Blossoms Featured in Reception Tonight

ArtCenter Manatee kicks off its 75^th Anniversary celebration with the National Traveling Exhibition "Blossom II – Art of Flowers" in conjunction with an exhibit of floral art by the area's local artists. 

An opening reception takes place tonight from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to celebrate the exhibit and to honor ArtCenter's history in the community.

The national exhibit BLOSSOM  II ~ ART OF FLOWERS is the second in an on-going series of traveling exhibitions depicting and interpreting flowers in 21st century art. 

Flowers have been portrayed by artists for centuries and are perhaps best known from sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Dutch and Flemish still-life paintings.

Flowers inspired 20th century artist Georgia O'Keefe.   Today, flowers inspire artists as much as ever, as evidenced by the floral art of the late Susan K. Black (1946–2000), and members of botanical art organizations worldwide.

Black began her art career at age 42, later than many artists. The Texas artist did not fear taking risks or experimenting. She was best know for painting florals. Her husband James E. Parkman set up a memorial fund in 2001 to honor her spirit and courage. The foundation was set up for art education and it expanded its mission by providing grants and back art exhibitions and other programs to raise awareness and apprectiation for art.

ArtCenter Manatee was able to bring the 2011 traveling exhibit here as it celebrates its 75th year in Manatee County. In honor of the show, ArtCenter Manatee will host a celebration of flowers including demos, workshops and events that run the duration of the Blossom II exhibit.  A full list of events including workshops by renowned artists Anne Abgott, Bonnie Jones, Carol Ann Sherman, Kristy Kutch, Jack Nolan, Janet Rogers and Robert O’Brien is available at www.artcentermanatee.org/blossom.

Tonight's reception will give residents a first look at the exhibit, it begins at 5 p.m. and there is a $10 suggested donation to attend.