During the first weekend of April, Philbrook Museum sponsored “Art in Bloom.” The three-day event was filled with wonder and exploration. The beauty of nature and flowers were shown, with some displays having deep meanings and backstories.
The exhibits were inspired by the architecture and art of the museum. Local exhibitors who created floral arrangements were highlighted, including Allison Ward, Kane Floral Design, Rebecca Gaines, and The Velvet Willow.
Buyers of VIP tickets designed small bouquets and received the designation of “Florist for the Day,” as well as visited the Bubbly Bar, which was the VIP member bar (with non-alcoholic drinks available) and where another display named “Collidoscope: de la Torres Brothers Retro-Perspective” was presented.
Attendees were allowed to vote for their favorite floral artists. The year’s winner selected was Whitney Virden, a Native American florist and business owner. Virden created a piece that represented Native American children and their assimilation into the culture of the majority European/American community through government-funded boarding schools. Outside of creating works of art, she owns a floral business, Roots+Blooms, located at 101 SE Frank Phillips Blvd. in Bartlesville.
It is a full-service flower shop operating in a nontraditional way. Her admiration for blossoms and her creative spirit led her to start Root+Blooms. Her passions are serving her community, increasing accessibility to flowers, and showing others love in the process.
“Art in Bloom” is planned for next year. The date and time have not been confirmed by Philbrook Museum. For more information and updates on upcoming activities, visit Philbrook’s website or its social media: https://philbrook.org/