BENTONVILLE, AR, UNITED STATES, 27th Sept 2024– Althea Wiles, Northwest Arkansas floral designer and creative director of Rose of Sharon Floral Design Studio, was proud to participate in the 2024 Art in Bloom exhibit at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. This year, Wiles brings her artistic vision to life in a floral installation located by the museum’s entry sign, drawing inspiration not from a specific artwork as previous years’ designs, but from the essence of the Art in Bloom experience itself.
For the 2024 showcase, Wiles aimed to embody the intersection of nature, art, and community. Her floral arrangement features a stunning display of eucalyptus, zinnias, garden roses, amaranthus, rudbeckia, sunflowers, and ninebark, each chosen to represent the richness of the Ozarks’ local flora. Instead of focusing on a singular work of art, Wiles created “floating” frames emerging from the arrangements to symbolize the blending of local artists, products, and the overall experience of the Art in Bloom event.
“This year, I wanted to capture the immersive experience of Art in Bloom,” Wiles explains. “By using locally sourced flowers and creating floating frames, my goal was to reflect the collaboration between art, nature, and community that makes this event so special. The installation showcases how local artistry can merge with natural beauty to form something truly inspiring.”
The Art in Bloom exhibit invites florists to create arrangements that complement the museum’s galleries and the art within them, celebrating the season’s bloom. Wiles has become a fixture in the event, contributing annually with fresh, creative interpretations that elevate the relationship between flowers and fine art. Her previous works have drawn inspiration from iconic pieces in the museum, including Dale Chihuly’s Azure Icicle Chandelier and Karen LaMonte’s Dress Impression with Wrinkled Cowl.
With over 25 years of experience in the floral industry, Wiles is known for her innovative approach and creative designs. As the owner of Rose of Sharon Floral Design Studio and an educator at J Althea Creative Consulting, Wiles continues to make an impact both in her community and beyond with her passion for blending natural elements with artistic expression.
The Art in Bloom exhibit was open from August 30 to September 3, 2024, at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. Each year, visitors are encouraged to experience the unique floral designs. This year, Wiles’ symbolic arrangement was at the museum’s entrance, which served as a welcoming tribute to this year’s celebration of art and nature.
Booking Information
Rose of Sharon Floral Design Studio is available for corporate, non-profit, and private events, offering customized floral designs to suit any theme or occasion.