It's the ultimate in flower
power.
Hundreds of floral artists invaded homes and venues throughout
Hawke's Bay yesterday, leaving a wake of carefully-placed
blossoms, blooms and bouquets - and all for a good cause.
The Designfest for Cranford Hospice, on today and tomorrow,
had the country's top floral designers and artists descend
on rooms and entrances at a variety of homes and venues
including the Hastings Community Arts Centre and Waiapu
Cathedral (St John's) in Napier.
At the cathedral, which will be open to casual non-ticket
holders between 10am and 4pm for $10 per person, floral
teams used copper-sprayed dried hydrangeas, spathes from
palm trees, asiatic lilies, ivy, baubles and candles to
create the copper-themed display.
One of the cathedral designers, Gaylene Lee from Thames
Valley, said yesterday although there were dozens of floral
artists all working together at the same time, with a little
bit of planning they were set ... and in bloom.
"It was a real team effort. It's been a lot of fun
for a great cause. I do a lot of churches but this is my
first cathedral. It's beautiful."
Coinciding with the Floral Art Society of New Zealand conference
at the Hastings Opera House which has been on since Monday
and finishes tomorrow, the Designfest has been 10 months
of full time planning, event manager Maria Gourlie said.
"It has been a huge undertaking. Each property or venue
was allocated a Floral Art NZ region, which provided up
to five of their top designers who then had another five
local Floral Art members who gathered materials and provided
the designers with all their requirements.
"The floral designs are in keeping with the style and
era of the property, giving ticket-holders a range of themes
to view."
Ticketholders will tour the decorated sites - some of which
will also provide concerts and refreshments - and learn
about the history and design of each particular venue.
More than 100 volunteers are involved in the event, helping
with everything from parking to security. |
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