This flower arrangement containing rattan and yellow calla lilies is displayed beside the artwork that inspired it. By Amy Wilbanks, it won first place in its category.
It was Natalie Haslam’s voice on my phone Wednesday. “You have GOT to go to the Museum of Art and see the flower show!” she gushed. “It blew me away!” Knowing that Natalie has the best taste in the world and would never steer me wrong about something she is as serious about as flowers, I made a quick change of lunch plans. I am so glad I did.
The show, presented by the Knoxville Garden Club, was called “Frame of Reference,” a play on words to indicate that each floral creation was inspired by a different piece of art in the Knoxville Museum of Art’s permanent collection. The artworks and the respective arrangements were presented together. It was a fascinating concept and a compelling show.
The arrangements were judged by a panel of national experts. Here are a few of my favorites.
A closeup of one of the calla lilies in the first arrangement. Isn’t it fascinating?
This piece by Georganne Guarino won Best in Show. Look how closely it reflects the art work.
Here’s a closer look at the succulents in the arrangement.
This arrangement of birds of paradise by Carla Grayson and Kirby Bell took a second-place award in its class.
This stunner by Melissa McAdams won an Award of Merit.
Julie Honeycutt and Kim Bartlett took home an honorable mention for this arrangement.
Jan Cobble garnered a third place award for this pretty piece of work.
This arrangement by Kathryn Callaway took a first place in its category.
Wow! I loved this hanging piece by Lin Christenberry. It took an honorable mention.
This dramatic arrangement by Mary Lynn Majors received an honorable mention.
This rose arrangement mimicking the snow path in the painting took third place in its category for Joann Coakley and Kelly Nystrom.
There is an image at the museum composed of spools of thread. It looks like a blur until you view it through a special glass ball. This flower arrangement, when viewed through the glass ball, appears to be right-side up! Very clever work by Margaret Clark. It received a third-place ribbon in its class.
In addition to the categories of arrangements inspired by art, there was a category just for brooches constructed of plant material.
This pin by Judy Harrold took first place in that group.
There also was a walking stick group.
Here was my favorite. By Sharel Hooper of the Garden Club of Lookout Mountain, it took first place.
Another category consisted of frames constructed of plant materials and inspired by the dark photo exhibit called “This world is not my home.” This one by Lee Easterly of the Garden Club of Lookout Mountain took second place. (But I liked it best.)
Downstairs in the Steve and Ann Bailey Great Hall were several works inspired by the large Richard Jolley installation, “Cycle of Life.” This big piece by Julie McClellan and Vandi Bellamy took first place.
“This highly distinctive interpretation is over the moon!” the judges wrote. (There is a large moon in Jolley’s piece.)
I loved these trees. (Sorry, I didn’t get the artist’s name. Maybe someone who knows can add it to the comments.)
Here is one of the trees in Jolley’s piece that provided inspiration.
Ann Bailey and Julia Huster took third place for this arrangement titled, “Life is flying by.” (Jolley’s artwork includes a lot of birds.)
In the miniature Thorne Rooms display, were various interpretations of different historical rooms.
This one by Susan Seymour and Karen Gilbertson was built in an antique iron! It took first place.
“Not a wrinkle to be found in this pristine design,” quipped the judges in their comments. Ha. It was inspired by a miniature room depicting a summer kitchen in 1885.
Natalie was correct. This display was stunning. But you know what? Among all the creative and complicated arrangements, some of my favorite flowers were just plain horticulture. Like the iris below.
Perfection, if you ask me. This iris was produced by Melynda Whetsel.
I believe the arrangement in the Bailey Hall made with bambo poles was done by Neil Albers Townsend. So glad you liked the show, we have some very creative ladies here in K’ville.
Thank you, Joan!
Neill Townscend created the arrangement with the “trees” interpreting the Richard Jolly piece.
Thanks, Lisa.
Mox, thanks for this — I couldn’t go but now I feel like I did. Peter said it was AMAZING!
wow! Thanks so much for sharing.
Wow. I would have hated to be a judge in this event. How could you select winners from so many wonderful, creative arrangements? It just goes to show that art can be accomplished through many mediums.
Ellen, Regina and Alan: I wouldn’t have gone if Natalie hadn’t called. But next year she won’t have to nudge me!
Thanks for posting. I showed up 30 minutes after they closed & hated that I didn’t get to see it. Now I REALLY hate that I missed it. All of these pieces are absolutely stunning. What a creative concept to begin with & such amazing creations.
This looks amazing. I would have loved to have seen it in person. Thanks for sharing!
Amazing and beautiful. Want to see next time.
Magnificent! And your photography is outstanding. Great talent in Knoxville!
Wow! That show is fabulous.
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