Art Alive 25
April 27-30, 2006

SAN DIEGO—Art Alive is turning 25, and in honor of this special anniversary, the San Diego Museum of Art's annual springtime festival of art and flowers will be more spectacular than ever. This widely attended floral extravaganza is one of the longest-running events of its kind in the country, and this year, new plans are in store, including a special after-hours viewing with cocktails, a floral demonstration by the renowned Christian Tortu, and an exciting fresh approach to the rotunda display. The exhibition will be open to the public from Friday, April 28, to Sunday, April 30, and a members-only preview will take place Thursday evening, April 27.

The Museum's extraordinary spectacle of art and flowers will once again feature over 100 professional and award-winning amateur floral designers. The beautiful floral interpretations of SDMA artworks created by the designers make this event a favorite San Diego tradition year after year. As the Museum's primary fundraising event, Art Alive raises money to support popular events and stimulating exhibitions, as well as valuable educational programs.

The much-anticipated rotunda floral display will feature fresh, contemporary designs by San Diego 's Green Florals. Green's talented designers will recreate the glamourous, decorative look of mid-century Hollywood Regency Design through modern arrangements in a variety of stunning spring colors.

Based on the great demand for fresh ideas and artistic expression, this year's floral demonstration/lecture, "From Nature to Art," will present Parisian designer Christian Tortu, known as "the Yves Saint Laurent of flowers," on Friday, April 28, at 10:00 a.m. Later that night, the Museum will hold a special date-night after-hours viewing of Art Alive. This brand-new installment in the Art Alive lineup, called Flowers After Hours, will feature a no-host bar, music, and a chance to view the floral arrangements in the galleries from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

As always, the exclusive Art Alive Gala is one of the main highlights of the weekend. Taking place on Saturday, April 29, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight, this year's gala will also gather inspiration from Hollywood Regency Design. The festive and eventful evening will kick off with a Champagne Celebration from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. for Honorary Committee members and VIP guests, featuring delectable food from the renowned Chef Bernard of the Marine Room. During the gala itself, guests can sample food from a dozen of San Diego 's top restaurants as they listen to the swinging tunes of crooner David Patrone. Those interested in after-dinner entertainment can attend the late-night portion of the gala called Late Bloomers. Adopting the feel of SDMA's popular Culture & Cocktails series, the event will run from 9:30 p.m. to midnight, and will feature delicious dessert and hot music from DJ Damon Bell.

Throughout the Art Alive weekend, visitors can stop by the Garden Shop for a wide variety of garden-themed merchandise, including gardening gear, gifts, body care products, apparel, and more. The Garden Shop is also bringing back popular jewelry designer Sheri Liebert, who will be on hand all weekend to present her unique silver and precious stone designs.

San Diego Museum of Art
1450 El Prado, Balboa Park
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 122107
San Diego, CA 92112-2107
General Information: (619) 232-7931 / Facsimile: (619) 232-9367
Group Sales: (619) 696-1915
Web site: www.sdmart.org

The historic San Diego Museum of Art provides a rich and diverse cultural experience for more than 400,000 annual visitors. Its nationally renowned permanent collection includes Spanish and Italian old masters, South Asian paintings, 19 th - and 20 th -century American paintings and sculptures, and works by contemporary artists. The Museum also offers an extensive year-round schedule of supporting educational and cultural programs.

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