Floral designers interpret botanical artwork in a multisensory fundraiser benefiting education, exhibitions, and free outreach services.
Creativity was in full bloom at the Lighthouse ArtCenter’s first-ever Art in Bloom fundraiser at the school and gallery’s three-building campus in Tequesta. The immersive, multisensory event drew more than 150 guests to the opening reception on Nov. 6.
Yvette Shakespeare’s leadership was the creative impetus behind the event. The Jupiter resident is a longtime ArtCenter student and also serves on its development committee. Her vision and passion helped bring Art in Bloom to life.
Attendees at the opening experienced a stunning combination of fine art and floral design.
The reception — sponsored by Debra and Peter Tornaben — took place in the center’s gallery during the since-closed exhibition “Delicate Expressions” and featured the photorealistic botanical paintings of artist Karen Tucker Kuykendall, contemporary art jewelry, and one-of-a-kind floral arrangements created by leading South Florida floral designers inspired by artworks in the exhibition.
Guests entered a gallery awash in the scent of fresh flowers and had the opportunity to mingle with the floral artists, who shared their inspirations and design techniques.
“Art in Bloom beautifully captured the spirit of collaboration and creativity that defines our ArtCenter,” said Jeni Licata Shaw, Executive Director of Lighthouse ArtCenter. “We are grateful to our designers, sponsors, and community supporters who helped bring this incredible vision to life.”
Proceeds will support the Lighthouse ArtCenter’s mission to bring the joy of art to the community through exhibitions, educational programs, and free outreach services for veterans, seniors, children, and individuals with special needs.
“It’s an amazing experience to see floral arrangements in a gallery setting,” said Lighthouse ArtCenter curator Anthony Record. “It encourages people to look more closely than they normally would, and it gave me a new appreciation for the intricacy, craft, and technical skill of florists. Watching creative people use a completely different medium and go all out in their responses to the exhibition’s artworks was truly inspiring.”
Supported by memberships, tuition, grants, and donations, Lighthouse ArtCenter serves more than 20,000 visitors, 4,000 students, 45 faculty members, 360 summer art campers, and a comprehensive outreach program to benefit underserved populations.