Nov. 10, 2016 – West Bend, WI – Back for a fabulous fourth year, the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) kicks off the holiday season with Bloomin’ Holidaze. The annual two-day event features lush florals throughout the galleries, an artist marketplace, and expert-led talks and demonstrations.
“The name Bloomin’ Holidaze is a spoof on the craziness of the holidays,” said Laurie Winters, MOWA Executive Director | CEO. “We’re all about having fun at MOWA and that’s exactly what we want this event to be for all who attend—an ironically zany and relaxed two days of shopping, floral arrangements, and enlightening tours, talks, and demonstrations.”
Florists from across southeastern Wisconsin will put their own fun and funky floral spin on the holidays, filling MOWA’s galleries with creative botanical arrangements. Attendees will vote for the “bloomin’ best” design with a People’s Choice Award to be announced after Melinda Myers’ talk on Saturday, November 12.
“Unlike other floral shows in the state that have rigid exhibition rules, we have no bloomin’ guidelines for the participating florists. We simply ask them to make the arrangements of their dreams and the results are just breathtaking,” says Winters.
Attendees will have the opportunity to shop for hand-crafted holiday gifts in the artist marketplace on Friday and Saturday. Over 25 artists hailing from throughout Wisconsin will be selling one-of-a-kind cozy scarves and mittens, fashionable jewelry, stylish home décor, and more.
Flora and fauna focused tours, talks, and demonstrations by horticultural superstar Melinda Myers, backyard bird expert Liz Herzmann, floral artist Amanda Strassburg and more will be held during the event. (See list of demonstrations below.)
Bloomin’ Holidaze is free for MOWA members and visitors can become a member on their first visit for as little as $12.
DETAILS
Artist Marketplace | 10:00–5:00 Friday and Saturday
Featuring many new artists selling unique, one-of-a-kind items perfect for holiday gift-giving for friends or family—or yourself. Find something for everyone on your list.
Bloomin’ Discounts in the MOWA Shop | 10:00–5:00 Friday and Saturday
Three+ and MOWA+ members receive 15% off and Premium, Partner, and Benefactor members receive 20% off on purchases in the MOWA Shop all weekend.
Talk, Tour, and Demonstration Schedule:
Friday only
11:00 | The Art of Roses
MOWA’s Associate Curator Erika Petterson has been growing roses for almost a decade. Her garden boasts 50 varieties ranging from Old Garden to modern Floribundas. Petterson will offer advice on growing roses and debunk the notion that these flowers are high maintenance.
12:30 | Backyard Birds
Liz Herzmann, a wildlife educator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, will share ways to make your yard bird-friendly and discover how to identify the different birds that are sure to flock to your space.
1:30 | Floral Tour
Enjoy a tour of the bouquets and learn about the language of flowers that developed during the Victorian era.
2:00 | Keep It Together
Floral artist Amanda Strassburg will demonstrate how various materials can be used to create unique armatures and modern floral art pieces.
Saturday only
10:30 | Floral Tour
Enjoy a tour of the bouquets and learn about the language of flowers that developed during the Victorian era.
11:00 | Field to Table
Join Victoria Vonier of Half Bridge Farm as she shows attendees how to make an arrangement of fresh flowers, field-harvested elements, seed pods, berries, and bittersweet.
11:00–2:00 | Floral Art Project
Create English cone nosegays-a traditional flower vessel -during this special Studio Saturday.
2:00 | Garden Habitat for Birds and Butterflies
Horticultural superstar Melinda Myers will discuss methods for attracting birds and butterflies to your garden. Myers will offer a closer look into creating an attractive habitat with the right foods, plants, and annuals. Purchase one of Myers’ books after the talk and she will gladly autograph it.
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About The Museum of Wisconsin Art
The Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA), originally established in 1961, is one of the top regional art museums in the country, and is the primary venue nationally for the exhibition of historic and contemporary Wisconsin art, including holdings of more than 300 artists, over 4,000 works of art, and a sizeable archive/ library. In April 2013, MOWA celebrated a major milestone with the opening of a new building that doubled the gallery square footage and expanded its capacity to offer public programs and educational activities. The Museum is located at 205 Veterans Avenue, West Bend. For general information, call 262.334.9638 or visit wisconsinart.org.