Fitchburg Art Museum presents Art In Bloom 2008

FITCHBURG - Fitchburg Art Museum galleries, located on Merriam Parkway, are in flower this spring during the tenth year of Art In Bloom, to be held Friday, April 25, through Sunday, April 27, with weekend hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Museum members and Laurelwood Garden Club members will render floral interpretations of paintings in the galleries, and activities include presentations on gardening topics and docent tours as well as floral displays by professional gardening institutions.

Thirty floral interpreters, including members of the Laurelwood Garden Club, will create works inspired by the Museum's current exhibition of contemporary art by living artists: "New England New Talent," along with the Museum's permanent collection.

For detailed information, and price of admission, call (978) 345-4207 or visit www. fitchburgartmuseum.org.

Program of Events Friday, April 25

Viewing Opening - noon to 4 p.m.

"Taste Of Spring" Gourmet Buffet - 6 to 10 p.m. A gala event that brings delicious samplings of a sumptuous buffet presented by leading area caterers and wine merchant. View the floral interpretations and enjoy. Cost is $40. Reservations required by calling (978) 345-4207, ext. 306.

Saturday, April 26

Organic Garden Designs - 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Donald Bishop will present timesaving techniques for enhancing a garden in a program focusing on low maintenance home landscaping using native plants and organic methods.

A garden luncheon will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Cost is $6, no reservations required.

The Art of Mushrooms - 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Learn about mushrooms from John T. Wheeler who conducts popular weekly tours through forests, wetlands, bookshops, museums, art galleries and kitchens, foraging for mushrooms.

Water Gardens 101 - 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Join Fred Pape in a workshop that will show you how easy it is to construct an outdoor pond, including the best plants to use to add a taste of the wild to your garden.

Unstrung and Potted-Container Planting - 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Always timely and popular with insightful gardening advice, Paul Rogers, author and horticultural columnist, will teach the secrets of container gardens.

Sunday, April 27

Bonsai: Illusion vs. Reality - 10:30 a.m. to noon, Todd Hansen, award winning Bonsai exhibitor and instructor, will lead the discussion. Discover the mysterious and ancient art of Bonsai, including a demonstration of Bonsai care and techniques.

A garden luncheon will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Cost is $6, no reservations required.

Isabella Stewart Gardner and her Gardens - 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Joann Robinson hosts a fascinating presentation about how this gorgeous display was maintained during Mrs. Gardner's lifetime and current interior landscape curatorial work.

The Art of Growing Your Own Herbal Medicine - 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Explore the amazing world of herbs and create a healthy dish of herbal nutrition to invigorate your body with Renee Place, certified Natural Health professional.