’s mission of sustaining and enhancing Mia’s collections, exhibitions and programs. Please donate generously to support Art in Bloom!
Becky Fillinger
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