It doesn’t seem like spring until Art in Bloom! For New Orleanians, this beloved benefit for the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Garden Study Club of New Orleans is eagerly anticipated for its floral flourishes and its see and be seen scene.
Plus, its Patron and Preview Party at the museum, which was March 22, is always a blast. Why? Partygoers get the first public look of the fantastical floral creations and tableaux — paired with the museum’s artwork — created by local talent, including floral designers, decorators, interior designers, landscape architects, garden clubs, Ikebana experts, and local movers and shakers. Food, cocktails and a silent auction round out this fete, themed this year as “Paradise Under the Palms.”
The following days encompassed a number of other events, including a luncheon and lecture from interior designer Amanda Lindroth and floral designer Lucy Hunter, followed by a fashion show from SOSUSU Boutique. The floral displays were on view through March 26.
Art in Bloom also included a flower show component, and the winners were: Genevieve Munson Trimble Award for Best Use of Color: Hammond Garden Club; Museum Director’s Award: New Orleans Garden Society; and Best in Show: Lake Vista Garden Club.
Event co-chairs were Katie Gilly and Anna Schaefer, who worked with NOMA Volunteer Committee Chair Elizabeth Grimes and Garden Study Club President Catherine Favrot for this event presented by First Horizon.
Fun Fact
New Orleanian Gretchen Weller Howard was the featured artist in the event’s silent auction. One of her paintings in the auction also served as the artwork on the invitation.