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Flora in Winter 2015

Flora in Winter at Worcester Art Museum

Flora in Winter at Worcester Art MuseumFragrant flowers and beautiful arrangements will be in bloom at the Worcester Art Museum’s annual four-day fundraiser, Flora in Winter. The region’s premier floral design event, from Thursday, January 29 through Sunday, February 1, 2015, showcases skilled arrangers’ creations that feature captivating, imaginative interpretations of artworks on view in the Museum.

Visitors can enjoy a welcome flowery feast for the eyes and a glimpse of spring in the middle of winter. From the celebration of Flora Euphoria! A Mid-Summer Knight’s Dream to floral demonstrations, docent-led tours of the floral creations, and origami-making lessons, there is something to delight audiences of all ages. The Museum is extending its hours to accommodate visitors, too. Be sure to check www.worcesterart.org/flora for details.

Flora in Winter is such a success, because of the creativity it inspires in the floral artists that contribute each year; because it highlights art throughout the Museum; and because it gives a growing audience another reason to fall in love with the wonderful collection of the Worcester Art Museum, again and again,” said WAM Director Matthias Waschek. “This event is also a great opportunity for different generations to visit and feel proud of their Museum and Worcester.”

Flora Euphoria! A Mid-Summer Knight’s Dream kicks off Flora in Winter on Thursday, January 29 from 5:30-8pm. Celebrate knightly pleasures and Shakespearean delights among the beauty and fragrance of fresh flowers. Flora Euphoria! will transform the Museum into a space bursting with merriment and inspiration, music and charm. Enjoy period-costumed performers, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. To purchase tickets for Flora Euphoria! A Mid-Summer Knight’s Dream, visit www.worcesterart.org/flora or call 508.793.4450.

Following is the complete list of Flora in Winterprograms. Except where indicated, all events are free with Museum admission and reservations are not required.
Interpretive Challenge Class Demonstration: The Judges Challenge: Friday, January 30, 3-4:30pm. Watch four talented floral design judges create flower arrangements inspired by the Worcester Hunt floor mosaic. The contestants will not be told in advance what floral materials or container they’ll be using and must complete their creation during the allotted time. The finished arrangements will be on view for the remainder of Flora and raffled on Sunday, February 1.

The Wow Factor: Flower Ideas for your Next Party with Bill Taylor Designs: Saturday, January 31, 10:30am-1pm and 1:30-4pm.

Bill Taylor, an international floral designer with more than 30 years of experience, creates and shows fun, creative and festive floral designs for your table and home — perfect for your next party, holiday, or special event. Join a docent after the program and tour the galleries to learn interesting details about the art and arrangements at Flora. $40 WAM Members; $60 nonmembers (includes Museum admission) Reservations required, space is limited. Call 508-793-4333 to register and for more information.
Origami Flowers — Activity for Kids of All Ages: Sunday, February 1, 11:30am-12:30pm and 12:30-1:30pm.
Join WAM faculty member Harou Shiga for an interactive, drop-in, origami-making session — the art of paper folding — in the Museum’s library. Space is limited and is first-come, first-served.

Flora Concert: Shrewsbury High School Women’s and A Cappella Choir and The Master Singers to Go: Sunday, February 1, 2pm.
Two extraordinary and entertaining musical groups fill the Renaissance Court with sweet musical sounds and selections.

 

Flora in Winter Hours:
Museum & Shop
Thursday, January 29: 11am-5pm;
The Museum and Shop reopen from 5:30-8pm for Flora Euphoria!
Friday, January 30: 11am-8pm
Saturday, January 31: 10am-8pm
Sunday, February 1: 11am-5pm

The Museum Café
11am-3pm every day of Flora
Questions? Please contact the Café Manager at 508.799.4406 x3068.

 

Parking
Valet parking available throughout Flora in Winter at the Salisbury Street entrance for a fee of $5 per car.

 

Admission:
Members: Free during exhibition hours;

$25 for Flora Euphoria! with RSVP by January 19, 2015, or $30 at the door; youth $4.

Nonmembers: Adults $20 during exhibition hours; youth $6

$45 for Flora Euphoria! with RSVP by January 19, 2015, or $50 at the door; youth $6.

 

Membership
Members enjoy free admission except for Flora Euphoria! Please call508.799.4406 x3122 to purchase your membership.

 

Public docent-led tours are free with Museum admission. Visit www.worcesterart.org/flora for schedule. Arrange for a private tour for groups of 10 or more by calling 508.799.4406 x3130.

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2014 Holidays at WAM

Holidays at WAM

Holidays at WAM

Delight in the spirit and joy of the upcoming season with the Worcester Art Museum’s annual “Holidays at WAM” celebration, which begins Friday, November 28 and ends Wednesday, December 31. Visitors can revel in the Museum’s holiday-oriented festivities that offer weekly gleeful musical concerts and dance performances in the Renaissance Court, special children’s programming, season-themed tours and enchanting decorations throughout the Museum — including candy-laden, gingerbread castle creations — and enjoy expanded Shop and Café hours.

