**Fourth annual Art in Bloom hosted by the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art**

April 2-4, 2009

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art will host the fourth annual Art in Bloom exhibit April 2-4, 2009. Designers from across the Southeast will create amazing floral arrangements inspired by works in the JCSM collection. In addition to the floral designs, there will be three events with noted guest speakers.

Friday, April 3 from 10am-1pm, Elaine Jo an Ikebana master will demonstrate the art of ikebana followed by an Asian inspired luncheon in the Grand Gallery. Jo is art director of Washi Accents and an executive master of the Ichiyo School of Ikebana. She lived in Japan for 25 years and now conducts certified ikebana courses. Seating is limited and seats are $40.

Friday evening, April 3 from 6-9, Dr. Tommy Chase will present “Aesthetics of Asian Art, Bonsai and Suieski” followed by an Asian themed cocktail reception with live music. Chase has been a student of bonsai and viewing stones for more than 35 years. His extensive collection of bonsai, some more than 30 years old, will be on display at the museum during the cocktail reception. Seats are available for $75 per person.

Saturday April 4, from 10am-1pm Birmingham’s Dorothy McDaniel will give a demonstration entitled "Simply Beautiful Flowers, But Oh So Simple to Design" followed by luncheon in the Grand Gallery. McDaniel has been a floral designer for more than 29 years, as well as an author and spokesperson on the topics of flowers and floral arranging. For complete information on McDaniel visit her web site at www.dorothymcdaniel.com. Seating is limited and seats are $75.

The Art in Bloom exhibition will be open to the public during regular museum hours beginning April 2 at 10am. The museum is open Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:45pm and Saturday from 10am-4:45pm. Regular admission rates apply: $5 adults, $4 seniors, all Auburn University faculty, staff and ALL regional students free.

For more information about Art in Bloom visit www.jcsm.auburn.edu. To reserve your seat for the events call 334-844-3085.

Contact: Colleen Bourdeau at cbourdeau@auburn.edu or (334) 844-7075