From Art in Bloom to The Leap into The Sun & a Nick Cage Soundsuit the Unexpected Awaits

By Glenda Rice Collins (Updated April 14, 2024)

Tulsa, Okla., USA — Last Weekend’s Art in Bloom at Philbrook Museum of Art served as the appetizer to a feast of an ever-inspiring array of eye candy and surprises as visitors stroll through the stately old mansion and reserve time for the resplendent formal gardens outdoors. The recent extravaganza of indoor blooms served to whet the appetite for current events NOW!

TODAY: ¡Descubra!: Celebrating Cultural Identities

Sunday, April 14
1:00pm – 5:00pm—FREE!*
*Capacity is limited. Advance tickets are highly recommended. View Events Details at: https://philbrook.org/calendar/descubra-celebrating-cultural-identities-2024-04-14/ Today celebrates the ongoing special exhibition Collidoscope: de la Torre Brothers Retro-Perspective Continuing through April 25

Collidoscope: de la Torre Brothers Retro-Perspective—a title that plays with the words “kaleidoscope” and “retrospective”—features dozens of colorful multi-media blown-glass objects and elaborately framed lenticular prints that span the spectacular, genre-defying careers of artists and brothers Einar and Jamex de la Torre. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico (1963 and 1960, respectively), Einar and Jamex de la Torre have for decades lived, worked, and collaborated on both sides of the San Diego/Tijuana border. 

Surprises Intervene!

As I ventured into Philbrook last Sunday to catch a view of the temporary creative display of blossoms indoors, I was stopped in my ever-rushing footsteps to ponder some surprising and unexpected visual delights as I entered the first familiar gallery located on the indoor blooms-exhibit pathway.

Back to the Blooms last Sunday

First, an exquisitely detailed, glorious framed watercolor by a familiar Tulsa artist whose paintings and special occasion commemorative posters over the years have gained an impressive following — Patrick (p.s.) Gordon‘s 1993 Fried Green Tomatoes” (detail shown above) with a splendid bouquet beckoned, further setting the mood for the art of the blooms feast!

Before I made it to the next gallery, where my first look at fresh blooms awaited, a dazzling 2021 Nick Cage Soundsuit (detail pictured below) demanded my attention in the “Extraordinary Ordinary” collection!

Always in a rush to take it all in during multiple museum visits, I had to slow down to savor the quite unexpected moments!

And as I looked over my shoulder, Raul de Nieves‘ 2021 The Leap into The Sun creation (detail pictured below) caused me to look closer on the day before a much anticipated total solar eclipse which was a major focus for millions in North America and beyond!

Finally reaching the first familiar gallery with fresh blossoms to savor in the mansion known as one of “America’s castles” the unique experience of floral interpretations of gallery-themed masterpiece enhancements began.

But, before taking in the beauty of the florists creations in the series of galleries that lead to commanding views of indoor fountains (now kept dry), glass floor areas lighted from below and outdoor formal gardens that lead to the inviting summer house, another charming surprise insisted on my attention–Otto Duecker‘s 1987 The Help #4 (Roberta), (detail pictured below) displayed in an arched hallway alcove usually reserved for a more formal, serene or perhaps classical work of art!

Proceeding through the remaining galleries brought the fulfilling treat for the senses that one would expect to find among gifted floral designers inspired by such resplendent art and architecture.

Sunlit Petals, The Flower Shop Pryor (detail pictured above) was enhanced by the mansion’s gallery opaque glass floor, lighted from below, and the nearby wall fountain’s exquisite sculpture detail.

Although the April 5-7, 2024 weekend extravaganza of “Art in Bloom” has ended, a plethora of diverse and surprising visual treats, several shown herein, currently remain in place for visitor’s perusal, ongoing..

And the expansive, architecturally landscaped, magnificent Philbrook gardens continue to celebrate the art of the bloom all-year.

For additional details, visit: https://philbrook.org/exhibitions/.

“Don’t wait for someone to send you flowers. Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul.”
–Mario Quintano

Credits:

Banner photo: Philbrook Music Room Art in Bloom floral designs, Nature’s Symphony, Anthousai.

Photos by Glenda Rice Collins.

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