Exhibit to Be Shown at Holliston Library March 19-21

By Jane Lebak

The Holliston Garden Club is once again proud to team up with the Holliston Public Library to feature Art in Bloom, a celebration of art and flowers. For three days, from March 19th to March 21st, this exhibit, which melds the beauty of flowers with the artistry of Holliston’s public school students, will be open to the public at the library.

“Designers will create a floral arrangement that complements a piece of art,” says Holliston Garden Club member, Jill Malcom, this year’s Chair of Art in Bloom. “In the past, we’ve reached out to local artists, seniors at the senior center, or school children to gather art, and then display it for the period of the show. We have members of the club do floral designs to complement them.”

Art in Bloom was first introduced fifty years ago by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and the unique combination of artwork and floral design has germinated local offshoots in several communities. The Holliston Garden Club has hosted Art in Bloom several times, the most recent being in 2015.

 “This year, we’re going to have twelve to fifteen pieces of art, and we’ll focus on the schools,” says Malcolm. While most pieces for the 2026 show come from the Holliston Public Schools, a few come from other artists. “We’ll also include two quilts currently at the library.”

The art is created first, and the floral designs crafted to match. “Some designers are very literal,” says Malcolm, “and try to make a visual copy of the content of the picture. Most of the time, you look at the painting and see the colors and the shapes, and you try to echo those colors and those patterns in the design.”

While most flower shows are judged, Holliston’s Art in Bloom has no judging component. It’s about the artistry present in the community rather than about the competition.w

Malcolm says, “We get such a personal joy out of doing this, to see the kids and the art they do, and the person who’s done the flowers, and watching the parents’ faces when they see the art displayed.” 

Malcolm believes the library is a natural match for this exhibit. “The library is such a special place in the community. It’s a great place with wonderful staff--and to bring something special to the library, and to bring people to the library, that’s a good thing.”

The library feels the same way. Taylor Dodge, Head of Circulation and Adult Services, says, “The library is thrilled to partner with the Holliston Garden Club to reintroduce Art in Bloom to our community! Now, more than ever, we need to be reminded of the beauty that arises when people unite. I believe that the artists, the Garden Club, the library, and the residents of Holliston are beautifully embodying this spirit through their dedication and enthusiasm.”

Art in Bloom will kick off with a reception on March 19th for the artists and town officials, and the exhibit will remain open until March 21st.

You can check out the Holliston Garden Club at https://hollistongardenclub.org for information about events and membership.