“Holidays at WAM is a wonderful annual tradition. Visitors return year after year to enjoy festive music in the decorated Renaissance Court, take a winter-themed gallery tour, and to pick up unique, artsy holiday gifts in the Museum Shop,” said Katrina Stacy, assistant curator of education.  “One of the new programs this year is our first annual Gingerbread Castle Competition. Professionals and amateurs alike can participate, and we are encouraging anyone interested to submit an entry!”

COMPLETE LIST OF HOLIDAYS AT WAM ACTIVITIES:

A detailed list of the planned “Holidays at WAM” merriment and activities is included below. All events are free with Museum admission except where indicated. Admission is free from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, December 6 and is always free for Members. Join or renew a WAM membership in December and purchase a gift membership for half price! For more information about Holidays at WAM, visit worcesterart.org/events/holidays-at-wam/2014/

MUSEUM TOURS 

Zip Tours
Saturdays at Noon, celebrate the season with a holiday-themed, docent-led gallery talk that offers a short yet thorough view of a single work or artist.

  • Nov. 29     German Depictions of the Christ Child
  • Dec. 6       The Virgin and Child with Angels, Stefano da Verona
  • Dec. 13     Getting Ready for Thanksgiving, Grandma Moses
  • Dec. 20     The Adoration of the King, Ottaviano di Martino Nello
  • Dec. 27     Winter Landscape with Skaters, Adriaen van de Venne

Sunday Public Tours
November 30-December 21, 1pm and following all holiday performances

These hour-long tours offer an overview of the WAM permanent collection. The 1pm tour leaves from the Lancaster Lobby; the tour following performances leaves from Salisbury Street Lobby.

December Tour of the Month: Celebrate Roman Style
Wednesday, December 17 & Saturday, December 20, 2pm Join docent Mark Mancevice for reflections on celebrations and culture in late Republican and Imperial Rome.

Audio tours in English and Spanish, self-guided thematic tours and family guides are available from the Visitor Service Desks at the Lancaster and Salisbury Street Entrances.

FOR FAMILIES

Families @ WAM Tour

Saturday, December 6, 10:30-11am, Winter-themed intergenerational tour. Free.

Families @ WAM Make Art!

Saturday, December 6, 11am-11:30am, Stay after the family tour and enjoy hands-on art making with a holiday theme. Materials provided. Free.

SUNDAY PERFORMANCES

At 2pm in the Renaissance Court

WPI Vocal Performance Lab

November 30, Under the direction of John F. Delorey, WPI Director of Choral Music, the Vocal Performance Lab performs Benjamin Britten’s achingly beautiful tapestry of sound, A Ceremony of Carols for Harp and Chorus, along with seasonal carols and sing-alongs.

Ballet Arts Worcester

December 7, The graceful Youth Ballet of Worcester dancers present a classical repertory from The Nutcracker and preview contemporary works for the 2014 season.

Salisbury Singers

December 14, The Salisbury Singers, a popular mixed chorus of selected volunteers under the dynamic guidance of Music Director Michelle Graveline, perform a rousing holiday concert.

Merrimack Valley Ringers

December 21, The Merrimack Valley Ringers handbell ensemble delight audiences with its infectious joy, spontaneity, and festive spirit. A “Holidays at WAM” crowd favorite.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Gingerbread Castle Competition

Sunday, November 30-December 7, Higgins Education Wing
View a sweet display of gingerbread castles created by both professional and amateur competitors and vote for your favorite entry from Sunday, November 30 to Sunday, December 7. Awards, including the People’s Choice Award, for the winning gingerbread castle(s) will be bestowed on Sunday, December 7 at 3:30pm in the Lancaster Lobby.

To enter the gingerbread castle competition, download a registration form at worcesterart.org/events/holidays-at-wam/2014/.

Third Thursday: Champagne & Shopping

Thursday, December 18, 5:30-7:30pm
Enjoy shopping, live music, cash bar, and complimentary gift wrapping at this special evening event. Free with Museum admission; no admission charged if just visiting the Museum Shop. Sponsored by the WAM Members Council. Members can enjoy a “Holiday Toast”-  a complimentary glass of champagne while they shop! Cheers!

First Night Worcester 2015

Wednesday, December 31, 11am-5pm
Ring in the New Year at WAM with fun family-oriented activities. A First Night Worcester 2015 badge is your entrée to the revelry! Visit www.firstnightworcester.org for details.

HOLIDAY HOURS 

Gallery

Wednesday-Friday: 11am-5pm
Third Thursday of every month: 11am-8pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 11am-5pm
(Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursday, December 25)

Museum Shop 

Open 7 days a week, December 1-24, 11am-5pm*

Third Thursday: December 18, 11am-8pm

Shop WAM for the season’s most inspired gifts! Members receive a 20 percent discount off purchases Friday, November 28 to Sunday, December 28. Spend $100 or more after discount and receive a free WAM Cookbook II. *On Mondays and Tuesdays enter through the Salisbury Street front doors since access to the shop is limited on days that WAM galleries are closed. The Salisbury doors are open during the construction of the Museum’s new accessible entrance.

Café 

Expanded hours and open Sundays in December
Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30am-2pm
(Closed December 25, 28 and 29)