An inside look at how flowers transformed the Minneapolis Institute of Art this spring.

Every spring, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) bursts into full color during its beloved Art in Bloom celebration.

Flowers spill across the museum’s grand hallways. The scent of lilies and roses floats through the galleries. And for four vibrant days, visitors see their favorite artworks not just on the walls—but growing right beside them.

This year’s event, chaired by Sharon Secor, once again transformed the galleries into a garden of imagination. More than 158 floral interpretations paired with carefully selected works of art, welcomed over 40,000 visitors into the museum’s blooming embrace.

A traditional Manchu woman's vest is elegantly displayed alongside a vibrant floral arrangement by the North Star Lily Society. Photo courtesy- Diana Pierce

"We have more people who want to participate than we have pedestals," Secor said with a smile. "That’s why we use a lottery system—it keeps the process open and welcoming to anyone passionate about flowers."

Art in Bloom is unique among similar events across the country for one simple reason: accessibility. There’s no pre-screening of artists, no competition for the ‘best’ blooms. As Diane Morrison, Floral Artist Coordinator, explained, “If you love flowers, you’re welcome to apply.”

Each fall, potential Pedestal Floral Artists (PFAs) and Commercial Floral Artists (CFAs) register and rank the artworks they feel inspired to interpret. After a random lottery and careful matchmaking by Mia's curators, the real creative journey begins. Some artists come alone, others in small teams. Some are first timers; others have been with Mia for over fifteen years and two special people have been there 41 years, Phyllis Andrews and Sue Bagge.

A Tribute to Strength and Tradition

Every year, Mia selects a signature artwork to serve as the heart of Art in Bloom. In 2025, that honor went to Las Vendedoras de Flores by Alfredo Ramos Martínez — a painting

 Las Vendedoras de Flores by Alfredo Ramos Martínez- Image courtesy: Mia

depicting flower vendors walking through the floating gardens outside Mexico City.

Jenn Hovland's Las Vendedoras de Flores- Pic: Courtesy Diana Pierce

Professional floral designer Jenn Hovland of Studio Louise Flowers brought the piece to life through soft whites, natural textures, and layered movement. "I wanted to celebrate the strength and resilience of the women in the painting," Hovland said, describing how she wove elements like palm fronds, woven baskets, and rustic wire into her design to honor the cultural traditions portrayed.

A Personal Bloom: My Journey at Art in Bloom

As for me — this was my second year participating as a PFA. The lottery process assigned me my first choice, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled: Twenty-two Cherries by Yozo Hamaguchi, a gorgeous mezzotint filled with vibrant color.

I’ve always been drawn to the aesthetics of Asian art, and Hamaguchi’s work felt like a perfect match. After some digging (and a few brainstorm sessions), I discovered craspedia — commonly known as Billy Balls — as the perfect floral stand-in for his luminous cherries. Naturally yellow, they transformed with a little floral spray into bright oranges, teals, and purples, echoing Hamaguchi’s bold palette.

Watching visitors smile — and even laugh, saying it reminded them of a Dr. Seuss flower — was one of the true highlights of my spring.

More Than Just Flowers

While parking remained a perennial challenge (as it often does), the focus inside the museum wasn’t about numbers or logistics. It was about joy — pure, simple, shared.

"We’re not trying to grow the numbers," Morrison said. "We’re trying to grow the joy."

And joy was everywhere this year: in the lush scents, the vibrant displays, the spontaneous conversations sparked by an arrangement. Art in Bloom isn’t just an event.

It's a reminder that art, like flowers, is meant to be approached with wonder, curiosity, and heart.

For more about Art in Bloom — or to learn how you can participate next year — visit artsmia.org.​

Have you visited Art in Bloom before? I'd love to hear about your favorite floral interpretation — reply and share your favorite memory!

Thanks for reading and until next time- #bloomwithme

Diana Pierce

Diana Pierce Photography

Follow @DianaPiercePhotography for more floral stories each month!

About the Author:​Diana Pierce is a floral photographer, writer, and Art in Bloom participant who shares her passion for flowers and creativity through her newsletter, Bloom With Me.

Coming up next in Bloom With Me: How the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum turns 40,000 tulips into a once-a-year spring spectacle!