Last Chance to See Bouquets to Art 2010

By Emma Krasov, photography by Yuri Krasov
Pick a painting or a sculpture, or even a black and white photograph that you like from an extensive de Young Museum collection; choose orchids, or carnations, or lotus leaves…



The rest is easy. You make a bouquet, an ikebana – a floral installation that would resemble, repeat or reflect the artwork. At least, it looks easy in the hands of savvy San Francisco florists who presented 150 live plant displays to the 26th annual Bouquets to Art at the de Young this week.
(Terry Calhoun, Nob Hill Florist, picked this reporter’s favorite Nathan Oliveira’s Walking Mime).
Local clothing design students participated in the opening night gala with their wearable leaf-and-flower creations (like tea, eucalyptus and red ginger leaves evening gown), worn by their favorite models. A spectacular benefit event organized and produced by the volunteer members of the San Francisco Auxiliary of the Fine Arts Museums opened Monday with wine and food pairings by McCall Associates, music by the Moodswing Orchestra, and Floral Fashions competition.
In anticipation of the two upcoming Impressionism exhibitions from the Musée d’Orsay, Bouquets to Art 2010 was dedicated to “French Impressions” visible in some designers’ gowns, like in Margaret Buxton’s rosy creation inspired by Edgar Degas.
Michael Daigian came up with a fragrant lily petal dress and a purse modeled after an emerald pendant by Cartier.
Tonight, the museum is open late for its regular Friday Nights at the de Young, with the exhibit and floral design viewing until 8:45 pm. Tomorrow, Benefit drawing prize winners will be announced at 2 pm at the Wilsey Court, and the galleries will stay open until 5:15 pm.
"Birth of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay," will be on view at the de Young from May 22 to September 6, followed by "Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne, and Beyond: Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay," from September 25 to January 18, 2011. De Young Museum is located at 50 South Tea Garden Dr., SF. 415-750-2614. More information at famsf.org