A Masterpiece in Flowers
Photo: David Lipnowski
We’re inviting the outdoors in! For three whole days, the Gallery will be awash with the scents and colours of spring. This edition of Art in Bloom promises a sensory experience, combining art with fresh flowers. This community event brings together professional and amateur florists to create original floral interpretations of artworks in a collaborative environment.
Among the highlights of Art in Bloom, at the intersection of nature and art, is the collective rendering of a monumental work. The stunning floral interpretation of Norval Morrisseau’s Androgyny that welcomes you upon entering the WAG will combine 24 panels created by individuals and teams with raw materials provided by Petals West. Each interpreter was granted free range to select colours and flower varieties, and arrange their materials in a frame, which when united with the others, will rise on to a breathtaking floral wall.
At over six meters wide and three meters high, Androgyny explores a multitude of issues facing Canada today: climate change, gender equality, non-binary gender identity, environmental concerns, climate change, and their connections to the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
In 1983, Morrisseau presented Androgyny to all Canadians as a decolonizing gesture of reconciliation. Art in Bloom’s spirit of relationship-building, between the WAG and community organizations, and between individuals from all walks of life, strives to emulate and amplify the artist’s sentiment. Interpreters, organizing committee members, volunteers, partners, artists, and staff make this incredible feat possible, and indeed extend its reach beyond the Gallery.
Local magic-making Floral Philanthropy will re-purpose all the flowers used in interpretations for delivery to healthcare centres, hospitals, and personal care homes, spreading wellness across the city through a partnership with Winnipeg Harvest.
Interpreters will unveil their works during the Art in Bloom Preview Party, Thursday, April 11 (7-9pm). The lush exhibit runs April 12 (11am-9pm) and April 13-14 (11am-5pm) – entry is included with Gallery admission (adult $12, senior/student $10, family $28, kids under 6 are FREE). All weekend, Eckhardt Hall will host a flower shop and pop-up snack bars. The evening of Friday, April 12, a cash bar will spring up too, and workshops and talks will unfold throughout Saturday and Sunday. Take in the healing power of spring at the WAG for Art in Bloom!
Can’t make the event but want to support health and wellness programs at the WAG? Click here and select Art in Bloom 2019 from the fund dropdown menu. Thank you!
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To plan your visit, check out wag.ca/visit
How does it work for school groups with the current covid restrictions right now? Can classes come and what are the vaccination requirements?
Thanks
Hi Laura, thank you for reaching out! Please see our school programs page here: https://www.wag.ca/learn/schools-teachers/ and feel free to email learn@wag.ca if you have further questions
Can tickets be purchased in advance?
Hi Debbie, thanks for reaching out! The purchase of admission is all that’s required to attend Art in Bloom, no advance registration necessary!