The Bay Area’s beloved floral fundraiser, Bouquets to Art, returns this June, celebrating fresh summer florals in conversation with the permanent collection and architecture of the de Young museum. Designed by more than 100 of the Bay Area’s most innovative and sought-after floral artists, and presenting 16 new florists, the botanical installations will transform the museum into a lush garden.
Attendees will be welcomed in the museum’s Wilsey Court by Rooted, a whimsical large- scale aerial structure from beloved designer Patricia Gillespie of sharpstick studio. The exhibition will continue through the museum’s permanent-collection galleries, including the galleries devoted to the arts of Africa and Oceania displays – where dazzling floral installations inspired by the museum’s paintings, sculptures, objects, and architecture will be on view. Visitors will further experience lectures and book signings by international artists and authors during this one-week flora-vaganza.
In its 39th year, Bouquets to Art launches on Monday, June 5, with its festive Opening Night Reception where guests have the opportunity to get an early look at the arrangements while enjoying both visual and culinary delights by McCalls Catering & Events. Attendees can also look forward to the return of live models exhibiting new floral fashions designed by students from City College of San Francisco.
Throughout the week, the de Young will host a series of sophisticated lectures and programs by renowned floral experts from around the world. Featured program speakers include Louesa Roebuck, well-known for her collaborations with Vivienne Westwood, John Baldessari, Michelle Obama, Michael Pollan, and goop, and Gabriela Salazar, owner of La Musa de las Flores in Mexico City and featured in Vogue Italia, Martha Stewart Weddings, Architectural Digest, and more. In addition, visitors can participate in an on-site raffle for luxury goods and experiences.
To learn more about this year’s exciting Bouquets to Art programs, please see a full lineup of presented events below. Proceeds from Bouquets to Art raise crucial funds for exhibitions, conservation projects, and educational programs at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
Bouquets to Art is presented by the San Francisco Auxiliary of the Fine Arts Museums. Diane B. Wilsey is the Bouquets to Art Grand Patron, Lorna Meyer Calas is the Honorary Opening Preview Chair, and Diana Ekstrand and Karen Mohr are the Bouquets to Art Co-Chairs. Members-Only Viewing Hours will be available Wednesday–Thursday, June 7–8, 6–9 pm. Photography-free hours will take place Thursday, June 8, 3:30–5:15 pm, and Friday, June 9, 9:30 am–noon.