Fine Arts and Flowers

Thu-Sun, Oct 21 – 24 | throughout the museum

Fine Arts and Flowers is a spectacular museum-wide exhibition of floral designs inspired by works in the VMFA collection. Special events for Fine Arts and Flowers 2021 will kick off with a dazzling Gala celebrating the reinstallation of the acclaimed Mellon Collections and the preview of more than eighty floral interpretations. Other special events include renowned guest speakers, luncheons, a fashion show-luncheon featuring designs by students from Virginia Commonwealth University, floral design workshops, exhibition tours, curator talks, and a variety of family activities.

Fine Arts & Flowers is presented by The Council of VMFA to provide critical resources that support ongoing research, development and installation of exceptional exhibitions. Floral designs by The Garden Club of Virginia, Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs, Ikebana of Richmond, and Garden Clubs of Virginia.

This exhibition is free, no tickets required. Special events require tickets.

Thu, Oct 21, 10 am | Leslie Cheek Theater

Floral artist Kiana Underwood is the celebrated founder of Tulipina, an internationally renowned floral design studio specializing in customized floral experiences for luxury weddings and events worldwide.  Kiana’s creations have been referred to as the Old World Masters of floral design.

$40 per person
This lecture is sold out. Email info@vmfa.museum or call 804-340-1405 to be added to the wait list.

Fri, Oct 22, 10 am | Leslie Cheek Theater

Susan McLeary of Passionflower Sue is a floral designer, artist, and instructor.  Her unexpected, boundary-pushing floral art includes elaborate headpieces, signature floral jewelry and wearables.

$40 per person
Group discounts available, call Group Sales at 804.340.1575

Thu & Fri, Oct 21 & 22, noon | Marble Hall

Enjoy a delicious seated luncheon in the Marble Hall with informal modeling by the VMFA shop.

$50 per person

Thu & Fri, Oct 21 & 22, 3:30 - 5:30 pm | Meet in the Atrium

Inspired Collecting: The New Mellon Galleries, led by Dr. Sylvain Cordier, Paul Mellon Curator and Head of the Department of European Art, will be one of the first opportunities to tour the newly installed Mellon Collection with the leading expert and designer of the galleries!  Wine and cheese reception immediately following in the beautiful third floor lounge.

$40 per person 

Sat, Oct 23, 10 am & 2 pm | Art Education Center Studios

Art for Inspiration is a hands-on workshop with popular Richmond floral designer David Pippin.

$50 per person

Sat, Oct 23, noon | Marble Hall

The VMFA Council and the Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising of Virginia Commonwealth University present their sixth Flowers in Fashion. A luncheon featuring Barboursville Vineyard wines will be followed by a collection of student-designed and modeled attire from casual to evening gowns.  A live auction of exciting prizes from exquisite photography to elegant jewelry will also take place.

$50 per person

Sun, Oct 24, 11 am | Pauley Center Studios

Make it Work #nofloralfoam | Enjoy this hands-on workshop as Sarah Chiffriller explores the basics of floral design. The inspiration will be extra blooms from Fine Arts and Flowers augmented by locally sourced flora.  Bring your own container (must be watertight) and clippers.

$40 per person

Sun, Oct 24, noon | Claiborne Robertson Room

Enjoy a three-course brunch created by VMFA’s award-winning chef, Greg Haley.  Each course will be paired with a special Barboursville Vineyard wine.  Sommelier Jason Tesauro will join Greg to discuss the pairings and the use of edible flowers.

$75 per person

Sun, Oct 24, 10 am - 4 pm | Visitor Services

Find fragrant flowers and artful treasures in the VMFA galleries. Pick up clues at the Visitor Services Desk. Free, no ticket required

Free, no tickets required.

Sun, Oct 24, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm & 3:00 pm | Art Education Center Studio #1

Have you ever wondered:  What is a posy?  It is a small sweet-smelling bouquet of flowers, also known as a nose gay or a tussy-mussy, which was originally carried to obscure noxious odors.  In the 19th century, posies conveyed messages using specific flowers.  Pink roses, meaning love, were included in wedding posies.  Join us to make your own posy for someone special!

Free, no ticket required

Sun, Oct 24, 1 - 4:00 pm | Art Education Center Studio #2

Flowers and horse racing in America have a long-intertwined history. Each race of the famed Triple Crown has its own flower associated with it that is woven into a blanket and draped over the winning horse. Feel like a champion as you craft your own festive garland inspired by this time-honored practice!

Free, no tickets required.

Sun, Oct 24, 1 - 4:00 pm 

1:00 pm - Collegiate School
2:30 pm - Veritas School Chamber String Ensembles

Free, no tickets required.