Imagine famous works of art, interpreted via colorful floral arrangements.

Now that we’ve planted that seed, let us tell you about “Art Alive” 2022 — the San Diego Museum of Art’s annual exhibition, fundraiser + springtime tradition that blooms for only one long weekend this month at the museum in Balboa Park.

The 41st annual event runs from Thurs., April 28-Sun., May 1, and will showcase nearly 100 innovative, floral masterpieces mimicking works of art from the museum’s permanent collection. The fragrant, colorful displays look a little something like this:

See what they did there? | Photo via Bauman Photographers

And this:

A floral arrangement imitates a masterpiece at a previous Art Alive. | Photo via Bauman Photographers

This year, the San Diego Museum of Art has selected local, eco-friendly artist Britton Neubacher to create a 40-ft installation in the museum’s famed John M. and Sally B. Thornton Rotunda using only recycled plants + flowers. This grand focal piece will be dubbed “Organized Chaos.”

The Bloom Bash (this was in 2019), really kicks things off at Art Alive. | Photo via Bauman Photographers

Here’s the Art Alive 2022 schedule:

🖼️ Thurs., April 28:

The elegant, black-tie Premiere Dinner from 5:30-11 p.m. features a multi-course meal in the museum galleries, plus a first look at the floral exhibition everyone will be buzzing about over the weekend.

🌸 Fri., April 29:

The Art Alive Floral Exhibition opens to the public from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets cost $40 for adults, $5 for kids ages 7-17, and free for kids under 6 each day of the event.
From 7 p.m.-midnight, the event’s beloved “Bloom Bash” returns (it’s been on hiatus due to the pandemic) — a night of food, cocktails, live music, dancing + after-hours viewing of the floral artworks. You can get tickets to the party here.

🌼 Sat., April 30 + Sun., May 1:

Art Alive is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
From 12-4 p.m., head to the Art Alive Garden of Activities at the May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden for hands-on, floral-themed activities + demos led by museum educators. This is great for kids of all ages and the whole family — they can take part in guided projects or collaborations inspired by nature.

Hands-on, family-friendly, floral-themed activities are part of Art Alive. | Photo via Bauman Photographers