The San Diego Museum Of Art Announces The Return Of Art Alive | Floral Interpretations Of Famous Works Of Art On View April 29–May 1

April 10, 2022

The San Diego Museum of Art's 41st annual Art Alive event returns this April 29 through May 1, showcasing floral designers interpretations of famous works of art from the museum's permanent collection into exquisite flower displays. 

A highly anticipated San Diego spring tradition, Art Alive is the Museum’s signature fundraiser that provides support for education, outreach programs and special exhibitions. The celebration will feature nearly 100 floral interpretations of works of art throughout the Museum created by local floral designers, filling the galleries with a brilliant crescendo of color and scent. Local San Diego artist and owner of Tend Living, Britton Neubacher has been selected as the Rotunda Designer and will transform the Museum rotunda into "Organized Chaos". The artist, who produces eco-friendly pieces and impressive living walls, will create a 40-foot-high installation utilizing only recycled botanical plants and florals.

This year, after a brief hiatus, Art Alive's kickoff extravaganza Bloom Bash returns on Friday, April 29. The signature celebration is expanding further into Balboa Park's Plaza de Panama to accommodate a growing guest list and offering additional outdoor activities. The opening celebration will feature food and beverage delights from more than 30 local San Diego restaurants, live music, a Ferris wheel and an exclusive light installation from sculpture and performative artist Ian Brill. Dubbed by some as "The Met Gala of San Diego," Bloom Bash is one of the city's premier annual events. 

"We’re elated to host the 41st annual Art Alive event, a collaborative and creative force that brings the San Diego community together," said Roxana Velásquez, Maruja Baldwin Executive Director and CEO at The San Diego Museum of Art. "This year we’re also excited to offer visitors the chance to see two special exhibitions during Art Alive weekend that beautifully complement the event. Exploring issues of climate, sustainability and our Earth, TERRA: Fernando Casasempere marks the first full U.S. show by contemporary London-based Chilean artist Fernando Casasempere. Also on view is Monet to Matisse: Impressionist Masterpieces from the Bemberg Foundation, which showcases masterpieces from some of the most significant names in European painting, including Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Pablo Picasso, Alfred Sisley, and Pierre Bonnard. These works are rarely seen outside of their home at the historic Hôtel d’Assézat in Toulouse, France, so we are especially thrilled to bring them to San Diego and Art Alive."

The Art Alive 2022 floral exhibition will be open from 10am to 5pm on Friday, April 29 and from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday May 1. General admission is free for members, $40 for nonmembers, $5 for youth (ages 7 to 17), and free for children age 6 and under. In addition to viewing the annual floral exhibition during Museum hours, Art Alive 2022 offers four full days of experiences, activities and celebrations, including:

Art Alive 2022 Premiere Dinner - Thursday, April 28: 6:30pm to 11:30pm - An intimate black-tie event, the Premiere Dinner will take place in the Museum’s galleries among a special installation of Op Art from the Museum’s permanent collection and will offer an exclusive first look at Fernando Casasempere’s upcoming exhibition.

Member’s Preview - Friday, April 29: 8am to 10am - Early access to the Art Alive floral exhibition for Museum members.

Bloom Bash - Friday, April 29: 7pm to midnight ($250 for members and $300 for nonmembers) - The Bloom Bash opening celebration is the official Art Alive kick-off party. The celebration will feature a custom art installation by Ian Brill, a sculpture and sounds artist. Bloom Bash will also feature culinary creations from San Diego’s top restaurants and chefs, floral-infused cocktails, live music and dancing, interactive entertainment and an exclusive after-hours viewing of this year’s floral exhibition.

Garden of Activities - Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1: noon to 4pm (Free with Art Alive admission) - Great for families, the Garden of Activities features a variety of floral-themed art projects designed for children and families to enjoy together. 

Providing a rich and diverse cultural experience, The San Diego Museum of Art houses some of the world’s finest art. Located in the heart of Balboa Park, the Museum’s internationally renowned collection of more than 20,000 works, dating from 3000 BC to present day, includes Spanish and Italian old masters, South Asian paintings including the Edwin Binney 3rd Collection of Indian manuscript illustrations, East Asian art, American art, and Modern and Contemporary paintings and sculptures. The Museum regularly features major exhibitions of art from around the world, as well as an extensive year-round schedule supporting cultural and educational programs for children and adults. It also hosts engaging experiences that invite visitors to explore art through music, dance, film, food, and so much more. At The San Diego Museum of Art, exhibition text is always in English and Spanish.   

The San Diego Museum of Art is located at 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park. For more information on The San Diego Museum of Art or to purchase tickets or a membership, visit SDMArt.org, and be sure to enter our giveaway opportunity below for a chance to receive 2 complimentary passes to Art Alive. 

Enter for a chance to receive 2 complimentary regular admission passes to Art Alive (not Bloom Bash)

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