Signs of Spring at the Springfield Museums: 10th Annual Festival of Flowers

The Springfield Museums present Festival of Flowers March 30-April 2, free with museum admission. More than forty displays will grace four museums as floral design and botanical whimsy return to the Springfield Museums during the 10th annual Festival of Flowers. Thoughtful interpretations will bring new perspectives to the objects and exhibits of the art, history, and science museums.

“This will be a wonderful time to embrace the vibrant color and captivating fragrance of fresh flowers!” said Larissa Murray, Director of Education at the Springfield Museums, and organizer of this beloved annual event. “We are all so ready to welcome spring.”

“Festival of Flowers is a hallmark event for our Museums year,” said Kay Simpson, President and CEO of the Springfield Museums. “The inventiveness and creativity of the arrangements is so impressive. This event is truly defined by joy and admiration. We are so grateful to all who participate.”

To compound the joy, the floral fashion show returns during Festival of Flowers After Hours on Thursday, March 30, from 5-8 pm. The evening includes interactive activities, refreshments, and plenty of time to admire the flowers after hours. Related programing throughout the festival, including a Family Day, is listed below.

RELATED PROGRAMMING

Museums á la Carte: Creating Floral Arrangements
Presented by Matthew D. Flatow, director of operations and design, Flowers, Flowers!
March 30, 12:15-1:30 pm
Members Free; $4 nonmembers
Join Matthew as he creates several seasonal arrangements while sharing tips and advice on how to work with plant material and care for the flowers and greens.

Festival of Flowers After Hours
Thursday, March 30, 5-8 pm
$15 Members, $25 nonmembers
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails as you tour the floral displays in the art, science, and history museums. Watch as local florists create arrangements using surprise materials in the Design Challenge. Participate in interactive activities and be amazed by the roving floral fashion. Refreshments by Nosh Café and entertainment included; cash bar. Reservations suggested.

Sponsored by Westfield Bank, NAI Plotkin, and Bank of America Private Bank.

Festival of Flowers Workshop
Friday-Sunday, 11 am-3 pm
Stop by Spark!Lab in the Science Museum for hands-on art and science activities using real plant material. Free with museum admission.

Flowers and greenery provided by Springfield Florists Supply.

Guided Tours
Friday-Sunday
Join experienced docent guides as they discuss the interpretive floral arrangements and the museum objects that served as inspiration. Free with museum admission.

11:15 am   D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts
12:15 pm   Springfield Science Museum
1:15 pm     GWV Smith Art Museum
2:15 pm     Wood Museum of Springfield History
3:15 pm     D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts

Festival of Flowers Family Day
Saturday, April 1, 10 am-5 pm
Explore the world of flowers through hands-on activities. Highlights include a bouquet making station and “blooming” paper flowers. Free with museum admission.

Festival of Flowers Members Café
Saturday, April 1, 11:30 am-3:30 pm
Members and their guests can enjoy a spread of light fare, tea, and desserts. Reservations suggested.

Nasturtium Cascades at the Gardner Museum
Saturday, April 1, 1 pm
Join the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum’s Senior Manager of Horticulture, Jenny Pore, for a glimpse behind the scenes of this brilliant annual tradition. Free with museum admission.

MUSEUM SCHOOL CLASSES

Those who catch “spring fever” at the festival can explore related classes at the Museum School later in the season.

Poetic Flowers in Pastel
Friday, April 28, 10 am–3 pm
Members $85; nonmembers $100.
Learn to simplify complex flower shapes to capture the essence of the flower. Composition, value structure, color harmony, temperature and chroma will be discussed. This workshop led by Lisa Regopoulos will consist of a one-hour demo along with a hand-out. Following the demo, attendees will warm-up with a blind contour drawing and a color study exercise before the start of their main pastel painting. Supply list provided.

Floral Design
Wednesday, May 10, 6–8 pm
Members $77; nonmembers $90.
Just in time for Mother’s Day or any special celebration! Ruth Loiseau is a nationally recognized floral designer and a special events florist at the White House. Ruth will guide you through the steps to create a stunning seasonal floral arrangement for your spring table. Bring a pair of clippers.

FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS SPONSORED BY