Bouquets to Art
de Young museum \ June 4-9, 2019

SAN FRANCISCO (April 18, 2019)—The Bay Area’s beloved floral fundraiser, Bouquets to Art, returns this June with a fresh palette of summer blooms to seed new life in the de Young’s permanent collection. For one week only, 115 of the region’s most innovative and sought-after floral designers converge at the museum to showcase dazzling works inspired by the museum’s paintings, sculptures, objects, and architecture.

During the annual floral takeover, the galleries are adorned with elegant and elaborate arrangements, including a large-scale hanging aerial piece taking over Wilsey Court, the heart of the de Young museum. While the galleries are in bloom, the de Young also hosts a series of stylish luncheons, lectures, and pop-up discussions by renowned floral experts from around the world.

Now in its 35th year, this weeklong event launches on Monday, June 3, with an Opening Night Gala during which guests have the opportunity to get an early look at the arrangements while enjoying both visual and culinary delights, including floral fashions designed by students from City College of San Francisco for whom the museum becomes a runway. Guests may also participate in an on-site raffle to receive luxury goods and services.

Proceeds from Bouquets to Art help underwrite exhibitions, conservation projects, and education programs at the Fine Arts Museums. 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 Meyers Calas is the Honorary Grand Chair, and Vicki Koenig and Jillian Wood are the Bouquets to Art Co-Chairs. Members-only viewing hours are available Wednesday and Thursday, June 5–6, 6–9 pm, and photography-free hours take place Friday, June 7, 9:30 am–noon.

To learn more about this year’s engaging programs and catered luncheons, please see the full lineup of events below.

deyoungmuseum.org \ @deyoungmuseum \ #BouquetstoArt

FULL PROGRAM INFORMATION

June in Bloom: Opening Night Gala
Monday, June 3, 7–10 pm
VIP Entry at 5:30 pm

June Bloom Luncheons
Tuesday–Thursday, June 4–6, Noon–2 pm
Enjoy a delicious luncheon catered by McCalls Catering & Events. Tour the galleries before or after lunch—your ticket includes admission to the permanent collection galleries.

Luxury-Prize Benefit Raffle
Purchasing tickets for the benefit raffle is another way to support the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Tickets can be purchased on-site during Bouquets to Art week at the raffle desk in Wilsey Court. The raffle drawing will be held at the de Young on Sunday, June 9, 3 pm; winners need not be present.

SPEAKER LINEUP

Flowers for Art’s Sake with Hitomi Gilliam
Tuesday, June 4, 2 pm

Flowers become art as Gilliam creates stunningly beautiful arrangements. Known for her imaginative mastery of arrangements and her clever and effective techniques, Gilliam demonstrates and visually discusses how flowers inspire art and how flowers and floral arrangements become art. “Love of flowers” and “flowers to love” are themes expressed throughout art history and continue into modern times. Gilliam shows us how her inspired passion for flowers unleashes artistic expression.

Then and Now with Michael Daigian
Wednesday, June 5, 10 am

Speaking in his engaging style, Daigian explores his rich 40-year history in the San Francisco floral design world—35 of those with us at Bouquets to Art!—and forms a series of stunning arrangements in sequence. In addition, he touches on personal experiences, design trends, and charming anecdotes from memorable jobs while referencing a visual presentation to highlight his important works.

Unconventional? Try Wild and Unruly, with Alethea Harampolis
Wednesday, June 5, 2 pm

“Unconventional” may be an understatement when you see Harampolis’s floral designs. Whether constructing a centerpiece, wreath, wedding bouquet, or another floral delight, Harampolis fashions sculptural arrangements that are beautiful, inspiring, and awesome. She shares some of her passion, tips, and stories as she makes magical designs.

Foraged and Gleaned with Max Gill
Thursday, June 6, 10 am

Gill surprises and delights as he produces beautiful and dramatic arrangements using materials foraged and gleaned from the San Francisco Botanical Garden and his private sources. His focus on making use of currently available plants, flowers, and branches found in situ means that his arrangements are not only seasonal but also reflect a special relationship with nature. Gill’s keen eye, creativity, and artistic passion are reflected in his amazing floral treasures.

Visiting \ de Young

Tickets
For adults, tickets are $28 and include general admission; discounts are available for seniors, students, and youths. Members and children ages five and under are free. Special tickets are required for lectures, luncheons, and the Bouquets to Art Opening Night Gala. Prices are subject to change; more information is available online.

Information regarding group ticket sales is available here. Tickets to individual programs can be purchased online or by calling 415.750.3600.

About Bouquets to Art
Over the past 35 years, this popular event—presented by the volunteer members of the San Francisco Auxiliary of the Fine Arts Museums—has drawn nearly 800,000 visitors, with net proceeds of over $7 million. Funds from Bouquets to Art help underwrite special exhibitions, conservation projects, and educational programs at the Legion of Honor and the de Young.

About the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, comprising the de Young in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park, are the largest public arts institution in San Francisco.

The de Young originated from the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition in Golden Gate Park and was established as the Memorial Museum in 1895. It was later renamed in honor of Michael H. de Young, who spearheaded its creation. The present copper-clad landmark building, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, opened in October 2005. It holds the institution’s significant collections of American painting, sculpture, and decorative arts from the 17th to the 21st centuries; art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas; costume and textile arts; and international modern and contemporary art.