The San Diego Museum of Art comes alive with flowers

Bursting on the art scene with color and floral fragrance is this year’s Art Alive at the San Diego Museum of Art. Heralded as one of the top events of the year, the exhibition brings together 100+ floral designers with famous works of art in an eye-candy show of exquisite floral arrangements. Art Alive kicks off Thursday, April 26 with an exclusive black tie Premiere Dinner, and the perennially popular Bloom Bash on Friday, April 27.

Along with an array flowers, the Bloom Bash opening celebration features custom geometric and iridescent light installations by HYBYCOZO artists, Yelena Filipchuk and Serge Beaulieu from San Francisco, along with mixed media sculptures by Los Angeles-based artist Taylor Dean Harrison.

To tickle the taste buds of event goers, some of San Diego’s top restaurants, chefs and mixologists will create delectable eats and floral-infused cocktails. There will be live music, dancing, and an exclusive after-hours viewing of this year’s floral exhibition.

Ahead of the colorful event, PACIFIC caught up with artist and participating floral designer Katherine Brozowski between weddings and floral creations to find out more about Art Alive and her inspirational art piece.

PACIFIC: How did you get involved with designing flowers and Art Alive?

KATHERINE BROZOWSKI: I’m very lucky, I grew up around art and flowers, my grandmother was a professional artist, and I went to Art Alive as a girl. I was always in awe. Later I got a job as a florist, and after I got comfortable I contacted Art Alive and said, “This is something I have to do.” Since then, I’ve done 10 overall, and I’ve taken home a first place and a second place.

What painting did you select? Was it a difficult decision?

El Greco The Penitent Saint Peter Gallery # 16. After being involved for so long, I feel like no matter what, it will be a challenge. Before it was important to get something that matched something in my head. Now with this particular piece, I have seen created for 10 years, and I haven’t’ seen it done well, so I wanted to do it justice.

Where can San Diegans see your arrangements and designs?

I worked for Disneyland and Seaworld and got to do letter brush art, but now I do it privately. I am the owner of Wild Orchid florist, in El Cajon, and we supply UC San Diego locations, Scripps La Jolla and Encinitas gift shops, locations in Little Italy — we’re everywhere.

What is different about your floral design?

Have a look and you will see why we stand out. We are artists, we pride ourselves on being different, and providing a lasting message. We know we are a luxury, we don’t provide food or water, but we make a “can’t live without us” type of arrangement.

What other events do you participate in?

We also participate in displays at the San Diego Botanic Gardens in Encinitas. In 2004, I opened up a nonprofit called Remember Me, where we work events like weddings, and at the end of the event, if they don’t have plans for their flowers and let me come get them, we repurpose them and deliver to women’s shelters, assisted living facilities and chemotherapy centers.

Will you be enjoying a floral cocktail at Bloom Bash?

Absolutely! This is the best event of the year. If you love flowers and art, and everyone dressed to the nines and smiles ear to ear, do not miss it.

Follow Katherine at @wildorchidflorist.

Wild Orchid Florist: 904 E. Washington Ave., El Cajon, 619.593.9222, wildorchidfloristandevents.com

Art Alive and surrounding events

When: April 26-29 (Art Alive opens Friday with an exclusive black tie Premiere Dinner on Thursday and Bloom Bash on Friday)

Where: San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park

Cost: Art Alive general admission $25 (free for members; $5 for youth; free for children under 6); Bloom Bash $250 for nonmembers ($200 for members)

Information: sdmart.org