The Holiday Season Starts at the Museum of Wisconsin Art with Bloomin' Holidaze

MUSEUM OF WISCONSIN ART EXPANDS BLOOMIN’ HOLIDAZE EVENT TO THREE DAYS
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 14, 15, 16, 2014

(WEST BEND, WI) Due to popular demand, The Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) will expand its annual holiday kick-off event, Bloomin’ Holidaze, from two to three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 14 – 16 2014. The event runs from 10:00-8:00 on the 14th and from 10:00-5:00 on the 15th and 16th. In partnership with Roots and Branches (formerly known as the West Bend Beautification Committee), Bloomin’ Holidaze will transform MOWA into a flower-filled holiday destination with festive floral arrangements in every gallery, an artist marketplace, a chandelier-making workshop, live music and much more.

New to this year’s celebration is a craft beer and ugly Christmas sweater party on Friday, November 14 from 5:00-8:00. Milwaukee microbrewery Brenner Brewing Co. will provide the craft ales. Brewery owner Mike Brenner will be on hand for a “Down and Dirty Beer Talk,” West Bend Tap + Tavern will provide appetizers, and guests are invited to create their own Christmas ornaments.
“The name Bloomin’ Holidaze is a spoof on the craziness of the holidays,” said Laurie Winters, MOWA Executive Director | CEO. “We’re all about having fun at MOWA and that’s exactly what we want this event to be for all who attend—an ironically zany and relaxed weekend of holiday activities, shopping, and floral arrangements. Last year’s event was such a bloomin’ success that we’ve expanded it to three full days for 2014.”

Florists from across Southeastern Wisconsin will put their own fun and funky floral spin on the holidays, filling MOWA’s galleries with creative botanical arrangements. Attendees will vote for the “bloomin’ best” design with a People’s Choice Award to be announced on MOWA’s Facebook page on Sunday, November 16.

“Unlike other floral shows in the state that have rigid exhibition rules, we have no bloomin’ guidelines for the participating florists. We simply ask them to make the arrangements of their dreams and the results are just breathtaking,” says Winters.

Attendees will have the opportunity to shop for hand-crafted holiday gifts in the artist marketplace on Friday and Saturday. Over 25 artists hailing from throughout Wisconsin will be selling one-of-a-kind cozy scarves and mittens, fashionable jewelry, stylish home décor, and more.
Holiday-inspired demonstrations by The Flowersmith, Monches Farm, and others will be held on Friday and Saturday. These workshops and demonstrations will introduce event-goers to unique holiday decorating techniques, like Norwegian rosemaling. (See list of demonstrations below.)

On Sunday, kids will be treated to story time with children’s author Francisco X. Mora. Afterward, the Moraine Area Private Music Teachers Organization will perform Music at the Museum.

The Bloomin’ Holidaze weekend is free for MOWA members and visitors can become a member on their first visit for as little as $12.

Demonstration Schedule:

Friday, November 14 | 10:00-8:00

10:30-12:00 Rosemaling 101
Presented by Barbara Rambadt
Rosemaling is the Norwegian word for “decorative painting” and this demonstration will teach you how to embellish handmade holiday gifts with lovely floral designs.

1:00-1:45 Searching Out Grandmother’s Attic
Presented by Suzanne Hall Hodges of The Flowersmith
A grandmother’s attic holds many treasures. Learn techniques to turn one of these attic pieces into a unique and special holiday decoration.

2:30-4:30 Festive Paper Chandeliers Make and Take Workshop
Presented by Kasia Drake-Hames
Join Kasia as she guides participants through the creation of festive paper chandeliers—perfect for decorating your home or the Christmas tree! Using colorful paper, string, and straws, attendees will create either two miniature chandeliers, or a single large one.
$15, includes all supplies; Registration required

5:00-8:00 Bloomin’ Craft Beer Party and Ornament Making
Presented by Mike Brenner and Miranda Levy
Enjoy a refreshing brew and make your own hand-crafted ornament.

Saturday, November 15 | 10:00-5:00

10:15-11:00 Nature’s Own Seasonal Splendor
Presented by Zannah Crowe of Monches Farm
Nature’s resources are sometimes the best inspiration. Find out how to create a holiday arrangement using fresh seasonal greens, berries, and pods.

11:30-12:00 DIY Bath Goodies Make-and-Take Workshop
Presented by Kasia Drake-Hames
Kasia will teach easy ways to use simple ingredients to create your own luxurious bath “bombs”! These bath treats fizz when dropped into the tub.
$15, includes all supplies; Registration required

1:00-1:45 Searching Out Grandmother’s Attic-Take 2
Presented by Suzanne Hall Hodges of The Flowersmith
A grandmother’s attic holds many treasures. Learn techniques to turn one of these attic pieces into a unique and special holiday decoration.
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About The Museum of Wisconsin Art
The Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA), originally established in 1961, is one of the top regional art museums in the country, and is the primary venue nationally for the exhibition of historic and contemporary Wisconsin art, including holdings of more than 300 artists, over 4,000 works of art, and a sizeable archive/ library. In April 2013, MOWA celebrated a major milestone with the opening of a new building that doubled the gallery square footage and expanded its capacity to offer public programs and educational activities. The Museum is located at 205 Veterans Avenue, West Bend. For general information, call 262.334.9638 or visit wisconsinart.org.