A successful museum event strikes a delicate balance between respecting the institution’s cultural significance and fostering a vibrant atmosphere that captivates guests and fosters appreciation for art, history, and culture. No Museum event has to have a better balance each that Art Alive…especially when we are presenting a culture theme like we did this year celebrating the Art of India. Ensuring that the celebration accurately represents the culture in question is principal. From decorations to food and music, authenticity is key to honoring the traditions and heritage of the culture being celebrated and I take this endeavor very seriously. Working with both my local vendor family and a many new local, regional and international connections in the South Asian community, we put on another year of fantastical and transportive floral celebrations. Although the full Art Alive weekend is much more than I can ever convey fully in one blog post, I outlined my favorite details about the two main events below.
Art Alive Featured Rotunda Designer: Meghaa Modi
Bloom Bash Featured Artist: Nisha K. Sethi
Premiere Dinner Outfit: Dress by Halston, hair by Twirly Sheers
Bloom Bash Outfit: Dress by AGGI, hair by Ann Degischer
All Photos: Bauman Photographers
Premiere Dinner – April 25, 2024
The Art Alive Premiere Dinner is an exquisite event that marks the opening of the Art Alive weekend. This dinner serves as a glamorous precursor to the main event, offering attendees an exclusive preview of the breathtaking floral interpretations of famous artworks before they are unveiled to the public. The evening features a sumptuous gourmet meal meticulously curated to complement the artistic ambiance, as well as live entertainment and first access to the floral interpretations. The Art Alive Premiere Dinner not only sets the stage for the upcoming exhibition but also serves as a captivating showcase of the museum’s commitment to fostering cultural appreciation and community engagement. The evening started with a cocktail hour amongst the Rotunda Design buy our first ever International Rotunda Designer Meghaa Modi. Her installation celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of India, centered around the revered figure of the sacred cow, known as Kamadhenu. This symbol of prosperity, health, and abundance holds a pivotal place in Indian lore, emerging from the ocean during the mythical churning of the seas.
For the dinner space itself, I worked with the curatorial team to put together a special installation of the Museum’s world-renowned Edwin Binney III collection of South Asian paintings. Because most of the collection are works on paper, these pieces are not seen very often as they have to spend a long time in the vaults in between shows so seeing some of these pieces in the galleries was very rare treat for staff and visitors alike. A couple of my personal favorite works inspired my design for this tented dinner space within the gallery. It was meant to feel that you were outside in a tropical Indian garden space and heading into a royal dinner in a King’s tented banquet space. We pulled colors and finishes from within the paintings and brought it to life. PEP Creative and Raj Tents helped me construct the outer ceiling with star-stamped printed fabric and marigolds brought together with a central ceiling of florals, greenery and a variety of Indian and Moroccan lanterns. Swagged colorful silks, tassels and embroidered trims created the perimeter of our tent. Gorgeous jewel-toned florals at various heights anchored the multitude of tables also adorned with embroidered runners, colorful silks, gilded animals and candlelight. The rave reviews about the magical dinner setting were only topped by the reviews about the, music by the Atma Ensemble and the amazing indian-fusion meal created by Coast Catering and guest Indian chef Saransh Oberoi. I dont think we have ever had a more special Art Alive evening.
My 2 main inspiration pieces from the Edwin Binney III Colection:
Left: Mangu Khan judges the rebels, 1595 | Right: Radha pines for Krishna, Folio from a Gita Govinda (The Song of the Herdsman), 1714
Bloom Bash – April 26, 2024
Our largest event of the year Bloom Bash is always a feast for all of the senses for all who attend. The event transforms the museum into a dynamic and colorful themed evening where guests can mingle amidst the stunning floral interpretations and features live music performances, interactive art installations, and engaging activities. This year, all of the Bloom Bash details were also tied to the Art of India theme. I loved the installations from featured artist Nisha K. Sethi and live Rangoli Art by Doturminds, as well as the performances by Karmagraphy and Animal Cracker Conspiracy. We used Indian tenting throughout as well as multiple themed cocktail experiences to further transport the attendee to a faraway place. I get such joy from hearing how much fun people had, how they look forward to it all year, and how each one gets better than the last. Reviews like this highlight the immersive and enchanting experience that events like Bloom Bash offer attendees. They emphasize the sensory delights, artistic inspiration, and overall enjoyment that guests derive from participating in such cultural celebrations. This event takes a literal event village and multiple community sponsors and event partners to put this on and I’m eternally grateful for the massive support system that rallies behind me each year.
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