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Welcome

Thank you for joining us for the inaugural season of Bloom: A Floral Palette. The Currier brings people together by telling stories with art – and the stories about flowers and art are beautiful.

Bloom puts you right at the center of this ecosystem of inspiration. Members of the New Hampshire Federation of Garden Clubs created custom arrangements in conversation with Currier masterpieces. Throughout the museum, see how these talented floral designers bring works of art to life. They draw out colors, finding nature’s version of an artist’s palette, and echo patterns, shape, and scale in artful combinations.

Every day of Bloom offers something new to see and experience. Join unique tours with curators and floral designers. Attend a lecture

in the auditorium with Culturally Curious. Downstairs, step into the Currier’s newly renovated classroom studio spaces to discover artmaking rooted in nature, like paper flower making and pen and ink watercolors. Whatever your age or ability, this is your space to play, make, and grow.

Saturday evening brings us together for the Bloom Bash! Put on your favorite floral fashions and celebrate the colors of the season with elegance and whimsy. It’s your new favorite night out at the museum.

Along the way, we hope you explore the vital connections between nature and art, as well as the Currier and this community. Then, keep coming back for more. Talk with our friendly guest services team about applying your Bloom ticket to the cost of membership.

Starting on page 3, learn about the featured works of art and the oral designers they inspired. ere’s no one path through the galleries, so you can Bloom your way.

Schedule at a glance

thursday, march 12

10 AM to 5 PM Arrangements on view

AM Bloom tour with floral designers (meet in the main lobby)

2 PM Bloom tour with curators (meet in the main lobby)

friday, march 13

10 AM to 5 PM Arrangements on view

11 AM to 2 PM Artmaking (front studio, lower level)

11 AM

Bloom tour with floral designers (meet in the main lobby)

10 AM to 5 PM Arrangements on view

11 AM to 2 PM

2 PM

Bloom tour with curators (meet in the main lobby)

saturday, march 14

in the main lobby)

6 to 9 PM Bloom Bash! With awards presentation Separate ticket required

sunday, march 15

10 AM to 5 PM Arrangements on view

10 AM to 3 PM Blooming Brunch at Tidewater Cafe at the Currier

11 AM to 2 PM Artmaking (front studio, lower level)

11 AM

Bloom tour with floral designers (meet in the main lobby)

2 PM

Bloom: A Floral History Lecture with art historian Jane Oneail of Culturally Curious

the art

Childe Hassam

The Goldfish Window, 1916

oil on canvas. 34 3/8 in. x 50 5/8 in. (87.31 cm x 128.59 cm). Currier Funds, 1937.2

the florals

Casey Leach

why this work: Leach was immediately captivated by the painting’s calming warmth and luminosity.

inspired by: The feeling of sunlight streaming through windows and gentle summer breezes

Essential Bloom Experiences

all four days of bloom see the arrangements.

Floral arrangements connected to art on view, created with talent and vision by members of the New Hampshire Federation of Garden Clubs. throughout the galleries

friday through sunday, 11 am to 2 pm make art.

Hands-on experiences inspired by nature and rooted in art designed to help your creativity blossom Stop by the studio between 11 AM and 2 PM

the art

Hyman Bloom

Cadaver on Table, 1953

oil on canvas. 52 x 40 in. (132 x 102 cm). Henry Melville Fuller Fund, 2018.3 © Stella Bloom Trust

the florals

Carrie Dugan

why this work: Dugan works as a registered nurse, where she witnesses the inner and outer workings of the human body every day. She hopes to capture the beauty and wonder found in the juxtaposition of life and death.

inspired by: The work’s bold colors, abstract triangular composition, and use of layers

all four days take a tour.

Curators and floral designers offer unique tours of Bloom, sharing stories at the intersection of flowers and art. Meet in the lobby (no need to sign up!)

saturday, march 14, 6 to 9 pm celebrate at bloom bash!

Embrace the colors of the season at this new can't-miss spring celebration Purchase a ticket online

sunday, march 15 at 2 pm attend a lecture.

