A few days ago, on a typical early March afternoon, HM and I ventured out to catch a glimpse of spring. There are no actual signs of it around here but luckily some nice florists teamed up with the local art center to a give us all a glimpse of what is to come - if the current weather doesn't drive us completely out of our minds! Just kidding, I love all the seasons and can't imagine living anywhere else but sometimes winter can go on way too long.
Rooms of Blooms is an event that combines flowers and artwork and is put on by our local Paine Art Center. A variety of exotic plants and flowers are done up in wildly imaginative bouquets by florists from the area who are inspired by the paintings from the Paine's permanent collection. There are also special displays to complement the rooms and a group of fantasy themed dining tables.
The main gallery showcased a collection of 19th century landscapes, hung salon style. Set among the paintings were the floral arrangements that took their design inspiration from the works of art on the walls. That sounds a little on the stuffy side but it was actually kind of fun to look at the art and flowers together since no two interpretations were the same. The contemporary botanicals were also a nice contrast to all those pictures in their serious gilt frames.
This bouquet's reverse pony tail had me laughing.
This visitor seemed to blend right in.
There were some groupings that were very carefully color coordinated . . .
. . . and others where the lines between the art and blooms were just a blur.
I'd love to create a tiny meadow like this but what would it look like after my kitties got into it?
Orchids and roses were on display in the Ladies Sitting Room.
This is a look into the powder room off the Ladies Sitting Room.
How much writing do you suppose she is getting done with those two ravens watching?
The Great Hall was full of tables set for fantasy luncheons. This one was very impressive but a little scary to get close to. I was afraid I might bump into a chair and send the whole thing tumbling down!
A unique centerpiece of birds, nests, moss, succulents and folding cameras.
Here is another flower arrangement that called for a wide berth. Luckily, it was very fragrant so I didn't have to get too close. How cute are those lucite chairs?
No flower show would be complete without roses!
I rarely photograph the staircase because, well . . . it's a staircase. However, the handrail is carved with oak leaves and acorns so I sort of felt like it fit in with the overall botanical theme.
More conventional spring flowers were on display in the appropriately dark Gothic Gallery.
Upon leaving the art center we stepped out into a completely different story.
Of course, since this was a celebration of spring, it was snowing heavily.
At least it was pretty.
I'd like to think that in a couple of months all this snow and cold will be completely forgotten.
Ha! Ha! Ha! Not likely!
Thanks for stopping by! Has spring showed up where you live?
