The beauty of nature and fine art will converge this coming weekend as Bucks County Community College hosts its fifth annual Art That Blooms festival at the Hicks Art Center.
The interactive showcase pairs student-crafted artwork with imaginative floral arrangements. Each flower display complements paintings, sculptures, and woodwork. Overall, more than 60 art and floral design students are participating in this year’s event. The festival centers around the theme Dynamic.
Renee Tucci teaches floral design at the college. She said the theme captures the energy designers bring to the showcase. Specifically, she noted that visitors can expect an immersive experience. Art and floral design will engage with one another throughout the exhibition space.
Live demonstrations will take place at the top and bottom of every hour. These presentations are led by the visual arts and floral design teams. Additionally, attendees can watch experts work or join popular hands-on workshops. These make and take sessions cater to both adults and children. However, workshop spots fill on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival.
A two-dimensional artwork on the wall of the Hicks Art Center Gallery inspired a 3-D masterpiece of geometric shapes and flowers at last year’s Art that Blooms festival at Bucks County Community College. This year’s collaboration between floral design and visual arts students will be on display November 7 – 8 on the Newtown Campus. Admission is free. (BCCC/Eric Parker)
Marketplace Highlights and Visiting Details
New to the festival this year is the Bucks Bloom Shop. The shop offers fresh wearable and carryable flowers for purchase. Proceeds from flower and snack sales directly support the floral design program. As a result, guests can support student programs while browsing the returning Makers Market Vendor Fair.
Finally, the festival concludes Sunday afternoon with an awards ceremony. Judges will announce winners for the Showpiece, Designer of the Year, and People’s Choice awards.
The showcase takes place at the Hicks Art Center, located on the east end of the campus at 275 Swamp Road in Newtown. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 7) and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 8), with the awards ceremony scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is free and open to the public. More information is available by visiting the college website or by emailing bucksfloraldesign@gmail.com.