BLOOM 2024 celebrates stunning art-inspired florals and Ho-Chunk craftsmanship

(West Bend, WI) Museum of Wisconsin Art is delighted to present BLOOM 2024, its twelfth annual celebration of art and floral design. This year’s theme—Bountiful Harvest—is inspired by the groundbreaking exhibition, Weaving a Legacy: Ho-Chunk Black Ash Basketry, and draws on the beauty and functionality of basketmaking. The museum is transformed as twenty Wisconsin-based floral designers create stunning arrangements throughout the galleries. Visitors will be captivated by spectacular floral displays, hands-on workshops, and one-of-a-kind shopping experiences. BLOOM takes place November 1–3.

BLOOM will also host a special lecture on Friday, November 1, featuring PJ Liesch. Known as “The Wisconsin Bug Guy,” Liesch will discuss the invasive emerald ash borer, its devastating impact on our local ecosystems, and the importance of community action in combating this pressing environmental challenge. Alongside the lecture, BLOOM is offering several workshops on a variety of harvest-inspired topics: floral and centerpiece design, horticulture, botanical dyeing, flower pressing, and more.

This year, MOWA is proud to host the Ho-Chunk Makers Faire, an exciting addition to BLOOM that honors the creativity and craftsmanship of Ho-Chunk artists from across the state. During this three-day Makers Faire, visitors will shop unique, handmade baskets, meet the artists, and have the opportunity to witness baskets being made from start to finish. Additionally, the MOWA Shop will have extended hours, perfect for those looking to jump-start their holiday shopping while supporting Wisconsin artists.

“BLOOM is a vibrant fusion of art, nature, and culture,” said Brianna Fischer, Director of Development at MOWA. “This event celebrates Wisconsin’s diverse artistic landscape, from the timeless beauty of floral design to the craftsmanship of Ho-Chunk basketry. We are thrilled that Bountiful Harvest and the Ho-Chunk Makers Faire are taking place concurrently—this will be a truly unique experience for museum visitors.”

Admission to BLOOM is free for existing members or as low as $15.00, which includes a complimentary annual museum membership thanks to MOWA’s accessible membership model. BLOOM takes place Friday, November 1 through Sunday, November 3, from 9:30–4:00 daily. Find additional details and all event activities and workshops at wisconsinart.org/bloom

Weaving a Legacy: Ho-Chunk Black Ash Basketry and its related programming is sponsored by Travel Wisconsin and Wisconsin Humanities.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF WISCONSIN ART

A vital cultural center, educational institution, an expanding network of ideas, the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) collects and interprets American art through the lens of a single state. Informed by dynamic initiatives and collaborations, MOWA is an innovative forum for contemporary artists, socially relevant exhibitions, lectures by artists and industry experts, and engaging classes and activities for all ages.

MOWA has two permanent venues—the West Bend “Mothership” and MOWA | DTN in downtown Milwaukee’s Saint Kate—The Arts Hotel—as well as two partnering community organizations that create access across the state. MOWA annually welcomes 200,000 visitors, making it a cultural destination for the art and artists of our time.

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NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.