More than 125 of the Bay Area’s most innovative and sought after floral designers have returned to the de Young for Bouquets to Art 2016, the annual week-long exhibition in which local designers create spectacular works of floral art in response to pieces in the museum’s permanent collection and the architecture of the building. Plan on seeing it soon, if you haven’t done so already, as the ephemeral event ends on April 10.
This year’s guest speakers include: author India Hicks, Danielle Hahn of Rose Story Farm, Occasion! founder and CEO Annette Kunz, designer-author Carolyne Roehm and San Francisco Cottages & Gardens editor-in-chief Alisa Carroll-who will moderate a panel with Christina Stembel of Farmgirl Flowers and Allison Futeral of Crimson Horticultural. Now in its 32nd year, Bouquets to Art opened on April 5.
Arrangements range from the strikingly simple to the elaborately intricate, including a large installation in Wilsey Court by Oakland’s Sharpstick Studios, who are celebrating their 7th year as participants. This year, floral designers will also draw inspiration from the special exhibition Oscar de la Renta: The Retrospective, the world premiere survey of the late designer’s work on view at the de Young through May 30.
Bouquets to Art 2016 launched on Monday with an opening night gala and preview. The evening, catered by McCalls Catering & Events, featured live music from Oyé Events and allowed for the first viewing of the floral arrangements. Diane B. Wilsey served as the Grand Patron, Lorna Meyer Calas as Honorary Gala Chair, and Lonna Wais as Exhibit and Floral Fashions Partner. On gala night, models strolled through the museum wearing gowns and accessories created entirely from fresh flowers and designed by students from City College of San Francisco. (See page 9 for more about City College.)
Catered luncheons and pop-up discussions by floral designers are being held throughout the week, while an onsite raffle of luxury goods and services will conclude with a drawing on Saturday afternoon. All proceeds from Bouquets to Art 2016 benefit the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Members-only viewing hours are available tonight from 6–8 p.m. and photography-free hours will take place tomorrow, Friday, from 9:30 am–12 pm.
In the 32 years since its inception, this popular and much anticipated event presented by the volunteer members of the San Francisco Auxiliary of the Fine Arts Museums has drawn nearly 750,000 visitors, with net proceeds nearing $6 million. Funds from Bouquets to Art help underwrite special exhibitions, conservation projects and educational programs at the Legion of Honor and the de Young.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, April 7
Floral Exhibits
9:30 am–5:15 pm
Lecture: Capturing Beauty by Carolyne Roehm
Over four decades, Carolyne Roehm’s career has spanned the worlds of fashion, gardening, entertaining, publishing and decorative arts. Mentored by Oscar de la Renta, she worked alongside the couture giant for ten years before launching her own fashion house. Roehm will speak on the latest of her twelve books, At Home in the Garden. A book signing of the newly launched, Carolyne Roehm at Home and in the Garden, will follow the lecture. Gallery admission included.
10:30 am | Tickets required | $45
Elegant Catered Luncheon
Guests will enjoy a luncheon catered by McCalls Catering & Events. Gallery admission included.
12:15 pm | Tickets required | $80
Conversation and Floral Display: The New Bloom, San Francisco’s Next Generation of Leading Florists by Alisa Carroll
Member Viewing Hours
San Francisco Cottages and Gardens Editor-in-Chief Alisa Carroll will lead a conversation with two next generation florists: Allison Futeral, founder of Crimson Horticulture, and Christina Stembel, founder of Farmgirl Flowers. The panel will explore how trendsetters and new techniques are redefining the future of floral design. Gallery admission included.
1:30 pm | Tickets required | $45
Member Viewing Hours
6:00 pm–8:00 pm
Friday, April 8
Floral Exhibits
9:30 am–5:15 pm
Photography-Free Hours
9:30 am–12:00 pm
Saturday, April 9
Floral Exhibits
9:30 am–5:15 pm
Sunday, April 10
Floral Exhibits
9:30 am–5:15 pm
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