Art, in full bloom
Nearly 3,500 visitors moved through the building, pausing, gathering, and stopping to smell the roses – together raising $90,000 in support of the Gallery and our impact in the community.
Presented by the Associates of the WAG and Master Partner Petals West, this year’s edition felt both expansive and intimate, a collective act shaped by the dedicated organizing committee, volunteers, artists, florists, supporters, and guests.
Throughout the galleries, over 100 professional and amateur interpreters transformed 95 artworks into floral counterparts. Each pairing offered a new way of seeing: not just translation, but conversation between mediums. New for 2026 at the Petals West Flower Shop, we honoured longstanding members of the Associates of the WAG with four signature bouquets and an interactive flower bar.
Five hands-on workshops, led by Julie Myers of Floral Fixx Design Studio, invited participants into the practice itself. The Preview Party set the tone, where guests encountered the interpretations first, met the makers behind them, and moved to the sounds of live jazz by Eric St Godard. Small moments delighted – like the Fresh Floral Earring Stand from Montreal artisan, This Ilk.
As the final arrangements were gently taken down, thousands of stems were collected by Floral Philanthropy, led by Art in Bloom committee members Joyce Berry and Hennie Corrin, and distributed across Winnipeg and beyond to healthcare centres, personal care homes, resource centres, fire and paramedic stations, and schools. The partnership carried the beauty of Art in Bloom into spaces where it could comfort, surprise, and connect, in support of CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, extending the impact of Art in Bloom far beyond Gallery walls.
No one ever thinks of us like this… we are so touched and overwhelmed.
– Reaction from one of the fire/paramedic stations
Beloved WAG-Qaumajuq events like Art in Bloom would not be possible without our very generous sponsors, donors, supporters, and the many volunteers whose care and commitment shape every detail. Thank you to Master Partner, Petals West, event sponsors The Asper Foundation, Birchwood Automotive Group, and McFadden Benefits, event partners Millican Family Foundation, Thompson Dorfman Sweatman, and Indigo Parking, partners Floral Fixx, Floral Philanthropy, Flour & Flower, Friendly Pictures, and JP Media Works; and to our donors Judy and Ken Murray, Joyce Berry, Bhatia Family, Andrea and George Cibinel, CoreNICHE Consulting Inc., Hennie and Rick Corrin, Lila Goodspeed Everett, Keith and Susan Knox in honour of Peter Macdonald, and Esme Scarlett and Rene Perreault.
Special thanks to this year’s incredible organizing committee: Jan Burns (Chair), Pat Adamson, Joyce Berry, Candace Borger, Amanda Burrell, Kevin Chipman, Andrea Cibinel, Jan Coates, Hennie Corrin, Carol Eliasson, Carolyn Knowles, Deborah McAulay, Pat McCullough, Julie Myers, Joanne Naherny, Lorraine Prokopchuk, Jody Reaburn, Day Scarlett, Esme Scarlett, Dawn Stuart, Paul Stuart, Zoe Stuart, and Edie Wilde. An amazing 197 volunteer slots were filled throughout the event!
Art in Bloom is not just a beautiful event, it’s a fundraiser and a friend-raiser – a space where community gathering creates lasting impact. We were especially pleased to welcome nearly 100 new and renewing WAG-Qaumajuq members over the weekend. Your support helps ensure the Gallery and inspiring shared experiences like this continue for everyone in the community. Not a WAG-Qaumajuq member? Consider joining today!
