Art in Bloom Returns to WAG-Qaumajuq this Spring

Biannual floral event is coming up April 19-21 with Preview Party on April 18

Winnipeg, Manitoba, March 1, 2024: Art in Bloom is back at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq this spring, taking place April 19-21. This highly-anticipated festival of spring, art, and creativity is a lush feast for the senses and a welcoming community event presented by the Associates of the WAG.

Art in Bloom pairs amateur and professional florists with inspiring art to create rich displays of floral designs, made possible in part with the support of Master Partner Petals West. This year, 109 “interpreters” will develop 94 displays highlighting artworks from the Gallery’s permanent collection and borrowed works on view including pieces by Wanda Koop, Tim Gardner, and Abraham Anghik Ruben to name just a few, and bringing in the scents and colours of spring for one glorious weekend.

The community is invited to celebrate with this year’s interpreters and get a first look at the show at the Preview Party on April 18 from 7pm to 9:30pm.

Throughout the weekend the public can learn to make their own floral arrangements or elevate their skills through a series of workshops with creative professionals, and bring home floral bouquets and goodies from the marketplace.

Quick Facts:

• Art in Bloom takes place Friday, April 19 (11am-9pm), and Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21 (11am-5pm), 2024. 109 professional and amateur florists will interpret 94 artworks, filling the galleries with fresh flowers. For more information, visit wag.ca/bloom.
• Entry is included with Gallery admission: adults $18, seniors/students $15, FREE for kids under 18 and WAG-Qaumajuq members.
• A special Preview Party will take place April 18 (7pm-9:30pm) with cocktails, light bites from WOW! Catering, a floral photo frame, a floral experience led by Florence Botanicals, and jazz piano by Ron Paley in the company of the 2024 Art in Bloom Floral Interpreters. Tickets are on sale now at wag.ca/preview.
• Floral arrangement workshops with local florists and makers will be held throughout Art in Bloom weekend with all supplies available for participants to make and bring home their floral creations. Enroll the family in a kid’s class, learn the art of Ikebana, or practice making the perfect floral centerpiece! Pre-register now at wag.ca/bloom.
• Visitors can also bring home floral bouquets from the pop-up shop presented by Petals West and shop the marketplace featuring goodies from Flour & Flower.
• Art in Bloom is organized by the Associates of the WAG, a volunteer group that advances WAG-Qaumajuq’s mission through fundraising, volunteerism, and community outreach.
• Following the event, Floral Philanthropy will re-purpose flowers to deliver bouquets to individuals in the community – such as personal care homes, hospitals, shelters, and people who would not otherwise have access to beautiful flowers – through a partnership with CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.

Quotes:

“Art in Bloom is one of my favourite events, not only at the Gallery but in the city. There is really nothing like it where visitors can enjoy thousands of floral designs highlighting the artworks that inspire them. We look forward to this special weekend every two years and I’d like to thank the committee members of the Associates of the WAG and chair Jan Burns for their tireless work in bringing this refreshing event to life for everyone in the community to enjoy. What better way to celebrate spring!”

— Dr. Stephen Borys, WAG-Qaumajuq Director & CEO

“Spring is approaching and our excitement continues to build in anticipation of Art in Bloom 2024! This year’s event promises something for everyone – beautiful, colourful flowers, the amazing WAG-Qaumajuq collection, workshops, a fun party, and the coming together of community. This event reminds us all that art and nature can always be relied upon to lift our spirits and bring us the sense of hope inherent with the changing of seasons.”

— Jan Burns, Art in Bloom Committee Chair

Support

WAG-Qaumajuq thanks Master Partner Petals West for their support of Art in Bloom, and event sponsors and donors Birchwood Automotive Group, Johnston Group; McFadden Benefits; Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP; Judy and Ken Murray, and Innovair Industrial. We also thank Floral Philanthropy for their generosity in re-purposing flowers to spread wellness across the city.

Organizing Committee

WAG-Qaumajuq thanks Art in Bloom 2024 organizing committee and the Associates of the WAG: Jan Burns (Chair), Joyce Berry, Candace Borger, Hazel Borys, Kevin Chipman, Andrea Cibinel, Jan Coates, Hennie Corrin, Suzanne Du Plooy, Carol Eliasson, Sherry Glanville, Sue Irving, Carolyn Knowles, Karen Lischka, Pat McCullough, Julie Myers, Dawn Ormiston-Stewart, Lise Poirier, Lorraine Prokopchuk, Jody Reaburn, Char Rempel, Day Scarlett, Esme Scarlett, Florence Van Dijk, Edie Wilde.

Associated Links

Art in Bloom
Art in Bloom Preview Party
Art in Bloom Workshops

Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram #atwag

-30-

For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Katryna Barske
Public Relations Officer
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1295
kbarske@wag.ca

About Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq
WAG-Qaumajuq is a cultural advocate using art to connect, inspire, and inform. Playing a dynamic role in the community, we are a place for learning, dialogue, and enjoyment through art. Opened in 2021, Qaumajuq connects to the WAG on all levels, celebrating the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. The new WAG-Qaumajuq cultural campus is now one of the largest art museums in Canada. To learn more visit wag.ca.

Back to Media