Contact: Whitney Hale

Florists and garden club representatives interpret artwork through floral arrangements at “Art in Bloom.”

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2005) -- “Art in Bloom” will return to the University of Kentucky Art Museum for its fifth year Feb. 25-27. The event, presented by the Friends of the UK Art Museum, is the museum's premier fund-raiser.

This year the three-day event will honor Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cooper of Somerset, Ky. The showcase will display approximately 40 floral designers and community garden club representatives’ interpretations of works of art from the museum's permanent collection and “Engaging Representations: Contemporary Art from The Speed Art Museum.” Utilizing flowers, plants and natural elements to interpret the artwork, floral artists will translate pieces of art in new and thought-provoking ways, resulting in an enchanting mixture of art and nature. The public is welcome to view the floral arrangements free of charge from noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 25 through Feb. 27.

In celebration of the exhibition, a champagne reception, called "A Floral Fantasy," is scheduled at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26. The evening’s festivities will include art-inspired floral designs in full bloom, live music, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction for works of art from local artists. In conjunction with the reception, Lundy’s Special Events and Maker’s Mark will present for the first time "Bourbon in Bloom," where one may bid on rare or heirloom plants, shrubs, orchids and trees. Valet parking will be available at the Rose Street entrance of the Singletary Center for the Arts. Tickets for the reception are $85 per person, $150 per patron, and $60 for the under-40 crowd.

For more information about “ Art in Bloom 2005” or to purchase tickets to "A Floral Fantasy," call Amy Nelson at (859) 257-6218. To find out more about the UK Art Museum’s events, call (859) 257-5716 or go online.