14th Biennial Florescence

Floral design, botanical arts, photography and horticulture enthusiasts from around the country will convene in Houston this April for Florescence, one of the nation’s largest competitive flower shows. Presented by The Garden Club of Houston, River Oaks Garden Club, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the 14th biennial event to be held on Wednesday, April 26, and Thursday, April 27, showcases floral designs and horticultural specimens cultivated by entrants for this year’s theme of “Metamorphosis.”

Florescence is a competitive flower show that challenges designers to create floral arrangements and installations pulling inspiration from the Museum’s surrounding art collections and the show theme. In addition to Floral Design, the show’s other categories include horticulture, horticulture design, photography, botanical arts, needle arts, and conservation education.

Florescence Events:

An Artist in Bloom: Floral Demonstration with Hanneke Frankema
Wednesday, April 26, 2:30 p.m.
The Caroline Wiess Law Building, 1001 Bissonnet Street
Since Hanneke Frankema was awarded the title of ‘Master Florist’—at the time, the youngest florist ever to do so—her floral life has been a rollercoaster of activity. With numerous prizes to her name, including the prestigious 2022 Europa Cup and the 2018 National Dutch Championship of floristry, as well as a wealth of international experience, Hanneke is a highly sought-after guest arranger, regularly traveling around the world to perform demonstrations, teach, and inspire. Thanks to her rich experience in creating special flower arrangements—be that for trade fairs, shows, schools, colleagues, or private customers—Hanneke is able to bring her own very personal creations to life, characterized by her use of color, avant-garde techniques, and an unfailing eye for detail. Tickets for the demonstration are currently sold out.

“Social Butterflies” Cocktail Party
Wednesday, April 26, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
The Audrey Jones Beck Building, 5601 Main Street
Guests are invited to celebrate the opening day of Florescence “Metamorphosis” over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while touring the galleries at their leisure. Tickets are $200 each.

An Entertaining Story with India Hicks
Thursday, April 27, 11:30 a.m.
The Caroline Wiess Law Building, 1001 Bissonnet Street 
Born in London, England, India Hicks is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, and mother of five. Her father was famed interior decorator David Hicks, and her mother is Lady Pamela Hicks, whose father was the last Viceroy of India. India has often made bold life choices, which have led to a multi-faceted, unexpected life journey. She has authored four design books, modeled for Ralph Lauren, among others, been an on-air personality for networks ranging from Bravo to the BBC, and had her hand in the design world for over two decades – from hotels to home collections. In September 2020, India released her new book An Entertaining Story, which offers a lighthearted perspective on the art of entertaining with tales from her homes on Harbour Island and in England. Tickets for the lecture and luncheon are currently sold out.

Please visit flohouston.org/events for additional details about all events related to Florescence “Metamorphosis.”

The Florescence general exhibition will be open to the public on April 26 and 27 during normal admission hours in the Museum’s Audrey Jones Beck Building, located at 5601 Main Street. Access is included with general Museum admission: $19 for adults, $16 for senior adults, $12 for students, and free for children 12 and younger. Admission is free for MFAH members. All special events are ticketed, with availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit flohouston.org, email [email protected], or call the Museum’s Development office at 713.639.7581 for more information.

Florescence is the 14th biennial flower show presented by The Garden Club of Houston, River Oaks Garden Club, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, with proceeds benefiting all three organizations. The Corporate Grand Underwriter for Florescence is Frost Bank.