Feb. 27, 2007 – The Artists' Reception and Art Sale will kick off the 13th Annual Flower and Fine Art Festival at St. George Village Botanical Garden from 7 to 9 p.m., on Friday, March 9. Many of the 29 participating artists will be present to discuss their techniques, the mediums they use, and the inspiration for their work. Artists are encouraged to price their work to sell.
The festival, which is chaired by St. Croix artist Rasa Glengary, will continue on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Violinist Barbara Murray will play during Friday's reception, and complimentary hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served (with an admission fee – $15 for members and $25 for non-members – paid at the door).
Noted artist Karen Cooper has donated an original painting of an American Kestrel that graces the poster and flyers publicizing the festival. The posters are already on sale at the Garden's Museum Store, and the original work will be raffled off, with the drawing on Sunday at 3 p.m. You need not be present to win.
Also throughout the weekend, St. Croix's Hibiscus, Orchid, Bonsai and Fern societies will emphasize the tropical delights of the island with elaborate and colorful displays that will remain in the Garden's Great Hall. Other highlights will include "Art in the Garden," with intriguing outdoor exhibits by local artists, including Mike Walsh.
This will be the fourth year that the festival will include "Art in Bloom." David M. Hamada, the Garden's horticultural director, organized the premiere three years ago, which will again be presented in the Garden's Education Center. It will be open Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. "Art in Bloom" originated at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts in 1976. The idea is based on a floral designer interpreting a work of art, and both are exhibited together.
Workshops for adults will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday, in the Pavilion at the Bodine Visitors' Center. Workshops for youngsters will be held at the same time in the adjacent Children's Pavilion. Plans are being made for two youth steel-pan bands to entertain visitors in the courtyard at the Visitors' Center during the weekend.
Free guided tours of the Garden will be held at noon and 2:30 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday. The Garden's Nursery will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., both days; there will be local food and craft vendors and a cash bar. The Museum Store will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The admission ($5 for adults; free to children under 12) for Saturday and Sunday is paid at the gate. All proceeds benefit the Garden's mission of conservation, education and preservation. It is located at 127 Estate St. George, Frederiksted. The Web site is www. sgvbg.org.
For more information, call Lesley Hoffman at 692-2874.
