PORTLAND, Maine — Art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike are flocking to the Portland Museum of Art's annual "Art in Bloom" exhibit, where flowers are transformed into breathtaking works of art.
This unique event, which kicked off Wednesday, showcases floral displays from 21 talented Maine artists, drawing crowds from near and far.
"It's a really, really big event. It's our most well-attended week of the year. We are hoping to reach over 6,000 people this year," Greg Nordstrom, director of visitor experience at PMA, said.
The appeal of "Art in Bloom" extends beyond the local community, attracting visitors from various counties in Maine, as well as from neighboring states like New Hampshire and even as far as New York City, Nordstrom said.
What makes this year's exhibit particularly special is that artists had to apply to have their arrangements featured, adding an extra layer of prestige to the event.
One such artist, Dan Gifford, who also works as a security guard at PMA, found inspiration for his display from the works within the museum itself.
"As a security person here, I was in the gallery for two hours at a time, for three months, so I really got to know the work," Gifford said.
Gifford's unique background as both a PMA staff member and a former florist allowed him to create his display in just 25 minutes.
Reflecting on his experience, Gifford said, "This is one of the best times of the year to be here. It's really busy; everyone is having a really good time. It's just fun."
On Saturday, the museum will screen a short documentary titled "Eat Flowers" by Cig Harvey, an artist from the Midcoast region.
Harvey's work reminds viewers that, like many other art forms, the message behind floral art transcends the medium itself.
"In many ways, [it's] about flowers, but it's really not about flowers. Flowers are a metaphor for living and dying and having senses and being human," Harvey said.
"Art in Bloom" serves as a reminder that creativity knows no bounds and that nature itself can be a canvas for artistic expression.
If you're interested in experiencing "Art in Bloom," the exhibit will be on display through Sunday.
Admission is free from 10 am to 5 pm on Thursday, with discounted rates available for certain hours on Friday.
Otherwise, admission ranges from $18 to $20 for adults.