PORT ANGELES — “Art in Bloom,” a special pop-up event at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, will provide a colorful, scented and textural counterpoint this weekend to the current exhibition of “Unrestricted: An Exploration of Artist Books.”
The current exhibit at the arts center (PAFAC) features works from the Cynthia Sears collection from the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, along with invitational artist books from artists in Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado and British Columbia.
Ten floral designers have interpreted the collection of artist books using flowers and other natural materials for “Art in Bloom.”
“Art in Bloom” coincides with Mother’s Day weekend, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and is free to the public at the center, 1203 E. Lauridsen Blvd.
Both “Art in Bloom” and “Unrestricted: An Exploration of Artist Books” will conclude Sunday afternoon.
Floral designers participating in the event are Bernice Cook, Pam Ehtee, Mary Lou Paulson, Mary Lou Waitz, Patty Wheatley and Shari Bley from Port Angeles; Judi McClanahan and Kris Ayers from Forks; Marian Meany from Port Townsend; and Billie Fitch from Nordland.
The women are members of the Olympic Peninsula Judges Council of the Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs.
They hold certificates in floral design and judging. They are well-versed in various designs and create works to line, line-mass, and mass styles following guidelines established by the National Garden Club, according to a press release.
The Port Angeles Garden Club donated $500 to this year’s event.
This year expect to see a wide range of blossoms, foliage and unexpected materials used by the designers.
“The designers visited PAFAC and studied the artist’s books, then chose the piece that creatively resonated with us. We then sketched ideas and thought about the plant materials we’ll use,” related floral designer Bernice Cook.
“Art in Bloom” is a popular event that honors Mim Foley, former president of the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center and the Port Angeles Garden Club, the exhibit in 2004, traditionally held on Mother’s Day weekend.
“Art in Bloom” honors Mim Foley, former president of the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center and the Port Angeles Garden Club, traditionally held on Mother’s Day weekend.
“She died a few years ago, and her memory carries on through this legacy gift her husband, Bud, established,” Cook said.
For more information about the show and upcoming exhibits and programs at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center visit www.pafac.org or call 360-457-3532.
