Pittsburgh, PA…Spring truly blossoms with the return of Art in Bloom, a three-day celebration featuring favorite works of art, fresh flowers, and an array of festivities, presented by the Women’s Committee of Carnegie Museum of Art.

Exotic and imaginative floral displays inspired by great works of art are on view in Carnegie Museum of Art’s galleries. Regional garden clubs, local organizations, and florists create these stunning floral displays in a spectrum of styles, filling the galleries with the season’s most vibrant colors and loveliest fragrances. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the art collection complemented in an entirely new way.

The three-day event includes a preview gala themed April in Paris; a lecture and luncheon featuring internationally renowned floral designer Chris Giftos; and activities for children and families. The dates and description of activities are as follows:

Thursday, April 8

April in Paris Preview Gala and Silent Auction.

6:30–10 p.m.

The Art in Bloom celebration begins with a preview gala themed April in Paris. Combining elegant flower arrangements and beautiful art, the museum is transformed into springtime in France.

Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Hall of Sculpture before setting off on a stroll through the galleries to view stunning floral arrangements and the works of art that inspired them. The silent auction will feature number of wonderful items, many with a French theme, including two round-trip coach airline tickets to Paris. After music and entertainment, cap off the evening with cocktails, coffee, and confections in Scaife Foyer.

Tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door. For purchase, please call 412.622.3325. Tickets can also be purchased online.

Friday, April 9

Chris Giftos Lecture and Luncheon

Doors open 9 a.m., lecture begins 10:30 a.m. and luncheon is served at noon

Art in Bloom continues with a talk by Chris Giftos, retired Director of Special Events and Master Floral Designer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Giftos created floral arrangements and organized cultural and fund-raising events at the museum, including one of the biggest social events in New York, the legendary Costume Institute gala. As the Metropolitan’s events planner, he was responsible for everything, beginning with the theme, the music, the menu, the seating, and, of course, the gorgeous floral arrangements. For every event, he was the maestro, responsible for the flawless execution of fabulous evenings for the glitterati, the literati, and the “who’s who” of the social world, from Jackie Onassis to Princess Diana.

During Art in Bloom, Giftos will fill the Carnegie Music Hall stage with a profusion of blossoms as he demonstrates techniques for creating stunning arrangements while sharing his expertise and memories from his career. Raffle tickets will be sold for his completed arrangements. Copies of Giftos’ book The Art of Floral Arranging will be available for purchase. A luncheon will be served in the Music Hall Foyer following the lecture.

Tickets are $60 for the lecture and luncheon, $50 per person for parties of 10 people or more, and $30 for the lecture only. For purchase, please call 412.622.3325. Tickets can also be purchased online.

Saturday, April 10

Families, Fun, and Flowers, featuring Monet’s Water Lilies

10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Free with museum admission

Families are invited to enjoy fun, fanciful flowers in the Carnegie Museum of Art galleries featuring Monet’s Water Lilies.

Art in Bloom ticketing information

In addition to regular admission tickets, Art in Bloom features Patron level tickets at $1,000, Sponsor level tickets at $500, and Benefactor level tickets at $300.

Patron Level features four tickets for:

• Reception with Chris Giftos and docent-led tour
• Gala Preview Party and valet parking for two cars
• Presentation by Chris Giftos and the following luncheon
• Event program recognition

Sponsor Level features two tickets for:

• Gala Preview Party and valet parking for one car
• Presentation by Chris Giftos and the following luncheon
• Event program recognition

Benefactor levels features one ticket for:

• Gala Preview Party and valet parking for one car
• Presentation by Chris Giftos and the following luncheon
• Event program recognition

For additional Art in Bloom information and tickets please call 412.622.3325 or email. Tickets can also be purchased online.

About the Women’s Committee

Founded in 1957, the Women’s Committee of Carnegie Museum of Art is dedicated to furthering the interests of the Museum of Art and promoting its cultural and educational value in the community. Since its inception, the Women’s Committee has funded the purchase of over 280 works of art for the museum, at a cost of over $4 million. In addition, the Women’s Committee contributed $1 million dollars to the Museum of Art Capital Campaign Fund for the renovation of the Scaife Galleries, as well as $500,000 to the recent renovation of the Bruce Galleries. Now in its 52nd year, the Women’s Committee continues its mission of raising funds for the Museum of Art and supporting programs that engage the community in museum activities.

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Carnegie Museum of Art

Located at 4400 Forbes Avenue in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Museum of Art was founded by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1895. One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, it is nationally and internationally recognized for its distinguished collection of American and European works from the 16th century to the present. The Heinz Architectural Center, part of Carnegie Museum of Art, is dedicated to enhancing understanding of the physical environment through its exhibitions, collections, and public programs. For more information about Carnegie Museum of Art, call 412.622.3131 or visit our web site at www.cmoa.org.

Contact:

Jonathan Gaugler
412.688.8690
gauglerj@carnegiemuseums.org