Art & Bloom
Art & Bloom is the Concord Garden Club’s signature social event. Every year community members, CGC members, and local florists create floral arrangements to pair with art works by local artists. The paired arrangements and works of art are displayed for the public over a three day period in January and provide a welcome colorful break from our New England winters. Community members are encouraged to participate as designers, or to just attend and enjoy the show. Or both!
Why Design for
Art & Bloom?
Designing for Art & Bloom is rewarding on so many levels. Take a look at what designers say about the experience:
"Every year, I’ve enjoyed attending the Garden Club’s annual Art + Bloom exhibit & finally took the leap to become a designer. I teamed up with a friend and we figured it out together. We enjoyed previewing the League’s winter show when we picked our art, and going to different florists to look at flowers that matched what we picked. We aren’t experienced designers and kept our arrangement simple; everyone was very supportive and we had a fun time. Looking forward to participating again!"
Gena C.M.
HOW TO DESIGN FOR ART & BLOOM
Below you'll find information on the 10 step design process for Art & Bloom. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
01.
DECIDE TO DESIGN SOLO OR IN A TEAM
Welcome! We're so glad you've decided to design for Art & Bloom. The first step in the design process is to decide whether you will work solo or in a team. Both options are incredibly rewarding. We recommend teams of 2-4 max. Make sure you include all team member's names and contact information when you sign up to participate.
02.
SIGN UP TO BE A DESIGNER
We welcome Concord Garden Club members, community members, and professional designers to design for Art & Bloom. To sign up to be a designer (or design team) please send an email to the Club at concordgardenclubnh@gmail.com. We look forward to having you join us!
03.
CHOOSE AN ART INSPIRATION
The next step is to select a piece of fine art or craft from the exhibition. You can expect three date/time opportunities for designers to choose their piece. Take into consideration color, shape, scale, and tone. Make sure to take photos of your art inspiration! You can find the schedule of times to view the exhibit and choose your inspiration in the Designer Manual.
04.
CHOOSE A VESSEL
Picking a flower vessel is an integral part of the design process because it can enhance or detract from how your piece relates to your selected artwork.
05.
CHOOSE A COLOR PALETTE & BOTANICALS
In selecting your flowers be sure to communicate with the flower vendors to make sure they have or can order what you want. They may be able to offer suggestions on substitutions if needed. You can find a list of places to buy flowers in the Designer Manual.
06.
COMMUNICATE WITH NICKI KILFARA
At this point in the process, designers send the following information to Nicki Kilfara at nkilfara@hotmail.com: 1) name of artwork & artist, 2) designer name(s) and contacts, and whether they are from CGC, business, organization or community, and 3) a brief description of your creative process. ​ Please review the helpful Designer Manual.​
07.
CARE FOR YOUR BOTANICALS
It is important to care for your botanicals throughout the process including: processing your flowers, keeping them hydrated without over watering, monitoring the storage temperature, and transporting arrangements safetly. Helpful flower care tips here.
08.
PREPARE YOUR TOOLS & MATERIALS
Common tools that are used in flower arranging include: chicken wire, clean shears, water tubes, green tape, wire/glue, and mist spray.
09.
USE BOOKS FOR INSPIRATION
Flower arrangement books are a great source of inspiration. You can check flower arranging books out from the Concord Public Library or find online inspiration on sites like Pinterest.
10.
STAY ON TRACK WITH THE EVENT SCHEDULE
Art & Bloom is held over three days in January in Concord, NH. On opening day, designers drop off their arrangement and ​preview other arrangements. On the last day, designers pick up their arrangement. The current event schedule is available in the Designer Manual & Schedule.​