Thousands of Flowers to Fill San Diego Museum of Art

The 35th Annual "Art Alive" fundraiser will bloom over the course of three days at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park April 29 through May 1

Thousands of flowers will fill the San Diego Museum of Art this weekend for a unique exhibition and springtime fundraiser.

With the help of more than 100 floral designers, “Art Alive” will transform famous works from the museum’s permanent collection into unique floral interpretations.

The museum’s two-story central Rotunda will also be filled with blooms – specifically 5,000 roses, carnations, green Kermit poms, billy balls and purple status.

In its 35th year, the floral-heavy fundraiser runs Friday through Sunday, and helps support arts education, outreach programs and exhibitions at the San Diego Museum of Art at Balboa Park.

The Art Alive exhibition officially opens at 9 a.m. Friday, with a sneak peek for museum members at 7 a.m. It runs through 5 p.m., wrapping up on Sunday. The exhibit is free for members and $20 for non-members.

The three-day affair brings several special events, too, including the after-hours Bloom Bash Friday from 7 p.m. to midnight. Separate tickets must be purchased for the Bloom Bash.

On Saturday, the museum will host a floral demonstration in the James S. Copley Auditorium led by Kika Shibata, a renowned instructor of the avant-garde form of Japanese art of flower arranging known as Sogetsu Ikebana. Ticket to this demo cost $50 per person.

The Garden of Activities, set for 12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, will give kids a chance to go on a museum-wide flower hunt and take part in a variety of floral-inspired art projects. This event is free with paid admission into the Art Alive exhibit.

Throughout Art Alive, the Museum Store will sell spring-themed items, including jewelry in a Trunk Show featuring pieces from local designers.

For more details and tickets for Art Alive, visit the museum’s website.

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