Gifted storyteller and art historian Jane Oneail of Culturally Curious presents Bloom: A Floral History. Drop by in the auditorium

the art

Harriet Whitney Frishmuth

Crest of the Wave, circa 1929

circa 1929. bronze. 65 1/2 in. x 14 1/2 in. x 18 in. (166.37 cm x 36.83 cm x 45.72 cm). Currier Funds, 1929.2

the florals

Linda A. Pare

why this work: Pare appreciates the sculpture’s exuberance and joy, as well as its sense of motion.

inspired by: The grace and litheness of the dancer

the florals

Edith Nunn

why this work: Nunn finds remarkable beauty in the emotion and pose of the dancer.

inspired by: Graceful lines

The New Hampshire Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc.

nhfgc.org

Thanks to the Garden Club members for sharing their talent, expertise, and vision with the Currier community. get to know:

Bloom celebrates the heritage and innovation of New Hampshire’s passionate gardeners and florists. The Currier is proud to partner with the New Hampshire Federation of Garden Clubs, another organization with deep roots in the Granite State and a commitment to sharing beauty.

the art

Georgia O’Keeffe Cross by the Sea, Canada, 1932

oil on canvas. 36 in. x 24 in. (91.44 cm x 60.96 cm). Currier Funds, 1960.1. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

the florals

Pauline Bogaert and Fiona McKenna

why this work: Bogaert and McKenna were moved by the painting’s dramatic landscape and sense of reverence.

inspired by: The colors, texture, and power of the sea

the art

Stella

Sinjerli, Variation I, 1968

the florals

Michelle Mensinger

why this work: Mensinger was struck by the artist’s subtle, yet striking use of color.

inspired by: The rainbow hues of the painting

Frank

saturday, march 14 | 6 to 9 PM

Glamorous and fun, the Bloom Bash! brings us together on Saturday evening to celebrate the inaugural season of Bloom. Raise a glass to the winners of the floral design competition. Put on your favorite floral fashions. See the custom arrangements at night. Enjoy botanical-inspired bites, signature cocktails, and a lively evening among friends in the Members save $15 on every ticket. in museum’s Winter Garden.

what's happening

Wendy Edwards Flourish, 2019 oil on canvas, 78 x 70 in. Collection of the Artist.

the florals

Cindy Walsh and Sherry Richardson

why this work: Walsh and Richardson were immediately drawn to the energy of the vibrant yellow and colorful shapes flowing from the art.

Wendy Edwards Stacked, 2018 oil on canvas, 72 x 48 inches. Collection of the Artist.

inspired by: How the work surges and pulses with freedom and movement the florals

Anne Wenniger

why this work: Edwards’ organic forms and vibrant colors spoke to Wenniger as a designer and artist.

inspired by: Bold shapes, lilac-hued colors, and a sensation of cascading green

<<<

the art

Joan Mitchell Cous-cous, 1961-1962

oil on canvas. 78 3/4 in. x 119 3/4 in. (200.03 cm x 304.17 cm). Gift of Sam and May Gruber, 1992.2.1. © Estate of Joan Mitchell

the florals

Sylvia Roberts

why this work: Roberts is moved by Mitchell’s ability to imbue abstract works with great emotions.

inspired by: The balance, order, and physicality of Cous-cous

Vote

don't forget to for your favorites!

We'll be presenting awards to floral designers in four special categories and we need your help! Make sure you cast your vote on the Pinnacle Petal Award before the award ceremony at Bloom Bash! on Saturday, March 14.

award categories

Pinnacle Petal Award

Every dollar donated through the People's Choice Award is one vote for your favorite floral design

the art

Max Pechstein

Recto: Stilleben mit Akt, Kachel und Früchten. Verso: Kurische Waldlandschaft, 1912-1913

Max Pechstein, Recto: Stilleben mit Akt, Kachel und Früchten. Verso: Kurische Waldlandschaft, 1912-1913. oil on canvas. 38

7/8 x 39 in. (99 x 99 cm). Henry Melville Fuller Fund in honor of Susan E. Strickler, Director of the Currier Museum of Art, 19962016, 2016.8. © 2016 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / Pechstein Hamburg / Tökendorf/ VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn <<<

the florals

Beverly Gamlin

why this work: Gamlin was excited to translate the painting’s multifaceted composition into florals.

inspired by: The way each side of the painting has its own atmosphere

HOW TO VOTE:

1. Choose your favorite

2. Scan the QR code on the label

3. Make a donation ($1 = 1 vote)

Peer to petal award

Chosen by an unbiased member of National Garden Clubs, Inc.

moody currier masterpiece award

The favorite floral design of the Currier staff and volunteers

Blooming benefactor award

Chosen by our presenting sponsor, Bank of America!

