Ringling in Bloom Blossoms This Weekend

The second annual Ringling in Bloom springs to life Thursday through Sunday with a four-day celebration of fine art, flowers, and fashion at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

A feast for gardening enthusiasts and fashionistas, Ringling in Bloom branches out with a budding assortment of floral fantasies. It features galleries flushed with floral arrangements, hands-on workshop and tips from celebrity floral designer Remco van Vliet, as well as a preview of Lilly Pulitzer’s Spring Collection of wearable floral art.    

“Last year’s inaugural Ringling in Bloom proved hugely popular with the community and our out-of-town visitors,” said Steven High, executive director of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. “Ringling in Bloom, the 2012 edition, touches all the senses with its creative presentations of fine art, flowers and fashion juxtaposed with the Ringling Museum’s galleries, grounds and gardens. One of the best experiences is strolling through the Museum of Art galleries, which resemble a lush oasis filled with fragrant garden art inspired by the Museum’s collection.”  

On Thursday, the Museum of Art’s permanent collection galleries will be closed during the day in preparation for opening night of Ringling in Bloom and the Designers Preview from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Floral arrangements created by Florida Suncoast designers and inspired by the Museum’s collection are revealed in the Museum of Art’s 21 original galleries and loggia.

Designers discuss their floral fantasies and Museum docents offer insights into the collection. It includes hors d’oeuvres and cocktails served on the Museum loggia. Tickets are $85; $75 for Museum members.

On Friday, at 10:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m., is a lecture and demonstration at the Historic Asolo Theater by celebrity floral designer Remco van Vliet. Renowned for his designs for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, New York Philharmonic, and Carnegie Hall, van Vliet shows participants step-by-step how to create stunning and fashionable floral masterpieces from a classic centerpiece to a contemporary conversation starter.

A reception follows in the Welcome Center and Dwarf Garden. Tickets are $50; $40 for Museum members and includes general admission to the Museum. This event benefits Museum programs.

On Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., is a feast of fashion, flowers and food with the featured showcase a preview of the Lilly Pulitzer Spring collection in the Museum of Art Courtyard and Loggia.

See Lilly Pulitzer’s collection of bright floral prints created by their print designers who took inspiration from flowers to create each print and the line of wearable flower art.

A silent auction hosted by Sarasota Magazine and Lilly Pulitzer rounds out the event and supports Museum programs and operations.

Tickets are $120; $100 for Museum members, and includes general admission to the museum. Reserved table sponsorships are available. The price for a table of 8 is $1,200; tables of 10 are $1,500.

“Ringling in Bloom pays homage to Mable Ringling, president of Sarasota’s first garden club,” explained High. “Mable was passionate about flowers, particularly roses. It is our hope that attendees to Ringling in Bloom complete their floral fantasy by walking the estate grounds to see its natural beauty. Must-sees are Mable’s nationally accredited rose garden, secret garden and the Millennium Tree Trail.”

Pre-registration is closed for the Sunday flower decorating workshop