VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

Florescence is one of the largest competitive national flower shows sanctioned by the Garden Club of America in the United States, presented by The Garden Club of Houston, River Oaks Garden Club, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Florescence will showcase floral and horticultural arrangements by garden club experts, renowned floral and garden designers, members of The Asia Society, Houston, and other noted personalities. Many of these flower arrangements will be interpretations of masterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston´s permanent collection.

Chaired by Mrs. J. David Kirkland, Jr. from The Garden Club of Houston and Mrs. L.R. French, III from the River Oaks Garden Club, Florescence is one of the largest competitive national flower shows in the United States sanctioned by the Garden Club of America. Florescence will showcase floral and horticultural arrangements by garden club experts, floral and garden designers, and other noted personalities. Many of these flower arrangements will be interpretations of masterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s permanent collection. Throughout the Beck Building’s galleries, exquisite flower arrangements and exotic plant specimens will present not only artful displays of talent, but also a judged flower show, officially sanctioned by the Garden Club of America boasting fierce competition.

In addition to various GCA awards, Florescence will give first, second and third place awards for Flower Arrangement, Horticultural Design, Best Challenge, Best Cut Specimen, Jewelry, Most Creative Exhibit and Best Plants Grown, as well as a Curator’s Award.

Florescence is one of the largest competitive national flower shows in the United States. This biennial show is a benefit, created by The Garden Club of Houston, River Oaks Garden Club, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The 2009 show will be the eighth Major Flower Show produced by the trio. The theme for 2009 is The Elements. The show is held throughout the pristine galleries of the MFAH´s Audrey Jones Beck Building and is a floraphile´s dream, filled with world-class flower arrangements, plant specimens, and the intoxicating aroma of flowers everywhere.

In conjunction with the judged competition, there are lunches and parties to help raise funds and promote the celebration of Florescence. Florescence is a judged flower show, officially sanctioned by the Garden Club of America. It boasts a fierce competition, blue ribbon winners, and the coveted Best in Show award.

Schedule of Events:

General Exhibition:
April 21 and 22, 2009
10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.,
Open to the public with general museum admission
museum members are free/non-members $7 (general museum admission)
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Audrey Jones Beck Building

Opening Reception
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Reservations required
Cost: $150 per person
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Audrey Jones Beck Building
Cocktail attire

Florescence Lecture and Luncheon
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Lecture and lively conversation with John Saladino
Formal seated luncheon. Reservations required.
Cost: $125 per person
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Caroline Wiess Law Building

All Proceeds will benefit both Garden Clubs´ civic projects and the museum´s operating budget.