Floral designs take center stage at artistic ‘In Bloom’ events this week in Rockford

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A pair of spring fundraisers focused on imaginative floral designs return this week to Riverfront Museum Park.

Art in Bloom, which uses flowers and other organic materials to create art based off pieces at Rockford Art Museum’s permanent collection, and Fashion in Bloom, which puts floral designs on the runway, are the signature “In Bloom” events. The multiday festivities also includes Flower Flash giveaways and workshops on floral arrangements.

This year there are 20 florist teams creating 23 designs for Art in Bloom. A preview party on Wednesday features heavy hors d’oeuvres and wine from Abreo and provides attendees the opportunity to meet the designers.

Fashion in Bloom features women’s fashions provided by B Jones that are accessorized with fresh florals and organic materials from local designers. The runway-style event features hors d’oeuvres from Abreo and 27 Aluna with desserts from Crust and Crumbles.

Here’s a breakdown of what to know if you plan to attend:

Art in Bloom

Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 10 through Sunday, April 13

Cost: $10; $5 for RAM members

Preview party: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 9

Preview tickets/info: Go HERE

Fashion in Bloom

Where: Discovery Center Museum Woodward Hall, 711 N. Main St., Rockford

When: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, April 11

Tickets/info: Go HERE

Flower Flash

What: Attend the opening day of Art in Bloom and go home with a floral arrangement.

When: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 10

Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford

Flower workshops

Behind the Blooms

What: This workshop gives attendees the opportunity to help with the Flower Flash and learn new floral arranging techniques from local designers. Attendees will also be given a private tour of Art in Bloom and have breakfast bites from The Vintage Goose.

Cost: $55; $50 for museum members

When: 8 a.m. Thursday, April 10

Where: Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford

Info/registration: Go HERE

Petals and Prints

What: This workshop teaches a technique called “flower stamping,” where participants use live flowers to create original prints on a bandana.

When: Noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 12

Cost: $35; $30 for museum members

Info/registration: Go HERE

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas