ART IN BLOOM 2004

March 16, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dixie Berg 612-331-1614 dberg@bergcommunications.com

ART IN BLOOM 2004 FLORAL DESIGN SHOW SET FOR APRIL 29 – MAY 1

Bright, Brilliant Colors, Expert Floral Demonstrations and May Day Celebration: A Preview of Spring for Winter-Weary Visitors

MINNEAPOLIS – Feb. 2, 2004 -- Art in Bloom, the first rite of spring for winter-weary Minnesotans that is presented annually by the Friends of the Institute, will be held Thursday, April 29, through Saturday, May 1, at The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis. Hours will be Thursday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Art in Bloom 2004 will feature bright, brilliant floral displays created by professional floral designers, individuals and garden clubs. The displays will be on view throughout the museum alongside works of art from which the designers took inspiration for their floral arrangements. The displays will continue to be on view during museum hours on Sunday, May 2, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

In addition, Art in Bloom will offer lectures and demonstrations by nationally recognized floral designers and gardening experts, providing opportunities for visitors to gain inspiration and learn the art of using color in their floral designs. Saturday, May 1, will feature a May Day celebration and the Art in Bloom Garden Shop, open throughout the event, will offer May Day baskets for sale.

Admission to Art in Bloom and the Institute will be free during museum hours. Tickets will be required to attend the event’s lectures, demonstrations and luncheons. Tickets are available from the Friends office at 612-870-3279. Proceeds from ticket and Garden Shop sales benefit the Institute. Ticketed sessions will feature an illustrious group of garden and floral experts, many of whom have appeared on television, written for magazines and newspapers and published award-winning garden and floral design books. The schedule of lectures and demonstrations is as follows:

Thursday, April 29: 10 a.m.: Ken Druse, a nationally known garden expert, writer, TV guest and author of award-winning gardening books, will discuss the topic of his latest book, “The Passion of Gardening: Inspiration for a Lifetime.” More a “why-to” than a “how-to” look at gardening, Druse will talk about how lives are

ART IN BLOOM 2004 SET FOR APRIL 29 – MAY 1 enriched by putting trowel to earth and how gardening provides an antidote to the hectic pace of life. Following the lecture, Druse will be available to sign copies of his book.

1:30 p.m.: René van Rems, a native of the Netherlands and noted floral designer and educator who has appeared on HGTV and been highlighted in numerous U.S. floral industry magazines, will demonstrate European approaches that inform his floral design. Van Rems’ designs are described as “truly European in concept, with a hands-on quality.” This marks his second appearance at Art in Bloom in Minneapolis.

1:30 p.m.: Lucy Rivas, founder and creative of Bella Flora of Dallas, whose unique and unconventional approach to floral design has won nationwide acclaim, will lead a master class on floral arranging. Photos of Rivas’ stunning designs appeared in the July-August 2003 issue of Veranda magazine.

Friday, April 30: 10 a.m.: Shane Connolly, one of a new generation of English florists who believes in natural arrangements that emphasize the flowers rather than the design, will introduce those who attend his lecture to the “Language of Flowers,” the topic of his most recent book. Connolly will demonstrate techniques that allow flowers to enrich occasions with poignancy and thoughtfulness.

1:30 p.m.: Cynthia Gibson, award-winning gardener and home furnishings designer and frequent guest on television shows devoted to gardening, decoration, cooking and entertaining, will present, “Botanical Touch,” the topic of her most recent book. Flowers, fruits, vegetables, leaves and vines are not only lovely to look at, but can be used to establish mood, according to Gibson. She will demonstrate ways to use botanicals in home decorating, gardens and at parties.

1:30 p.m.: Shane Connolly will present a master class on the “Language of Flowers.” For a detailed list of speakers and events, please call the Friends office at 612-870-3279 or visit www.artsmia.org, the art Institute’s Web site, for more information. Art in Bloom is the Friends of the Institute’s largest fund-raising event for The Minneapolis Institute of Arts. The Friends of the Institute, organized in 1922, works to broaden the influence of the Institute throughout the community. Co-chairs of Art in Bloom 2004 are Jane Emison and Kathy Lenzmeier. Honorary chair is Sheila Morgan. -- End--

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