Local Artists' Cherry Blossom Festival Sculptures To Be Auctioned

WASHINGTON, DC — Four local artists from the greater Washington area have sculptures included in a virtual auction that is being sponsored by the National Cherry Blossom Festival and that will benefit the annual festival and other charitable organizations.

The auction runs through June 15 and includes five of the Cherry Blossom Festival’s "Art In Bloom" sculpture series. The exhibit was introduced in March and showcased the work of 25 regional artists that were displayed in cherry blossom sculptures and the celebration of spring during a 10-week presentation.

The four artists work that is being auctioned off include Cherry Tattoo, The Message (Andrew Funk, Alexandria, VA), MXY-7 (Steve Rands, Mechanicsville, Maryland), Petal to the Metal (David Greenfieldboyce, Washington, DC) and Hope (Aaron Feinstein, Washington, DC).

“The Art in Bloom sculptures radiated springtime across the District and beyond, and now it’s time to find permanent homes for these one-of-a-kind creations,” Diana Mayhew, president and CEO of the National Cherry Blossom Festival said in a news release. “To keep the spirit and joy of the Festival in the community all year long, we’ve been working with community organizations to ensure at least one Art in Bloom sculpture will remain in each D.C. ward."

Mayhew said that other Art in Bloom sculptures have been acquired by organizations, businesses, and private citizens in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

The five sculptures featured in the Art in Bloom auction were chosen for their dynamic aesthetics and one-of-a-kind interpretations that celebrate the treasured cherry blossoms and convey messages of hope and positivity, auction organizers said.

Throughout the Art in Bloom exhibition, the 26 unique, creative sculptures inspired fun and memorable moments for residents of and visitors to the D.C. area as they were invited to go on a Blossom Hunt – finding the 3D sculptures, organizers said in a news release. The hunters posted photos to social media, and tagging their posts with the #ArtInBloom hashtag. The Blossom Hunt web page has been accessed more than 160,000 times.