Art in Bloom 2017, presented by The Margaret Acheson Stuart Society and the MFA, will be stunning. This exhibition, along with complementary programs, began in 1997 at the Museum and has become one of the community’s most popular spring traditions. Approximately 40 floral designs by professional florists, talented hobbyists, and members of The Stuart Society will fill the Museum. The floral designs will go on view Thursday, March 30, and continue through Monday, April 3. The Tampa Bay Times is the Media Sponsor.
The MFA Café will offer floral-themed specials each day and will also be open on Monday, April 3—an exception—from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Reservations are suggested for Monday by calling 727.822.1032. The Museum Store will feature books, jewelry, cards, and gifts for adults and children.
Extended hours will allow everyone to see the flowers. They are: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, March 30; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 2; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, April 3. “Conversations with the Designers” is set for Sunday, April 2, from 2-4 p.m.
Carol Treichel and Gail Razook are the overall coordinators. Jan Stoffels is chairing the installation of floral designs. Anje Bogott and Linda Jantschek are the chairs of “Flowers After Hours” on Thursday, March 30, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Marly Room and Museum gardens. A dinner with guest designer James Farmer will also be held that evening at 8 p.m. in the Mary Alice McClendon Conservatory.
Carolyn Kopco and Carolyn Reynolds are chairing the Elegant Farmer Luncheon on Friday, March 31, at 11:30 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort and Golf Club. Glenn Mosby is the reservations chair for all Stuart Society special events. For tickets to “Flowers After Hours,” Dinner with the Designer, and the Luncheon, please go to stuartsociety.org.
The exciting Art in Bloom 20th anniversary schedule follows:
Thursday, March 30: Art in Bloom 2017 opens to the public from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Museum admission is only $5 after 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Flowers After Hours, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $100 per person.
Be one of the first to view the inventive floral designs and enjoy sumptuous hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and wine in the Marly Room and gardens. Meet guest designer James Farmer.
Dinner with Designer James Farmer, 8 p.m. Spotlighting recipes from his cookbooks
Tickets: $125 per person.
Limited seating available.
James Farmer is the ultimate Renaissance man. He is a best-selling author; professional garden, floral, and interior designer; cook; and lifestyle expert. He is Editor-at-Large for Southern Living and a frequent guest on TV and radio. He lives in Perry, Georgia, close to family roots and the land. His seven books have earned an enthusiastic following. Jenna Bush Hagen, the daughter of President George W. and Laura Bush, wrote the foreword to his most recent, A Time to Celebrate: Let Us Keep the Feast.
Friday, March 31: Art in Bloom continues at the MFA from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The flowers will be refreshed each day.
Elegant Farmer Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Featuring a presentation by James Farmer
Grand Ballroom of the Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort and Golf Club
Farmers’ Market with unique gifts.
Tickets: $90 per person.
Saturday, April 1: Everyone can enjoy the fantastic floral designs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. MFA: Make and Take Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Springtime Masks. For ages five and older, but entire families are welcome. Supplies are included. No registration is necessary. Free with MFA admission. Adult Lei-Making Workshop, 11 a.m., taught by Dr. Teresa Wilkins of the MFA staff. All supplies, including fresh orchids, will be provided. $20 for MFA members, $30 for nonmembers. To register, go to mfastpete.org.
Sunday, April 2: Art in Bloom has extended hours from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Conversations with the Designers, 2-4 p.m.
No reservations required. Valet parking. Come early, as this event always draws large crowds. Floral designers will be in the galleries to discuss their creations, inspiration, and techniques. Have brunch in the MFA Café and spend the day at the Museum.
Monday, April 3: Last day to see Art in Bloom 2017 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. MFA Café is open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Reservations are suggested, as the Café is usually closed on Monday.
Brought to you by Destination Tampa Bay