The vibrant spectacle of flora and artistry is springing up in Kennesaw as the Smith-Gilbert Gardens rolls out their annual ‘Art Blooms’ exhibit, a two-month extravaganza marrying the beauty of blooming gardens with the creative expressions of local art, according to an announcement on the city's website.
Starting this weekend, visitors can feast their eyes not just on the burst of spring florals, but on an eclectic array of 12 wooden eggs, uniquely hand-painted by Cobb County high school seniors, enhancing the garden's scenery. Dave Simpson, Executive Director of the Gardens, praised the event, saying, “The annual Art Blooms exhibit at Smith-Gilbert Gardens allows the community to enjoy spring and local art in a beautiful and unique setting”, the City of Kennesaw's official website reports, the exhibit not only showcases these crafted eggs but also features a lineup of weekend workshops and artist demos ranging from photography to plein air painting, kudos to the generous backing of several community sponsors.
Enthusiasts can carve out time for events like the 'Creative Photography Workshop' on April 6th, or perhaps indulge in the theatrics of KSU Theatre's "Opossum and the Season Stone" on April 13th, and come April 20th, guests can engage in an Adult Acrylic Workshop coinciding with KSU's Fabric and Textile Department's fashion event, 'Bloom'. Those curious about the art of Bonsai can join the study group with Curator Rodney Clemons on May 11, while May 18 presents a chance to observe Plein Air Painting with Sheena Dickerson and Lorraine Kimsey.
Those strolling through Town Center Community can spot another dozen of these artful eggs along the Noonday Creek Trail, spotlighting the collaborative effort of the Town Center Community, Cobb County School Visual Arts Department, and Cobb EMC Community Foundation among others. With the grounds housing 29 permanent sculptures by a mix of international, national, and regional artists, "Art Blooms" infuses an additional layer of artistic vibrancy, according to the city's announcement.
Admission to the "Art Blooms" event comes with the standard garden entry fee, though some special programs will carry an extra cost, visitors planning to get into the creative spirit will find that the timetable for tickets and additional fees are now up at the Gardens' website promising a colorful and illuminating spring outing for anyone interested in the blooming relationship between nature and the arts.
