Art in bloom is an annual festival full of floral arrangements organized in an array of  different forms, patterns, and styles. Each arrangement is charged with the task of interpreting a famous work of art within the museum. On March 6-8, the floral arrangements were open for the public to view for free inside the St. Louis Art Museum.

Overall the exhibit was a memorable one that I would recommend for all, the layout was a little confusing considering  my family and I got lost once or twice, but friendly staff wait around each corner and offer directions. The flowers really stand out in the exhibits, bursting with vibrant colors as well as fresh aromas that tell you spring is here in St.Louis.

The standout piece of the exhibit was the floral piece by Alice Koritta, it really drew in my eyes with its bright colors and interesting shapes. This arrangement was based off of Joan Miro’s painting, “Standing Nude.” Koritta’s use of Palm Spathe, which is  a large almost woodlike plant, put the figure of the painted woman into a floral, three dimensional form, that could be easily linked back to the painting. Alstroemeria Tampa, which are the brightly colored orange flowers, Israeli Ruscus, the green leaf-like filler flowers, and Asiatic Lilies the vibrant “star shaped” flowers all worked to mimic the background of the painting, along with many other various plants. These filled in the background areas behind the woman, or Palm Spathe. They made the white, cream color of the palm stand out against their striking colors, giving the bright, energetic painting a new, and blooming re-edition.

Other arrangements, like Susan Marie Reed’s recreation of  “Homage of the Square” had a more clean, and simple feel. To me it was almost too simple in a way,and looked very bland next to the other pieces.This design in particular was less intricate than a lot of the other arrangements throughout the museum. Reed used a very basic, and almost modern style that lacked the complexness of many of the other floral pieces. Her design was more of a strictly organized piece, and less of an eye catcher.

The St. Louis Art in Bloom festival is a great opportunity to see the work of local gardeners, attend lectures, and learn about the gardening community, as well as enjoy the bright colors and aroma of the many plants. Don’t miss your chance to view it again next year, at the St. Louis Art Museum, and start your spring off with a fresh, and blooming beginning.