The imaginative floral designers at this year’s Art in Bloom luncheons at the Vero Beach Museum of Art were tasked with expertly interpreting 3-dimensional pieces, fashioning designs as unique and appealing as the exhibit that inspired them, Rolling Sculpture: Streamlined Art Deco Automobiles and Motorcycles.
This year’s luncheon committee was co-chaired by Barbara Hathaway and Kathy Flatley, while Ann Jones and Ann Webber co-chaired the floral exhibition.
The extraordinarily talented floral artists crafted 12 interpretive designs, each of which creatively played off the colors and shapes of the spectacular vehicles. In addition to Jones and Webber, this year’s designers were Emily D’Andrea, Ginger DeSimone, Julie Herrmann, Barbara Kaytes, Lee LaPointe, Cress Graham Meier, Sharie Mortimer, Nancy Murray, Anne Noonan, Pinkie Roe, Elaine Sigler, Liza Weihman and Arun Wijetilleke.
To accommodate the 420 guests, ladies had their choice of attending one of two luncheon sessions, viewing and voting for their favorites in several categories, before enjoying a luncheon catered by Elizabeth Kennedy & Co.
This year’s presentation featured Texas-based floral designer Maxine Owens, who creates art- and nature-inspired arrangements at Max Owens Design, a boutique floral and event design company.
“This is a particularly spectacular Art in Bloom. It’s amazing to see these floral arrangements in conjunction with the art deco automobiles and motorcycles,” said Brady Roberts, VBMA CEO, before thanking the event sponsors, which included presenting sponsor and VBMA board chair Emily Sherwood.
Introducing Owens, Roberts commented that she has focused her career on creativity, whether merchandising for well-known brands or designing arrangements for events and weddings.
“As an extensive traveler, she also finds that seeing the world provides a creative spark and, being one of our kind of people, she draws inspiration from paintings like Dutch Master paintings and also architecture and interior design,” said Roberts.
“I absolutely love sharing my love for florals with people who are excited about it and want to learn and really embrace all that flowers have to offer,” said Owens, before sharing her personal journey as she demonstrated the creation of two stunning arrangements.
Extending the lovely afternoon, guests also shopped the Museum Store Trunk Show which featured Erica Zap Jewelry and Winding Road purses.
The Rolling Sculpture: Streamlined Art Deco Automobiles and Motorcycles exhibit is on display through April 30. For more information, visit VBMuseum.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
