Spring forward this April 2-4 to the Fourth Annual Art in Bloom hosted by the Auburn University’s Julie Collins Smith Museum (JCSM). Pop-up art takes on a unique form as southeastern floral designers take their inspiration from JCSM’s exclusive galleries.

As the tulips bulbs begin to burst open outside, the creativity and artistic juices will overflow one petal and stem at a time during the three days.

The festivities begin on Thursday at 1 p.m. and last through Saturday at 4:45 p.m. The community and university students and faculty are encouraged to participate. The museum will be open during its regular business hours for the exhibit: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. till 4:45 p.m. Admission prices for adults are $5 and $4 for seniors; university students, staff and faculty have free admission.

On Friday, from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. Elaine Jo a professional in Ikebana will give a demonstration followed by an Asian themes luncheon. Ikebana is the ancient art of Japanese flower arranging which Jo has been practicing since spending more than 15 years in Japan.

Jo travels the U.S. giving workshops about the lost art form that combines grace and beauty to create a peaceful ambiance. From 1994 till 2006, Jo has served as director of the Ichiyo Art Center in Atlanta. Seats are $40 per person, although space is limited.

Friday night from 6 till 9 p.m., speaker Dr. Tommy Chase will be speaking about ‘Aesthetics of Asian Art, Bonsai and Suiseki’ followed by an Asian themed cocktail reception and live music in the museum’s gardens.

Dr. Chase has more than 35 years worth of knowledge in bonsai trees and viewing stones from the Asian culture. He is bringing with him some of his one-of-a-kind collection of bonsai trees, some of which date back 40 years or more. To partake in the evening’s Asian inspired activities, tickets are $75 per person.

On Saturday morning at 10 a.m., Birmingham native Dorothy McDaniel will give a demonstration on the simplicity of floral arranging followed by a luncheon in the Grand Gallery. McDaniel has been a floral designer for 29 years.

Her lecture titled, “Simply Beautiful Flowers, but Oh So Simple to Design,” is full of her flower and arranging knowledge and experience and how to apply the simple skills she has gained throughout the years. McDaniel’s lecture and lunch combined are $75 per person.

Come experience a little bit of the Asian culture in Auburn, Ala. at the JCSM. For more information or to buy your tickets, visit www.jcsm.auburn.edu.



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