Art in Boom Visiting Artist Workshop at Wiregrass Museum of Art

Art in Boom Visiting Artist Workshop at Wiregrass Museum of Art

A special celebration of creativity called Art in Bloom took place at the Wiregrass Museum of Art (WMA) in Dothan Alabama this February. It is a privilege that I am invited to be a part of this of this program that includes innovative arrangements of floral and object design made by local creatives. The floral designs are inspired by and will accompany works of art on view from the museum’s Permanent Collection.

I am proud to say that this year Art in Bloom includes a visiting artist workshop with Christy Hulsey. That's me! We welcomed flower lovers from all over southwest Alabama to discover the possibilities of combining natural southern style with the minimalistic Japanese art of ikebana. Some amazing results were created from this one of a kind presentation. 

Dana-Marie Lemmer (Executive Director & Curator), Joan McDonald (Development Director), Latasha Hyatt (Marketing & Special Events Coordinator), the Community Advisory Committee and Board of Trustees organized an AMAZING event. 

I organized a presentation style flower event to compliment the celebration  including a demonstration and materials to take home. The containers from Park Hill Collection and Accent Decor were a magical combo for the ikebana style design that prioritizes nature, negative space, balance, harmony and the use of nature as a medium to tell a story. 

I had such a wonderful time talking about Wabi Sabi in south Alabama. Plus, I am in AWE of the talent and all that the designers accomplished. Look for yourself! I want to share with you photos of the flowers and the people from presentation night and the Friday afternoon class.

- Christy 

 

the front of the Wiregrass Museum of Art brick building in Dothan Alabama

 

Three women at Art in Bloom flower table in Dothan Alabama

Welcome to the Wiregrass Museum of Art Reception!

Pictured: Joan McDonald (Development Director) + Latasha Hyatt (Marketing & Special Events Coordinator)

Antebellum artwork with brown women and white calla lily at art museum

The Wiregrass Museum of Art has some of my FAVORITE artwork.

Art in Bloom brings them to life in these absolutely stunning arrangements.

three women in luxury gowns fashion at museum of art preview with flowers

From Dothan, with LOVE! And, Rachel (RKB Flowers  & Lisa Bedsole! It's a privilege to meet you and to be here at the Wiregrass Museum of Art.

Thanks for the floral memories!

sunflower art arrangement in museum workshop

I'm #FLOWERLOVING all night. I can't wait to share all the beautiful things I see at #ArtInBloom with you!

long black gala fashion with fresh flower dress at museum of art in bloom in dothan alabama  FLOWER FIT CHECK! There's no DRESS like a FLOWER DRESS.

 blue and white and black flowers at museum of art

Blue and make it FUN! The artist, Jennifer Donaldson, is extremely creative. She's an artist, has an event venue and runs a museum. 

 Learn more about Jennifer's hand made all natural goods and clothes at East River Trading. Jennifer is in all blue in the photo below. 

five women in evening gala dresses at museum of art in dothan alabama

It always feels good when you fit right in like a piece of a puzzle... couldn't have planned a better color blocking party if we tried. But, it couldn't happen without an awesome team of people who all have the same thing on the brain: FLOWERS!!! And, art and synchronicity in Dothan!

colorful felt flower hair accessories on older woman at museum of art in bloom
The Flower Mood for the night.
 
Wiregrass museum of art in bloom premiere black gala dress and flowers in dothan alabama

I am here for the ART. And, the STORIES. The floral art really takes in so many great elements from the wall art. Plus, Amy Cooper's explanation is great. And, she MADE the VASE!  Read more about  The Perched Porch, and her concrete art inspired by nature in the Dothan Gazette, here

two women in black gowns at museum of art flower show

All work and these flowers are still finding a way to PLAY!! 

Lynsey West is an artist and mother of four children based in Dothan, Alabama. She's a graduate of Auburn University in Apparel Design and Production Management and has recently re-immersed herself in her creative work that you can see, here.

\three women in blue gala gown taking photo at museum of art
There's no better feeling than seeing people have fun IN PERSON and with flowers. I am grateful to be a part of this year's Art in Bloom at the Wiregrass Museum of Art.
flower art in shape of a guitar
Just a whole lot of flowers and good vibes over here!
wild privet berries
In my natural Flower Flow... love civic pruning in Dothan, Alabama!

 

blonde woman in pink shirt holding an ikebana luxury flower design in gold vase

I am glad that I could help you bring the #WowFactor for the Art in Bloom event! Just look at this design and Lisa Bledsoe. She worked on her Wabi Sabi, balance and harmony to create an amazing piece of art that's making all of our flower dreams come to life!

pink ranunculus ikebana design in white ceramic vase in dothan alabama

Hello, Dothan! I am here to paint the town #Pink! This BEAUTIFUL arrangement of nature's best camellia and the ranunculus is your sign!

 

Shop our Gilded White Organic Edge Bowl by Park Hill Collection, here.  

women in pink puffer jacket and pink cap holding a modern ikebana flower arrangement at workshop at museum of art in dothan alabama

She's give'me what I love! Gorgeous art created using ikebana philosophies and southern Alabama flowers.

cheerful blond florist in black Marie Oliver gown and girl with pink shirt holding Japanese ikebana floral designs at museum of art in bloom

We had a time yesterday at Art in Bloom! Don't you just love getting your ikebana #FlowerTime in with these pieces from Accent Decor? They're both available for pick up and shipping, www.colonilhouse.net.

two gray haired ladies holding Japanese ikebana floral art

The #FridayMood is ON FLOWER!

Plus, my flower loving friend on the left (Miriam) owns the Old Pecan Factory  in Eufaula, Alabama. This  reminds me of the stories of Eufaula my grandmother used to tell. She was from there and my grandmother is a big part of my flower story. 

two southern women one in pink shirt and one in black gown with Japanese ikebana flower design workshop

Well, well well! What do we have here? But, a bit of flower magic! Plus, an AMAZING conversation about our mutual friends in Statesboro and both of our times spent there. It's a privilege to meet you!!

P.S. If you like the Accent Decor Gold Scallop Compote she used you can get one here

Japanese ikebana flower art workshop design on table in dothan alabama

Taking it to the top! The flower lovers of Dothan, Alabama really do have my art lovin' heart!

Lady in blue jacket with ikebana flower art design in white vase

Going bold and whimsical for this special Art in Bloom day! I had so much fun talking about ikebana philosophies and history and flowers with the best class!

pink peach ranunculus nandina ikebana floral art workshop in dothan alabama

This flower lover Dana-Marie Lemmer of Dash Contemporary is in her  element! 

Collins Trott's instagram post recaps it best.  Thank you for having me! 

 

About the Colonial House of Flowers Ikebana Inspired Workshop

Colonial House of Flowers inspires a lifelong appreciation for floral arts by providing creative educational opportunities that engage audiences through the use of quality material and engaging presentations. Since its inception in 1968, has offered educational programs, internationally-acclaimed floral design and community events. Presentations, demonstrations and classes can be booked by contacting our office, hello@colonialhouse.net. We offer opportunities for individuals, organizations, groups and businesses. 

About the Wiregrass Museum of Art

Wiregrass Museum of Art inspires a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts by providing innovative educational programs that engage diverse audiences through the collection and exhibition of quality works. Since its inception in 1987, WMA has offered educational programs, nationally-acclaimed art exhibitions and community events throughout the year. Its Board of Trustees guides the long-term vision and strategic goals, while its membership, City and County support, and grant funding provide the resources needed to fulfill its mission.

WMA’s galleries are open to the public every Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. General admission is always free.

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