One of the most anticipated springtime events in New Orleans, “Art in Bloom 2019” showcased spectacular floral designs created by more than 100 exhibitors that remained on display at the New Orleans Museum of Art March 28-31, 2019.
The annual “Art in Bloom Patron Party” and the subsequent “Preview Party” were held on Wednesday, March 27. With cuisine and libations from more than 25 top New Orleans restaurants and caterers, guests enjoyed an exclusive preview of the floral displays. Charles Kohlmeyer provided entertainment for approximately 1,000 attendees mingling amongst the art.
The exhibitions featured more than 75 exhibitors in the following categories: Creative Designs, Exterior Designs, Garden Clubs, Ikenaba, Movers and Shakers, Professional Florists, Tablescapes and Young Artists.
One of the distinguishing elements of the “Patron Party” is the silent auction, which featured an online component, allowing art enthusiasts to bid on more than 75 one-of-a-kind pieces of art. The featured auction item this year was a video installation by New Orleans artist Courtney Egan, whose work has been featured in the NOMA exhibitions “Pride of Place: The Making of Contemporary Art in New Orleans” and “Ear to the Ground: Earth and Element in Contemporary Art.”
Co-Chairs were Catherine Makk of the NOMA Volunteer Committee and Sweet Dupuy of The Garden Study Club. Lecturers included professional florists Putnam & Putnam and interior designer Nicky Haslam.
Proceeds from “Art in Bloom” benefit education projects and exhibitions at NOMA and community projects of The Garden Study Club of New Orleans, including the New Orleans Botanical Garden, Long Vue House & Gardens, the historic parterre garden at the Beauregard-Keyes House, rain gardens at City Park and the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
Event at a Glance
What: 31st annual “Art in Bloom 2019 Patron Party,” “Art in Bloom 2019 | Illuminations: Looking Within and Beyond,” benefiting New Orleans Museum of Art and The Garden Study Club
When: Wednesday, March 27
Where: New Orleans Museum of Art
Rodney Smith, Frances Smith, Co-Chair Sweet Dupuy and Nicky Haslam
Hunter and Kaylea Hill with Anne Redd
Jennifer Heebe, NOMA Volunteer Chair Tommy Westervelt, Director Susan M. Taylor and Janice Parmelee, President NOMA Board of Trustees
Chris LaBato, Margaret LeCorgne and Donna and Paul Flower
Michael and Marley Le Bourgeois with President of the Garden Study Club Elly and Merritt Lane
