Orlando Museum of Art Archives

Festival of Trees: Gifts of the Season

The sparkling ambiance, smiling faces, and bright energy at the Festival of Trees will kick off the holiday season for Central Floridians from November 11-20, 2022.

Presented by the Council of 101, the anticipated event celebrates the many blessings given during the holidays with the theme “Gifts of the Season.” Orlando Health returns as the platinum presenting sponsor.

Strolling through the museum gallery, guests will be transported to a time of old-fashioned holiday gatherings. Elegance will be on full display while guests truly embrace the reason for the season. Gifts of the Season celebrates the gifts of time, talent, and heart from the Central Florida community.

“The Festival of Trees not only brings holiday spirit and joy to the community but also ultimately supports the arts and art education at OMA,” said Linda Cegelis, president of Council of 101. “So, to bring timeless elegance and holiday tradition while supporting the arts is truly a joy for the Council of 101.”

During the Festival of Trees, visitors can see more than 50 designer-inspired decorated trees, all available for purchase, exceptional gingerbread houses, wreaths, and more.

In addition, there will be a holiday shopping experience, pop-up shops, and live entertainment.

A variety of special events, including an Opening Night Gala and Tree Lighting, Breakfast with Santa, and a children’s Reindeer Romp party, will add a special holiday touch to this year’s Festival of Trees.

Events presented by Council of 101, including the Festival of Trees, have raised more than $13 million over the years, benefiting the Orlando Museum of Art’s educational and lifelong learning programs.

These programs reach deep into the community by helping people from different walks of life, ages, and income groups.

Tickets will go on sale on October 1 via Eventbrite. For more information, visit councilof101.org.

2022 Festival of Trees: Gifts of the Season

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – General Admission HoursSaturday, November 12 to Sunday, November 20
Ticket prices:

Adults—$20
Children (3-12)—$12
Seniors (60+)—$12
Military Personnel and First Responders (with valid ID)—$12

Special events are priced separately. Please see our events calendar for more information. Parking is $7. Advanced ticket purchases are encouraged and will be available on October 1 Eventbrite and via councilof101.org.

Art in Bloom: Festival of Fine Arts & Flowers

Celebrate the return of spring with Art in Bloom: Festival of Fine Arts and Flowers, a museum-wide showcase of floral interpretations, antique dealers, and lifestyle designs to inspire everyone, at the Orlando Museum of Art, March 24-27, 2022, with show hours Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Presented by the Council of 101, this annual springtime fundraiser advances the many educational programs and exhibits of the Museum. The event will feature special events, art auctions, curated antiques and an outdoor farmers market, and daily entertainment.

“From garden enthusiasts to art interpreters, Art in Bloom has a little something for everyone,” said Joan Kennedy, President of Council of 101. “We’re very excited to host this festival and kickoff spring, bringing a mixture of art and nature’s beauty to Orlando.”

Art in Bloom Daily Show Features

Antique Dealers
Appraisal Days
Art Auction
Blooming Orchids
Café 101
Floral Interpretations
Outdoor Farmers Market
Tables in Bloom

The Council of 101 has raised over 12 million dollars for the Orlando Museum of Art’s educational programs and operational expenses over the years.

Art in Bloom General Admission Tickets:

$20 Adults / $12 Children (Ages 3-12) / $12 Seniors (60+), Military, First Responders
Tickets for general admission and all events will be sold on Eventbrite beginning February 24^th.
Admission includes access to the Museum’s current exhibitions, Art in Bloom, and Cafe 101.
Parking is available on-site for $5.
Advanced, online ticket purchase is encouraged. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Art in Bloom Show Hours

Thursday, March 24

Opening Night Preview party
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
$ 130 per person / Includes show admission
Celebrate Art in Bloom at the Opening Night Preview Party benefiting the Orlando Museum of Art with an evening of elegance. Guests will enjoy exquisite culinary creations, beverages, delightful entertainment and complimentary valet parking.

Friday, March 25

VIP Event + Lecture + Book Signing with Guest Speaker Danielle Rollins
Be one of the lucky guests to mix and mingle with Danielle Rollins – tastemaker, trendsetter and author! Enjoy lite bites and libations before her Gracious Living and Stylish Entertaining lecture and have the opportunity to purchase A Home for All Seasons and have it signed by Danielle. Reserved seating for VIP ticket holders.
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
$ 125 per person / Includes show admission

Lecture + Book Signing with Guest Speaker Danielle Rollins
Please join us to hear Danielle Rollins speak about Gracious Living and Stylish Entertaining. Following the lecture you will have the opportunity to purchase her book A Home for All Seasons and have it signed.
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$ 50 per person / Includes show admission

Saturday, March 26

Mystery Home Tour, 11 a.m.; 12 p.m.; 1 p.m.; 2 p.m.
$ 45 per person / Includes show admission / Limited capacity
Hop on Board! You will be transported by bus from the Orlando Museum of Art to the undisclosed mystery home. Once you arrive you will hear about the beautiful antiques and special features of this awe-inspiring home. This event is has very limited availability and will sell out quickly.

Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27

What it’s Worth? Appraisal Days
12:00 – 2:00pm
$10 Per Item / Verbal appraisal only / General admission ticket required
Reservations begin at 11:00am each day
Do you have a family heirloom or interesting “find?” Antiques expert and Show Manager, Charlie Miller, will give you a professional appraisal of your treasure.

Sunday, March 27

Family Fun Activities: Engage in a museum scavenger hunt, shop the Outdoor Farmers Market, or escape to the fresh air in Loch Haven Cultural Park for a family picnic. Before you head home, the Orlando Science Center welcomes you to step inside for a visit!
Sunday Jazz Sounds: Be swept away by the sounds of Jazz while enjoying a leisurely Sunday at the Museum. Sunny smiles and Southern hospitality are the order of the day in Café 101!

