Natural Beauty Awaits At ‘Art That Blooms’ Festival In Newtown

NEWTOWN, PA — The public is invited to take in the beauty of nature combined with artistic creativity at the fourth annual “Art That Blooms” festival Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 15 and 16 at Bucks County Community College in Newtown.

The theme of the two-day event, which is free and open to the public, is “Fusion: Where art and flowers collide.” One of the highlights will be floral designs created by the college’s floral design students inspired by 12 works of art created by students in the college’s School of Arts and Communication on display in the Hicks Art Center Gallery.

In addition, dozens of floral showpiece entries will line the halls of the Hicks Art Center. The showpiece floral displays will be interspersed with paintings, glass sculptures, and wood working.

“A crowd favorite treat throughout the weekend are the make-and-take sessions that we have for both kids and adults,” said Renee Tucci, one of the floral design instructors at the college and national president of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). “We have doubled the number of spots that we will offer for these sessions, but there is still limited seating. A sign-up sheet to participate will be posted one-hour before the start.”

The festival includes demonstrations by both the School of Arts and Communication as well as the Continuing Education Department floral design team, students and alumni. Demonstrations take place every half hour, and free “make-and-take sessions” will be available.

"Art That Blooms" features floral creations by students in the college’s floral design program inspired by works of art created by students in the School of Arts and Communication.

New this year is a “makers market” fair selling handmade arts and crafts, featuring 10 vendors. A snack stand will also be available.

“Art That Blooms” takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, November 16. An awards ceremony takes place at 3 p.m. Sunday, announcing the winners in the categories of “Showpiece,” “Designer of the Year,” and “People’s Choice.” To learn more, visit bucks.edu/art-that-blooms.

The free festival takes place in the Hicks Art Center, located on the campus at 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, 18940. For a campus map and directions, visit bucks.edu/newtown. For more information, email coned@bucks.edu.