A Blossomed Floral Dream: HFD at Art in Bloom Newfields

Title: A Floral Dream Realized: Hiawathia at Art in Bloom at Newfields

This spring, I had the incredible honor of participating in Art in Bloom at Newfields—a bucket-list moment that left me both humbled and creatively fulfilled. As the founder and lead designer of Hiawathia Floral Design Co, being invited to interpret fine art through flowers was more than just an opportunity—it was a full-circle moment rooted in purpose, passion, and artistry.

Art in Bloom has a rich legacy that began in 1976 at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. What started as a fresh, new way to experience art has since blossomed into a beloved tradition at museums across the country. These exhibitions celebrate the harmony between visual art and floral artistry by inviting florists to reinterpret famous works through flowers—offering visitors a multi-sensory experience that merges color, texture, emotion, and fragrance.

Newfields carries on this tradition with its own annual celebration, inviting artists to bring the museum’s galleries to life through botanical imagination.

Art in Bloom is where floral design meets museum-worthy masterpieces. This year, a record of over 50 floral designers were invited by Newfields to interpret selected pieces of artwork from the museum’s collection, translating brushstrokes and palettes into petals and stems. My chosen inspiration? “Broek in Waterland” by Jan Toorop—a painting full of serene color, atmospheric light, and quiet Dutch countryside charm.

Jan Toorop was a Dutch-Indonesian painter known for his diverse artistic style and involvement in multiple movements including Symbolism, Art Nouveau, and Pointillism. Though his body of work spans many techniques, “Broek in Waterland” reflects his experimental phase with Pointillism—a painting method developed in the late 19th century that uses small, distinct dots of color to form an image. This technique, pioneered by artists like Georges Seurat and Paul Signac, relies on the viewer’s eye to blend the colors optically, rather than through mixing paint. It’s a style that invites close observation and rewards with incredible depth and vibrancy—qualities I sought to translate through floral texture and color layering in my design.

For my interpretation, I leaned into soft pastels and spring blooms such as tulips, ranunculus, daffodils, and allium, adding nods to Dutch landscapes and Pointillism techniques. An inverted sunset grounded the design while Bells of Ireland buds, cut from their stalks, created the illusion of grass. Every flower placement was intentional—my goal was to not only reflect the painting’s energy but also transport viewers into a peaceful dreamscape.

None of this would have been possible without the help of my trusted floral partners. I sourced my beautiful flowers from Marvin’s Wholesale, my local flower wholesaler, whose commitment to quality blooms and dependable service makes it possible for florists like me to bring bold visions to life. Their exceptional product selection helped elevate every element of the design—from texture to tone.

As always, sustainability remained a core value in my design. I proudly used foam-free mechanics and Smithers-Oasis fiber floral products, derived from volcanic basalt rock—ensuring my work was as eco-conscious as it was breathtaking. I first created the base of the design with bells of ireland to mimic grass. I then

Saturday morning, I had the most amazing mind-blowing experience interviewing with Brittany Noble at Wish TV. We discussed my participation in Art in Bloom and how this experience has come full circle for me as a young girl that grew up minutes from the museum. I also got to share my story of how I entered into the world of florals. I never tire of sharing this story. which I never tire of sharing. It was my first time being on air and I was beyond nervous, but I am incredibly grateful for the experience.

In addition to my floral interpretation, I also had the pleasure of leading a live workshop on Modern Floral Wearables, a contemporary twist on traditional corsages and boutonnieres. These ideas were inspired by the innovative spirit of Passionflower Sue, a legend in the floral industry known for pushing the boundaries of wearable floristry. For my demonstration, I walked the audience through four creative designs:

• A pocket square boutonniere—the perfect update to the traditional boutonniere. It slides directly into the jacket pocket with no pinning required (yay for ease and style!).
• A floral cuff, the modern answer to the classic corsage. Created on a reusable metal bracelet base, this design allows the flowers to be removed after wear so the cuff can be used again.
• Floral dangling earrings, crafted with brass and spring buds like hyacinth and muscari—delicate, fragrant, and a perfect nod to the season.
• And finally, a floral tattoo—not with ink, but with a sleek adhesive strip of blooms applied directly to the skin. This design was inspired by a workshop I attended last fall with Jenny T Floristry, and it was such a fun and bold expression of wearable blooms.

At the end of the demonstration, all these creations were raffled off to the delight of the audience—bringing smiles, inspiration, and a renewed sense of just how innovative floristry can be.

What made this experience even more special? My family and flower friends showed up in full support, right there in the galleries cheering me on. Knowing that my community got to witness this milestone reminded me why I started Hiawathia in the first place: to spread love, joy, and comfort through flowers that speak to the heart.

To everyone who visited the exhibit, thank you for allowing me to share this moment with you. And to those who missed it—don’t worry. This is just the beginning of many more floral adventures to come.

Step into the colorful side of life with Hiawathia Floral Design Co. Whether it’s an art exhibit, wedding day, or intimate celebration, we bring your vision to life with bold, modern blooms rooted in meaning.

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