Don't have your Bloom Bash! tickets yet? Scan here to be part of the celebration!

the art

Severin Roesen

Floral Still Life, circa 1860

oil on canvas. 30 in. x 24 in. (76.2 cm x 60.96 cm). Henry Melville Fuller Fund, 2002.9

the florals

Joanne M. Dickie, Robin Heider, and Cookie Santerre

why this work: This trio of floral designers connected to the composition’s seasonality and the story told in its small, almost hidden details.

inspired by: The mystery and narrative of the bird’s nest

the art

Randolph Rogers

Nydia, the Blind Flower Girl of Pompeii, 1863

marble. 54 in. x 26 1/2 in. x 37 in. (137.16 cm x 67.31 cm x 93.98 cm). Henry Melville Fuller Fund, 1989.3

the florals

Tracey Burhoe

why this work: Nydia’s courage in adversity and the emotion of hope rising out of the ashes resonated with Burhoe.

inspired by: The classical style, subtle colors, and the theme of new beginnings

the art

Giuseppe Ceracchi

Alexander Hamilton, 1794

marble. 26 1/4 in. x 13 1/2 in. x 10 in. (66.68 cm x 34.29 cm x 25.4 cm) Currier Funds, 1968.2

the florals

Christine

Carr

why this work: Carr wanted to pay homage both to Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton and the period of history his story illuminates.

inspired by: Soft white colors, simple lines, and a feeling of hope.

the art

Gerry Williams

Battle of Grant Park, 1969

clay with white slip and iron stain, 18 in. x 24 in. (45.72 cm x 60.96 cm). Anonymous Gift in Memory of Edward J. Mulligan Jr., 1971.30

the florals

Blanche Garone

why this work: Garone appreciates the larger historical context giving this work an even greater power.

inspired by: The restrained color palette and symbolism

^^^

the art

Salvatore Lascari

Mosaics, 1929-1930

mosaic. 204 in. x 264 in. x 48 in. (518.16 cm x 670.56 cm x 121.92 cm) Museum Purchase, 1930.7

the florals

Mary Lea Daily

why this work: The interesting colors and patterns of the mosaic seemed to already be in conversation with the principles of floral design.

inspired by: The composition and colors

the florals

Susan

Davis

why this work: Davis appreciates how the scale, colors, and pattern of this work give her a jumping off point to create a unique interpretation.

inspired by: Unusual greens and an expansive sense of space

the art

Sol Lewitt

Wall Drawing #1255: Whirls and twirls (Currier), 2008

the florals

Pat Bennett

why this work: The composition reminded Bennett of gerbera daisies.

inspired by: Primary colors

the florals

Valerie O'Reilly

why this work: O’Reilly could see the swirls and twirls as natural spirals.

inspired by: The eye-catching colors and organic shapes

ON VIEW THROUGH AUGUST 9, 2026

Generously supported by Dr. Emily Leff, the Wolf Kahn Foundation, and the Susan E. Strickler Exhibition Fund in partnership with the Jules Olitski Art Foundation.

Experience a story of color unfolding before your eyes. See iconic works by modern master Jules Olitski in a major New Hampshire exhibition for the first time in more than 20 years. With groundbreaking techniques, an uncommon toolkit, and artistic gumption, Olitski rendered the possibilities of color with atmosphere and attitude.

Jules Olitski, Shoot 1965, acrylic and pastel on canvas, 94 × 98 inches. Currier Museum of Art, Manchester, NH, Museum Purchase: Gift of the Friends and the National Endowment for the Arts, 1977.40. Photography by Morgan Karanasios. © 2025 Jules Olitski Art Foundation/Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

Word Search AND BUGS!

A Museum Adventure

Grab a pencil and explore the galleries listed below, looking closely at each artwork to spot the hidden bug or critter among the blooming flowers or landscapes. Write what you find, then return to Guest Services for an official Bloom Badge!

location: European Gallery

artwork: Balthasar van der Ast, Still Life on a Kraak Porcelain Dish, 1617

I discovered a

location: European Gallery

artwork: Jan Brueghel the Elder, Tulips, Carnations, Roses and Other Flowers in a Prunted Glass Vase on a Table, 1608

I spot a

location: 1st Floor, East Gallery

artwork: Robert Zakanitch, Busy Bees (Souvenir Series), 1992

I see

location: 1st Floor, East Gallery

artwork: Gorham and Co., Vase, 1880

I discovered a

location: 2nd Floor, Small East Gallery

artwork: Severin Roesen, Vase of Flowers, 1860

I spy a

location: 2nd Floor, Small East Gallery

artwork: Frans Post, View of Olinda, Brazil with ruins of the Jesuit Church, 1666

I noticed a

UPCOMING

Events and Experiences

nh april vacation week workshops April 29 through May 1

Students ages 6 through 13+ will dive into color, movement, and playful artistic experiments inspired by Spray: Jules Olitski in the 1960s

danny lyon: the bikers

Opening May 7, 2026

See more than a dozen photographs by American photographer Danny Lyon full of grit, beauty, and humanity