Art Alive 2022
The San Diego Museum of Art’s 41st annual Art Alive, an event in which floral designers transform famous works of art from the permanent collection into exquisite floral displays, returns to support for education, outreach programs, and special exhibitions.
The celebration will feature nearly 100 floral interpretations of works of art throughout the Museum created by local floral designers, filling the galleries with a brilliant crescendo of color and scent. Local San Diego artist and owner of Tend Living, Britton Neubacher, has been selected as the Rotunda Designer and will transform the Museum rotunda into “Organized Chaos”. The artist, who produces eco-friendly pieces and impressive living walls, will create a 40-foot-high installation utilizing only recycled botanical plants and florals.
This year, after a brief hiatus, Bloom Bash returns, with the signature kickoff event expanding further into the Plaza de Panama to accommodate a growing guest list and offer additional outdoor activities. The opening celebration will feature food and beverage delights from more than 30 local San Diego restaurants, live music, a Ferris wheel, and an exclusive light installation from sculpture and performative artist Ian Brill.
“We’re elated to host the 41st annual Art Alive event, a collaborative and creative force that brings the San Diego community together,” said Roxana Velásquez, Maruja Baldwin Executive Director and CEO at The San Diego Museum of Art. “This year we’re also excited to offer visitors the chance to see two special exhibitions during Art Alive weekend that beautifully complement the event. Exploring issues of climate, sustainability and our Earth, TERRA: Fernando Casasempere marks the first full U.S. show by contemporary London-based Chilean artist Fernando Casasempere. Also on view is Monet to Matisse: Impressionist Masterpieces from the Bemberg Foundation, which showcases masterpieces from some of the most significant names in European painting, including Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Pablo Picasso, Alfred Sisley, and Pierre Bonnard. These works are rarely seen outside of their home at the historic Hôtel d’Assézat in Toulouse, France, so we are especially thrilled to bring them to San Diego and Art Alive.”
The Art Alive 2022 floral exhibition will be open from 10am to 5pm on Friday, April 29 and from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday May 1. General admission is free for members, $40 for nonmembers, $5 for youth (ages 7 to 17), and free for children age 6 and under. In addition to viewing the annual floral exhibition during Museum hours, Art Alive 2022 offers four full days of experiences, activities, and celebrations.
Art Alive 2022 Premiere Dinner
Thursday, April 28: 6:30–11:30pm
An intimate black-tie event, the Premiere Dinner will take place in the Museum’s galleries among a special installation of Op Art from the Museum’s permanent collection and will offer an exclusive first look at Fernando Casasempere’s upcoming exhibition.
Member’s Preview
Friday, April 29: 8–10am
Early access to the Art Alive floral exhibition for Museum members.
Bloom Bash
Friday, April 29: 7pm–midnight
$250 for members and $300 for nonmembers
The Bloom Bash opening celebration is the official Art Alive kick-off party. The celebration will feature a custom art installation by Ian Brill, a sculpture and sounds artist. Bloom Bash will also feature culinary creations from San Diego’s top restaurants and chefs, floral-infused cocktails, live music and dancing, interactive entertainment and an exclusive after-hours viewing of this year’s floral exhibition.
Garden of Activities
Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1: noon–4pm
Free with Art Alive admission
Great for families, the Garden of Activities features a variety of floral-themed art projects designed for children and families to enjoy together.
The Museum is following state and local guidelines to help protect against the spread of COVID-19. In the interest of health, safety, and providing a positive experience for all, Art Alive will again be a timed ticketed event. Additionally, proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result will be required. As COVID-19 guidelines are subject to change, visit sdmart.org/COVID-19-updates the week of the event for current requirements. artalive@sdmart.org, sdmart.org/art-alive-2022, sdmart.org
For a video preview, click here.
