Museum Of Fine Arts Houston Hosts Florescence Events

By Jennifer Roosth          Photography by Jenny Antill

THE SETTING: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston was in full bloom with the return of the 13th biennial Florescence, one of the country’s largest competitive flower shows. Following this year’s theme, Time, 300 garden club members from across the country displayed their inventive floral and horticultural arrangements for recognition by The Garden Club of America. An opening reception, evening cocktail party, and High Noon Lunch and Lecture supporting the River Oaks Garden Club and the Garden Club of Houston, made for a set of fabulous spring social gatherings.

THE STYLE: The sweet, floral scent wafted through the air of the elegant events to the delight of the guests. The floral entrants were challenged to design and create floral arrangements and installations pulling inspiration from the museum’s surrounding art collections. In addition to floral design, the show’s other categories include horticulture, horticulture design, photography, botanical arts, needle arts, and conservation. As guests enjoyed their meal, renowned botanical artist Joseph Massie spoke of his journey starting weekend work at the age of 14 to becoming the youngest floral designer to win international achievements, such as the Best in Show at the Chelsea Flower Show. City Kitchen prepared the lunchtime affair’s cuisine.

THE PURPOSE: Carmen Knapp of the River Oaks Garden Club and Meg Tapp of The Garden Club of Houston co-chaired the event, and MFAH Director Gary Tinterow was pleased to announce that Florescence had broken its own fundraising record this year. The event is one of the largest competitive national flower shows sanctioned by the Garden Club of America in the United States. Florescence is presented by River Oaks Garden Club, The Garden Club of Houston, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH). Proceeds directly support Florescence’s nonprofit sponsors: River Oaks Garden Club, The Garden Club of Houston, and the MFAH. Both garden clubs rely on the event’s proceeds to support their projects in gardens, parks, and green spaces throughout our community.