Art in Bloom: Black Mountain Center for the Arts Annual Fundraiser Supports RAD Artists
Now celebrating its 19th anniversary, Art in Bloom 2025 shines a spotlight on River Arts District Artists who were impacted by Hurricane Helene last fall.
Soon, crowds of flower enthusiasts will gather along the garden paths of Black Mountain for the annual Art in Bloom fundraiser, hosted by the Black Mountain Center for the Arts (BMCA). Equipped with digital maps, attendees will stroll through private gardens, searching for plein-air painters, before returning to the BMCA to view floral arrangements inspired by artwork featured in the gallery’s regional artists exhibition. Toward the end of June, guests will also have the opportunity to return to BMCA for the event’s second exhibition, Art in the Garden, which will showcase the completed plein-air artworks created during the garden tour.
“Art in Bloom has grown bigger every year,” says Lori Cozzi, executive director of the Black Mountain Center for the Arts for the past six years. Now celebrating its 19th anniversary, the beloved event is shining a much-needed spotlight on the artists of the River Arts District (RAD), whose lives and studios were upended by Hurricane Helene last fall. “This year, we only invited River Arts District artists in an effort to support them and bring attention back to the RAD,” says Lori, noting that the Center has reduced its commission on the regional artists' exhibition to just 10 percent this year. “We want to help them get back on their feet.”
Art in Bloom 2025
The regional artist exhibition at BMCA, held in the weeks leading up to Art in Bloom, sets the stage for the event’s exclusive preview party on Thursday, June 19. Attendees will get the first public glimpse of the floral arrangements inspired by the artwork in the exhibition while enjoying drinks and mingling with the artists behind the pieces. The floral designers, a group of regional artists who specialize in either Western floral arrangements or ikebana—the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement—volunteer their time for this event, often returning each year to participate. This year’s guest of honor is Lynn Forbes, an ikebana master who has been involved with Art in Bloom since 2012. “We’re really grateful to the people who volunteer their time,” says Lori Cozzi, explaining that it takes about 80 volunteers to make Art in Bloom a success. “It's really a very anticipated event in our community. Some people come every year, and it's something they really look forward to.”
Partygoers who go to bed early can undoubtedly look forward to the next day’s garden tours, which continue into Saturday, June 21. These self-guided tours allow guests to explore the area's private gardens while enjoying the sight of plein-air artists at work. “People really enjoy seeing the gardens, and they love seeing the artists working in the gardens,” says Lori. Each garden tour ticket also grants access to the gallery, which stays open on Sunday, June 22—this year's bonus day—for one last chance to experience the floral exhibit.
As the month wraps up, BMCA has one final treat in store for its community: Art from the Garden, an exhibition featuring the plein-air works created during the garden tour. Art from the Garden runs from June 27 to July 25 at BMCA and is free and open to the public.
Art in Bloom 2025: Related Programs
While Art in Bloom 2025 aims to support RAD artists, proceeds from the fundraiser will also benefit BMCA programming and creative opportunities in Western North Carolina. This year, attendees can choose from multiple ticket options to suit their interests and budget, allowing everyone to contribute to the cause in a way that works for them. In addition to the various ticket choices, BMCA has introduced two related programs to the fundraiser this year.
Those who like to stay limber can attend “Flowing with Flowers,” a workshop designed for all skill levels. Instructor Michelle Migyanka will encourage participants to embrace the present moment through guided visualization while improving their strength and flexibility. The workshop will take place on June 21 in BMCA’s flower-filled dance studio.
Flower enthusiasts can also attend the BMCA’s third annual Handmade Vase Auction, which returns to the Art in Bloom lineup this year. Nearly 20 talented local potters have crafted exquisite ceramic vases for the 2025 auction, giving bidders the chance to own a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece while supporting the arts community in Western North Carolina. The auction is now open online and will run through June 28, 2025.
As Art in Bloom continues to grow in popularity, the event remains a celebration of art that draws inspiration from the natural world. BMCA’s commitment to showcasing local artisans year after year has made Art in Bloom into a beloved tradition for the Black Mountain community. “Lots of organizations have their own version of Art in Bloom, but I believe we were the first in this region and maybe the state,” Lori Cozzi says. “It has evolved and transformed over the years, but at its heart, Art in Bloom has always been regional art, inspiring floral arrangements, and garden tours.”
Black Mountain Center for the Arts: Website | Art in Bloom Tickets | Handmade Vase Auction
Art in Bloom takes place on various dates throughout June and July 2025. For tickets and a full schedule of events, please visit the Black Mountain Center for the Arts’ website.
The feature has been edited for length and clarity. All images published with permission of the Black Mountain Center for the Arts; featured photo: Lindsay Higgens.