The Cincinnati Art Museum is about to blossom. Visitors to the 138-year-old museum will soon be able to experience its permanent collection of fine art surrounded by the natural beauty of fresh flowers with the return of Art in Bloom, a four-day event that will fill the museum with floral arrangements Oct. 17-20.
Works of art in their own right, over 90 floral arrangements created by local floral designers will be showcased throughout the museum. The arrangements will be designed to “emphasize, challenge and build upon elements and concepts” within works of art across the CAM’s galleries, “creating a dialogue between fine art and beauty,” according to a release.
Held every other year, the upcoming Art in Bloom is the museum’s 10th floral celebration.
“Since 2001, this event has celebrated the masterpieces in the museum’s permanent collection and allowed visitors to view and interpret them in a new way,” reads the release.
This year’s theme is “Light” and features "In the Park," a 1927 oil painting by Frank Harmon Myers, as its centerpiece. The bright, impressionist work depicts a cheery view of the museum from Eden Park.
Museum visitors can view the floral arrangements displayed in dialogue alongside selected paintings, ceramics and sculptures for free during regular hours. The four-day botanical extravaganza will also feature docent-led tours and demonstrations by artists, curators and floral arrangers. The agenda also includes other special events, both free and ticketed:
- Midnight in the Garden — This festive party celebrates the opening of Art in Bloom with a performance from pianist Ryan Jones and the chance to take in the sights of the museum’s curated floral arrangements after hours. 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17. $150.
- Live Art in the Great Hall — Take a detour during your museum visit to watch local painters in action in the museum’s Great Hall. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19; 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20. Free.
- Families in Bloom — A chance for art enthusiasts of all ages to get inspired by Art in Bloom, Families in Bloom includes flower sketching, paper flower making in the Rosenthal Education Center and a “Flower Power Fun Guide.” 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. Free.
- Artist Workshop: Abstract Art in Bloom with Cedric M. Cox — Local artist Cedric M. Cox will lead artists of all ages and abilities in an abstract painting workshop inspired by floral still lifes. 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. $12; $6 members. Rosenthal Education Center.
- Jazz in Bloom — This evening of food, cocktails and Jazz features Mark Hampton and the Jazz Experience and the famed local saxophonist Ed Thomas. Visitors can also tour the museum at their leisure or during a docent-led experience. 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. $60.
Art in Bloom takes place during regular museum hours Oct. 17-19. Purchase tickets to special events and learn more about opportunities throughout the weekend at cincinnatiatmuseum.org.
