The Vero Beach Museum of Art drew another sold-out crowd of more than 500 ladies last Thursday afternoon to its annual Art in Bloom Luncheon, this year featuring a presentation by Ben Bailey, owner of Heavy Petal Nursery in Moses Lake Washington, on The Flowers of Downton Abbey, and its real-life setting, Highclere Castle.
The Downton Abbey theme of the event was prompted by the upcoming International Lecture Series visit by Highclere’s eighth and current countess, Lady Fiona Carnarvon. The luncheon, sponsored by Charlotte Stifel, was co-chaired by Kathy Saxe and Beth Werwaiss, and the floral design exhibition by the event’s creators, Lee LaPointe and Ann Webber.
Its popularity necessitated two seatings, with guests from the gardenia group the first to arrive and peruse 16 remarkable creations by top floral designers, each inspired by works from the Museum’s permanent collection and current exhibitions, chosen by the curator and registrar.
“We send them (designers) an illustrated checklist of all the works that they can choose from and they make their selection; first come, first served,” explained Robyn Orzel, director of development.
Ballots in hand, attendees had the difficult decision of choosing which of the impressive arrangements would get their vote for Best use of Color; Best use of Texture; Best Interpretation; and Best in Show. Designer names are left off the ballot, ensuring impartiality.
This year’s creatively gifted designers were Liz Farnsworth, Ann Jones, Barbara Kaytes, Lee LaPointe, Susanne Mallory, Betty McCarthy, Sharie Mortimer, Nancy Murray, Helena Pearson, Mary Pressly, Susan Pyles, Pinkie Roe, Elaine Sigler, Ann Webber, Arun Wijefilleke and Frances Wilson.
As the gardenia group filtered into the Holmes Great Hall for its lecture and lunch, the azalea group began to arrive, and would eventually enjoy the lecture in the Leonhardt Auditorium, and lunch in the Buck Atrium and Wahlstrom Sculpture Garden.
Lovely table décor, highlighted by Downton Abbey-worthy entry arrangements created by Bailey, and gorgeous centerpieces by Hutchinson’s Floral Artistry graced each dining area. The atrium even took on the aroma of an orchid greenhouse, thanks to Carolyn Stutt, who gifted each of the guests at her table with fragrant and colorful silk, soap blossoms, made locally by Joan Bragg of Bragg Family Soaps.
“The show began as an outreach of the John’s Island Garden Club,” said Webber, whose arrangement with Ann Jones won this year’s Best in Show. “The Museum thought it was great and ran with it. Designers come from all over the United States; some are local. It’s by invitation only to seasoned arrangers. When I moved down here I wanted to do something great for the community, and this is it.”
“We’re both Garden Club of America floral design judges,” added Lee LaPointe. “That’s one of the common threads that brought us together. It’s participatory and that’s what makes it fun.”
“They up the ante every year; they get even more creative,” said Diane Wilhelm. Her friend Margaret Goembel agreed adding, “I think this is a truly magnificent show; very high standards.”
