By Nick Hartmann

For the past 14 years, the Beaux Arts Auxiliary for the Columbus Museum of Art has ushered in the spring season with its Art in Bloom exhibition, on display this year from April 22-25. The 2010 theme, “Building Toward a Creative Future,” features live floral interpretations of more than 60 designers on works from the museum’s permanent collection.

More than 40 masterpieces from the CMA collection have been chosen to be florally interpreted and recreated, blanketing the lobby, first and second floor landings, Chihuly lounge and West End Gallery. They include Claude Monet’s The Church of Varengeville, Pablo Picasso’s Still Life with Compote and Glass, Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot’s The Little Birdnesters and George Segal’s Restaurant Window II.

The four-day exhibit kicks off April 22, with an Opening Night Gala from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Live music, silent auction, appetizers, desserts and wine will complement the evening. Tickets are $60 per person or $110 per couple.

On April 18 from 1-4 p.m., CMA will host a toast to former CMA Adjunct Curator of Design Charles Kleibacker including wine, hors d’oeuvres and a Saks Fifth Avenue spring and evening fashion show. Tickets, including a 15-percent discount at Saks Fifth Avenue, are $40.

CMA will offer Teas & Talks: various discussions over tea April 23 and April 24 to be hosted by I-Cheng, proprietor of Zen Cha Tea Salon. Tickets are $45. Tickets for each event can be purchased at www.columbusmuseum.org.  

Nick Hartmann is a contributing writer for CityScene.