Bouquets to Art 2017

Whispers of subtle charm, gasps of beauty — art is in lively conversation with nature during Bouquets to Art. Wander galleries awash with colorful flowers from March 14 through 19, 2017, with a preview gala on March 13.

The most in-demand floral designers from the Bay Area and beyond, draw inspiration from the art in the de Young’s collection to create arrangements from the strikingly simple to the elaborately intricate. Enjoy a lecture with a friend, make reservations for an elegant seated luncheon, and try your luck in the luxury-prize raffle.

Bouquets to Art is produced by the volunteer members of the San Francisco Auxiliary of the Fine Arts Museums. Over the past 32 years, Bouquets to Art has raised more than $6 million for the Museums’ special exhibitions, conservation projects, and education programs. In 2017, the San Francisco Auxiliary is honored to be a Presenting Sponsor of Monet: The Early Years, on view at the Legion of Honor, February 25 to May 29, 2017.

View our full list of exhibitors

Visit during one of our photo-free periods from Wed – Fri | 9:30 am – noon. Full hours and information for planning your visit listed below.

Bouquets to Art information line 415.750.3504.

Bouquets to Art 2017 programs

  • Tuesday, March 14 | 2 pm
    Textural Woodlands and Botanical Haute Couture, Lecture & Demonstration by Françoise Weeks
  • Wednesday, March 15 | 10 am
    A Passion for Monet, Lecture by Elizabeth Murray
  • Wednesday, March 15 | 2 pm
    From Ballet to Blooms, Lecture & Demonstration by Mark Welford and Stephen Wicks
  • Thursday, March 16 | 10 am
    Cultivating a Natural Aesthetic: Lush, Loose, Organic Spring Bouquets, Lecture & Demonstration by Ariella Chezar
  • Thursday, March 16 | 2 pm
    Transforming Spaces: Lessons from a Dream-Maker Event Planner, Lecture by J. Riccardo Benavides

Catered luncheons 

Enjoy a delicious luncheon catered by McCalls Catering & Events. Tour the galleries before or after lunch — your ticket includes gallery admission.

  • March 14 | 12 – 1:45 pm – SOLD OUT
  • March 15 | 12 – 1:45 pm – SOLD OUT
  • March 16 | 12 –1:45 pm – SOLD OUT

Opening Night Gala: Le Beau Jardin

Monday, March 13 | 7 – 10 pm

Early admission for Patron ticketholders at 5:30 pm ($375 and above)

Join in the Monet-inspired festivities for the opening preview of Bouquets to Art, while enjoying French culinary delights by McCalls Catering & Events, live entertainment, and exquisite floral fashions designed by City College students. Be among the first to see the fabulous floral creations that transform the Museum into a beautiful spring garden before the exhibit opens to the public.

Advanced tickets are required; no tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, please call 415.750.3593.

View the invitation and a list of Patron benefits here. Download ticket purchase form by clicking the button below.

Luxury benefit raffle

Take a chance on winning fabulous prizes while you support the Auxiliaries fundraising activities. Raffle desk will be set up in Wilsey court Tuesday March 14, Saturday March 18, and tickets can only be purchased on-site $20 per ticket/6 for $100. Take a sneak peek at the wonderful prizes below:

  • Bali getaway
    Sanur, Bali, Kembali Lagi Guest House is a small, family-owned boutique inn with an atmosphere of subdued luxury, a short stroll from numerous cafes, shops, and the famous Sanur beach. One week 2017 luxury villa stay; some black-out dates apply. Photo courtesy of owner.
  • Go Giants!
    Let’s play ball! Spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon – April 16, 2017 – and watch the Giants play the Colorado Rockies. Come early and enjoy admission to the private AT&T Park Gotham Club.
  • Bay Area hotel and restaurants
    Two nights at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Half Moon Bay. Dine around at some of the Bay Area’s most sought-after restaurants including Acquerello, Barlago (Oakland), Oliveto (Oakland), Perry’s, and Trick Dog. Hotel stay valid for Sunday-Friday within 12 months. Photo courtesy of Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay.
  • Foxtail catering private dinner
    Foxtail Catering’s Phantom Dinner is yours for the night. Chef Tommy Halvorson will open his sleek Dogpatch neighborhood kitchen for you and up to 17 guests for a unique seven course dinner and beverage pairing. Photo courtesy of OTLee Photography.
  • New York weekend
    Two nights at the Crosby Street Hotel. Dine at Hudson Clearwater restaurant in the West Village. Private tour of the Morgan Library and Museum. Crosby Hotel prize to be redeemed within 12 months. Morgan Library tour must coincide with Museum hours and docent availability. Photo courtesy of Graham Haber.

Bouquets to Art is produced by the volunteer members of the San Francisco Auxiliary of the Fine Arts Museums. Over the past 32 years, Bouquets to Art has raised more than $6 million for the Museums’ special exhibitions, conservation projects, and education programs. In 2017, the San Francisco Auxiliary is honored to be a Presenting Sponsor of Monet: The Early Years, on view at the Legion of Honor, February 25 to May 29, 2017.

In the news

  • In the 32 years since its inception, this popular and much anticipated event presented by the volunteer members of the San Francisco Auxiliary of the Fine Arts Museums has drawn nearly 750,000 visitors.

    SF Bay Times,
  • Standing in front of a painting you can match up the floral arrangements, line for line, with two-dimensional versions. Others are linked in a looser way, a landscape painting, for example, reflected in the colors of an oval-shaped classical bouquet that wouldn’t be unexpected in the middle of a dining room table.

    San Francisco Chronicle,
2015 Floral display by Florabella. Artwork: Margaret Glapp, No. 4, 1926. Photograph by Drew Altizer

Sponsors

Grand Patron
Diane B. Wilsey

Honorary Gala Chair
Lorna Meyer Calas

Exhibit and Floral Fashion Partner
Lonna Wais

Bouquets to Art Ambassador
Molly Wadhwani

Executive Sponsor
Kilroy Realty Corporation

Media Sponsors
San Francisco Magazine
San Francisco Cottage and Gardens
Gentry
KQED

Additional support for Bouquets to Art is provided by B|O|S; Dodge & Cox; Eileen Holl; Barbara Johnson, Cristina and Robert Morris, RSM US LLP; San Francisco Garden Club, Sloat Garden Center; Stargazer Barn; Kate and John Sullivan; the Belvedere-Tiburon Auxiliary of the Fine Arts Museums; the East Bay Auxiliary of the Fine Arts Museums; the Hillsborough Auxiliary of the Fine Arts Museums; and the Ross Auxiliary of the Fine Arts Museums.

In-Kind Sponsorships
Aquarello Restaurant, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Foxtail Catering, Hafner Vineyard, Junior League of San Francisco, Inc., Ritz Carlton Monterey Bay, San Francisco Giants, Trick Dog

Currently on view