San Diego

Famous Artworks Recreated With Flowers at San Diego Museum of Art

Art Alive is a unique exhibition and fundraiser hosted each spring by the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park

Thousands of bright blooms will fill the San Diego Museum of Art this weekend for a unique springtime exhibition that will not only open the mind, but also awaken the senses.

With the help of more than 100 Southern California-based floral designers, the 36th annual Art Alive will showcase floral interpretations of some of the museum’s most famous artworks. The flower arrangements will stand next to each corresponding masterpiece including works from Gustav Klimt, Diego Rivera, Goya, Henri Matisse and more.

Art Alive will also fill the museum’s famous two-story rotunda with flowers turning the area into a breathtaking, blooming centerpiece during the weekend-long affair. San Diego’s Carlos Franco, of Green Fresh Florals, will spearhead the rotunda design; he took the lead on the project in 2014, too.

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The floral exhibition will be on display Friday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day – during the museum’s regular hours of operation.

General admission is $25 for adults (San Diego Museum of Art members get in free) and $5 for children ages 7 to 17. It’s free for kids age 6 and under. The exhibition is the museum’s biggest annual fundraiser, with proceeds supporting arts education, outreach programs and special exhibitions year-round.

Art Alive 2017 will also bring several related events to the museum including the Bloom Bash, a kick-off party at the venue on Friday night that includes food created by local chefs, floral-infused cocktails, live music, dancing, entertainment and a custom art installation. Patrons can also get an after-hours look at the Art Alive exhibition during this shindig.

Other events include a Terrarium Building Workshop on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the Garden of Activities from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday – a special area catered toward kids with reading sessions and floral-themed arts and crafts. The kids’ area is free with paid admission to Art Alive. The San Diego Museum of Art will also host a museum-wide flower hunt.

The museum’s store will also host the Art Alive Trunk Show each day of the event, where visitors can buy spring-themed goodies, including jewelry.

To learn more about Art Alive or to buy your tickets, visit the museum’s website or call (619) 232-7931.

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