Bouquets To Art Exhibit Now Showing At De Young

A floral arrangement inspired by artwork at the de Young Museum

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

June is in bloom at the de Young Museum! Last night the 35th annual Bouquets to Art exhibit launched at a festive and fun gala. The show, which features beautiful floral arrangements inspired by the museum’s current and permanent collections, lasts for one week only, from June 4 to 9. More than 100 local floral designers participated in the event, creating unique bouquets, urns, and vignettes meant to reflect a particular painting, sculpture, or work of art.

Photo Credit: Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography

In the past, Bouquets to Art was hosted in early spring; this is the first year that the event is taking place in June. “The event is a tradition that I have quickly come to learn is greatly beloved by all and continues to impact the cultural fabric of San Francisco, the greater Bay Area, and beyond,” Thomas P. Campbell, the director and CEO of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco said in a statement. “You will find museum spaces adorned with elaborate floral arrangements, including a large-scale hanging aerial installation in Wilsey Court, plus delectable luncheons and engaging lectures from international floral experts throughout the week.”

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Over the past 35 years, the event has raised over $7 million to underwrite the museums’ programming and projects and 800,000 people have walked through the de Young during the event. Nine of the floral exhibitors, including Michael Daigian Designs, Ikebana International, and the Hillsborough Garden Club, have participated in all 35 years of the show.

Photo Credit: Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography

At the opening party, guests were treated to a delicious spread of food by McCalls Catering including roast salmon, beef fillet, mint and pea ravioli, cheese, charcuterie, sliders, and more. The Aperol spritzes flowed, and everyone was in awe of Eclipse, a massive hanging floral arrangement crafted by Waterlily Pond studio that featured over 10,000 orange blooms. Floristry students from City College of San Francisco presented a fashion show with looks made from flowers and other greenery.

Kirk Wilder attends Bouquets to Art Opening Gala on June 3rd 2019 at de Young Museum in San Francisco, CA (Photo – Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography)

Photo Credit: Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography

Local luminaries like Dede Wilsey, Shannon Cronan, and Navid Armstrong, took in the stunning exhibits. Some personal favorites that you should not miss when checking out the show? Kirk Wilder of Acme Floral Company’s white floral dog that paired with Nick Cave’s Untitled (Soundsuit); So-Yeon Kim of Myrtus Floral Studio’s ethereal tulips that were inspired by George Hitchcock’s Tulip Couture; and Tamara Apple of Bluebird Studio’s delicate arrangement that mimicked John Singer Sargent’s Caroline de Bassano.