Fitchburg Art Museum Celebrates 28th Annual Art in Bloom

The beloved floral interpretation event returns to the museum for a vibrant four-day celebration.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:35am

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A bold, abstract illustration featuring jagged, geometric shapes in striking red and white, conceptually representing the vibrant floral interpretations and artistic celebration of the Fitchburg Art Museum's 28th annual Art in Bloom event.The Fitchburg Art Museum's annual Art in Bloom celebration transforms the galleries with vibrant floral displays that engage with the museum's permanent collection.Fitchburg Today

The Laurelwood Garden Club, in partnership with the Fitchburg Art Museum, is hosting the 28th annual Art in Bloom celebration from April 23 to April 26. The event will feature 40 floral interpretations displayed alongside the artwork they celebrate, as the museum marks its 100th anniversary. In addition to the floral displays, the weekend will include art-making activities, a champagne reception, and musical performances.

Why it matters

Art in Bloom is the Fitchburg Art Museum's most celebrated event, drawing hundreds of visitors to witness the galleries transformed into a vibrant, colorful, and imaginative display of floral design. The event provides a unique dialogue between art and nature, allowing visitors to find connections between the floral interpretations and the corresponding artworks.

The details

The Laurelwood Garden Club has partnered with the Fitchburg Art Museum to host the 28th annual Art in Bloom celebration. The event will feature 40 floral interpretations displayed alongside the artwork they celebrate, as the museum marks its 100th anniversary. Visitors will have the opportunity to select their favorite artwork interpretation through a People's Choice Award. In addition to the floral displays, the weekend will include art-making activities, a champagne reception, and musical performances.

  • The event will take place from Thursday, April 23 through Sunday, April 26.
  • The champagne reception will be held on Friday, April 24 from 6 to 8 p.m.
  • The author talk with Neil Sanders will be on Saturday, April 25 at 2 p.m.
  • The harpsichord performance by Chris Marie Hudson will be on Sunday, April 26 from 2 to 3 p.m.

The players

Laurelwood Garden Club

A local garden club that has partnered with the Fitchburg Art Museum to host the Art in Bloom event.

Fitchburg Art Museum

A local art museum that is hosting the 28th annual Art in Bloom celebration, which is the museum's most celebrated event.

Julie Palioca

A member of the Laurelwood Garden Club, an interpreter, and the Public Relations director for the club.

Nick Capasso

The director of the Fitchburg Art Museum.

Aimee Cotnoir

The Development Manager at the Fitchburg Art Museum.

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What they’re saying

“During this special centennial year, the museum will be transformed by 40 floral interpretations displayed alongside the artwork they celebrate.”

— Julie Palioca, Club member, interpreter, and Public Relations director for the Laurelwood Garden Club

“Once again, visitors will have an opportunity to select their favorite artwork interpretation through a People's Choice Award.”

— Julie Palioca, Club member, interpreter, and Public Relations director for the Laurelwood Garden Club

“The award commemorates Kay Previte, co-founder of Art in Bloom, whose dedication, artistry, and mentorship continue to inspire the event.”

— Julie Palioca, Club member, interpreter, and Public Relations director for the Laurelwood Garden Club

“Eleven years ago, Neal Sanders and his wife Betty transformed their suburban lawn into a 25,000-square-foot native plant garden – one of the earliest examples of what is now known as a 'homegrown national park'.”

— Aimee Cotnoir, Development Manager at the Fitchburg Art Museum

“Her harpsichord was built by hand at Atelier de la Grande Maison, which was the workshop of Patrick Chevalier in 1985.”

— Aimee Cotnoir, Development Manager at the Fitchburg Art Museum

What’s next

The Fitchburg Art Museum will host the 28th Annual Art in Bloom event from Thursday, April 23 through Sunday, April 26. Visitors can explore the floral interpretations during museum hours and participate in various events throughout the weekend.

The takeaway

The Fitchburg Art Museum's Art in Bloom celebration is a beloved annual event that brings the community together to appreciate the unique dialogue between art and nature. This year's 28th edition, held during the museum's centennial year, promises to be a vibrant and imaginative display that showcases the creativity and dedication of the Laurelwood Garden Club and the Fitchburg Art Museum.