Large Scale, With Detail – Michigan’s Art in the Elements Delights for a Fourth Year

By Laura Daluga AIFD

‘Just Don Draper it,’ I said to Abbey Sexton after asking her to join us this year at Art in the Elements. “Make it simple, but significant.” Mentoring in floral design gets really fun when you move the work outdoors and bump up the scale a lot. Add in the abstract element of interpreting a book, “The Giving Tree,” the pressure of designing in the woods and the fact that we’re mid-pandemic, and there was little doubt this year’s event was a moving target.

*Abbey Sexton – The Giving Tree | Photo Credit: Max Burchill*

When the co-chair team of Laura Parker AIFD, Alice Waterous AIFD, and I selected the theme last year we had no idea how essential that would be to the continued growth of the show. The 2020 theme, Storybooks and Fairytales, was actually a reprise. Eight years ago, on the other side of Michigan, a Nature’s Creative Edge show with the same theme took place at Bob Friese AIFD’s gorgeous property. 2020 was the perfect year for a revival, enchanting many families who desperately needed a safe outing and a break from quarantine life.

*Laura Parker AIFD – Charlotte’s Web | Photo Credit: Max Burchill*

The designers needed this event, too! We watched state conventions get scratched, our weddings, proms and events too! After the ultimate floral industry cancellation, AIFD Symposium, we crossed our fingers and pushed on. Knowing we’re outdoors, in the woods, we knew we had a chance. Based on the incredible level of detail in this year’s installations, I’d guess the designers made good use of stay-at-home orders, pressing on as well. From hand-drawn stand-up fairytale figures, to leaf-mâchéd forest spirits, to hand-tufted spiders, and intricate Oasis wire webs, the impressive prep-work done by our artists this year was truly next level.

*Jerome Raska AIFD and Robbin Yelverton AIFD – Bedknobs and Broomsticks* | *Photo Credit: Max Burchill*

The exhibits were brilliant, vast, interesting and enthralling! Each one was different, playing to different generations, cultures, and styles of children’s literature. Despite the pandemic, because of our passion, enthusiasm and sponsors (thanks, Smithers Oasis!) this year’s attendance grew by 29%!

*Laura Daluga AIFD – Spirited Away | Photo Credit: Max Burchill*

Ideal theme, & ideal location (thanks, Meadow Brook Hall!), we couldn’t have planned it better, given all that’s going on. Storybooks stick with us. Most of us remember reading with a loved one our favorite childhood story, fairytale or manga. This year’s designs will surely stick with all those who attended!

*Art Bone and Garden Fantasy on Main – Hansel and Gretl| Photo Credit: Max Burchill*

I’m so proud we were able to pull this show off, and come together to preserve our community. We’ll be setting our dates and theme for 2021 very soon. Interested designers, stay tuned!