By Jane Keller Gordon, Contributing Writer
Southborough – Twenty-five creative floral arrangements — each interpreting a unique, original piece of art — were displayed at the Southborough Public Library April 7- 9. For the second time, the Southborough Gardeners collaborated with Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) students to present “Art in Bloom.” They previously worked together in 2013.
Almost 200 people attended the opening gala reception at the library according the Southborough Gardeners’ Event Chair Deb Depps Wilson.
“Art in Bloom is my favorite Southborough Gardener’s event,” she said. “For me it’s a trifecta! It showcases the amazing talents of our ARHS students, our lovely library, and brings together the community.”
She continued, “During the evening I heard so many flattering comments about the creativity of the ARHS artists and the Southborough Gardener arrangers. The synergy between our groups was terrific and something many people had never seen before. They were so engaged in taking it all in. It made for a delightful experience for everyone.”
ARHS visual art teacher, Danielle DeCiero, oversaw the student involvement in the project. She said that 65 students submitted art for possible inclusion in the show. The 2D and 3D pieces ranged in style and size. Media included acrylic paint, oil paint, mixed media, paper and wire.
Despite the name of the exhibit, the displayed art work represents a wide range of subjects.
“The content of the work is driven by students. So some are portraits, some are sculptures, still life, landscapes, etc. Some are from images for reference, and some are from life, or imagination. The artwork is not of florals at all, but a wide variety of content,” said DeCiero.
Most of the school’s Advanced Placement art students submitted work to the Southborough Gardeners, according to DeCiero. Students who had submitted pieces to the Massachusetts Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Award also had the opportunity to participate.
DeCiero, now in her sixth year at ARHS, teaches ceramics, advanced ceramics, 3D Design, and Art I.
“We are so lucky to have such a great bunch of students that are dedicated to creating quality artwork and improving their skills,” she said. “We always look for opportunities to share work with the community, and this opportunity is great, as students get to see alternative interpretations of their work. It offers them a different perspective, which in turn helps grow their art-making abilities.”
Members of Southborough Gardeners selected 25 pieces of art — those which they believed could be best reflected in a floral display. Twenty-nine gardeners, some working in pairs, created arrangements the night before or the morning of the opening. Flowers came from the Boston Flower Market, Mugford’s in Southborough, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods.
Southborough gardener Julie Lapham interpreted a painting by ARHS student, Antonio Montilla, called “Tree Man.” She used reclaimed wood as a vase to portray the rustic scene. Lapham, who is an international floral designer, for several years has participated in Boston Museum of Fine Art’s Art in Bloom, and the Worcester Art Museum’s Flowers in Winter.
According to Caroline Rossen, corresponding secretary of the Southborough Gardeners, the group has 37 active, 16 associate, and 25 honorary members.
“This was yet another wonderful opportunity for the Southborough Gardeners to give back and share with the community,” said Club President Denise Baker.
For more information about the club, visit southboroughgardeners.org.
Photo/Jane Keller Gordon