WAG-Qaumajuq ablaze with the colours of spring thanks to Petals West

The biannual Art in Bloom event, presented by the Associates of the WAG, pairs creative amateur and professional florists with inspiring 15th to 21st-century artworks to create rich displays of floral designs.

The event, which was delayed for one year due to the COVID-19 provincial restrictions, is made possible by Petals West, the longtime supporter of two of WAG-Qaumajuq’s Signature Events: Art in Bloom and Gallery Ball. The incredible variety of florals and foliage gave rise to spectacular creativity as the 95 floral interpreters crafted their artistic arrangements, filling the galleries with fresh flowers and highlighting the Gallery’s outstanding art collection through the scents and colours of spring. This year, the bright spaces of Qaumajuq were enlivened by the floral arrangements for the first time, which saw Inuit art, textiles, carvings, and jewelry added to the list of artworks that have been interpreted by amateur and professional florists.

Featured in the entrance of Qaumajuq are beautiful floral installations curated by Petals West. The first collaborative effort graces the entry to the building, showcasing the classic beauty of the rose in all its forms. The second, by Petals West floral interpreter Dawn Ormiston Stewart, is an artistic interpretation of the massive Inuit stone carvings, Time to Play & The Way of the Shaman, that welcome visitors to Qaumajuq, as well as the Virtual Vault itself. The result is an elegant towering homage to Inuit art. Adorning Ilipvik, the Learning Steps, are vibrant flowering vines, created by Dawn Ormiston Stewart from donated and repurposed fabric.

You can visit these incredible displays Saturday and Sunday, April 2 & 3 from 11am-5pm. Celebrate spring with the colourful and fragrant blooms made possible by Master Partner Petals West, with special thanks to Dawn, Zoe, Kevin, and team.

Petals West, in operation since 1986, began as a small family-owned floral supplier and has since grown to be one of the premier suppliers of Farm Direct fresh flowers in North America.