For more information, please visit the website or call 407-896-4231 ext. 254.

Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and beyond by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

2021 Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art

Strolling through dazzling Christmas trees, festive wreaths and unique gingerbread creations at the Festival of Trees has long marked the start of the holiday season for Central Floridians.

The beloved event will celebrate a landmark of 35 years with the theme “Sparkling Holiday Traditions.” The event, presented by the Council of 101, will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 13-21 at the Orlando Museum of Art. This year’s platinum presenting sponsor for Festival of Trees Orlando is Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center.

During this time, the museum will be transformed into the festive holiday wonderland the Central Florida community and beyond have come to expect. The fact that record crowds have been awed and inspired by the glittering displays is why the theme was selected according to Council of 101.

34th Festival of Trees 2020 Orlando Museum of Arts

“We’re so proud to have created an event that has become the fabric of holiday celebrations in Central Florida,” said Joan Kennedy, president of Council of 101. “It’s truly an honor to see generation after generation make Festival of Trees part of their holiday traditions.”

During Festival of Trees, visitors can see more than 25 designer-inspired decorated trees, all available for purchase, as well as exceptional gingerbread houses, wreaths, and more. There will be a holiday shopping experience, as well as pop-up shops and live entertainment.

A variety of special events, including Opening Night Gala and Tree Lighting, Breakfast with Santa, and a children’s Reindeer Romp party will add a special holiday touch to this year’s Festival of Trees.

2021 Festival of Trees Event information

Saturday, November 13 to Sunday, November 21

General Admission Hours:

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ticket prices:

Adults—$20
Children (3-12)—$8
Seniors (60+)—$12
Military Personnel and First Responders (with valid ID)—$12

Advanced ticket purchases are encouraged and will be available in mid-October on Eventbrite and via councilof101.org.

Orlando Museum of Art Announces New Initiatives

Orlando Museum of Art Expansion Rendering — Rendering: Orlando Museum of Art

As part of an aggressive relaunch leading up to its centennial celebration in 2024, the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) announces three new initiatives: a series of six major upcoming exhibitions featuring works of noted artists: Rembrandt, Botticelli, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Jackson Pollock; plans for renovation and repair of the Museum’s current Loch Haven location as well as plans for an expansion of the Museum’s footprint to include space in downtown Orlando.

“We are celebrating our 2024 centennial with a commitment to be an even greater force in our community with two locations, highly regarded and sought-after works of art, and ultimately, a new dimension of unforgettable experiences at Orlando Museum of Art,” said Cynthia Brumback, Chair of the OMA Board of Trustees.

The new Orlando Museum of Art exhibits begin late September, including:

Luces y Sombras: Mexican Photography from the Bank of America Collection;
Cathedrals of Florida: Masterworks by Clyde Butcher;
Connoisseurship and Collecting: European Old Master Paintings, which notably features the earliest-known Rembrandt painting and Masterworks from the Bob Jones University, Museum & Gallery, Inc.: Reading and Understanding Old Master Paintings, featuring Botticelli’s Madonna and Child.

As a further nod to the robust exhibition planning of the Museum, it will also present 25 never-before published or exhibited paintings by noted African American artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose paintings have sold for over $100 million apiece.

Following the initial rollout, the Museum will unveil a singular, never-before-published masterpiece in January 2022, a signature massive drip painting from 1949 by the greatest American artist, Jackson Pollock, Jackson Pollock and the Comstock Pollock: Newly Discovered, First Time Exhibited.

These exhibits represent a departure from the Museum’s usual contemporary offerings and demonstrate a bold new vision which incorporates attention to traditional and other highly sought-after works of art as well.

The Museum’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to file a letter of intent to pursue a downtown expansion as part of the SDG, LLC and Summa Development Group, LLC planned 33-story, 1 million-square-foot modern glass tower at Church, Lake and Pine Streets. The development sits on a three-story glass cube and comprises penthouses, condominiums, a luxury hotel and a cutting-edge contemporary restaurant.

The potential expansion would be an extension of the current Loch Haven footprint, featuring interactive educational facilities, offices, visitor services and notably, 30,000 square feet of additional exhibition space which would house some of the new exhibits and new collections.

“The initiatives we are pursuing are transformational, representing a bold, new vision for Orlando Museum of Art while simultaneously re-positioning us to make a deeper investment into our community both culturally and economically,” said OMA Director & CEO Dr. Aaron De Groft. “We are confident our donors and constituents will appreciate and be equally motivated to help bring this vision to life and we look forward to realizing these plans while continuing our dedication to be inclusive and equitable within our community.”

Keep up with the latest entertainment news around Orlando by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Step into spring at Art in Bloom

Step into spring at Art in Bloom: Festival of Fine Arts and Flowers, benefiting the Orlando Museum of Art, March 25-28, 2021, with show hours 10 a.m. -5 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This museum-wide event showcases a kaleidoscope of breathtaking fresh floral arrangements, inspired by works from the Orlando Museum of Art’s permanent collection and current exhibitions.

The event will also feature pop-up shops, curated antiques and an outdoor farmer’s market stocked with Central Florida’s freshest blooms.

Presented by the Council of 101, this annual springtime fundraiser advances the many educational programs and exhibits of the Museum.

This carefully planned show has been modified to safely welcome visitors and ensure safety protocols are observed throughout the museum. Learn more about safety protocols at the OMA here.

Soak in the sights of spring as the Council of 101 brings visitors a museum-wide explosion of floral excellence, including breathtaking floral arrangements directly inspired by the Orlando Museum of Art’s permanent collection and current exhibitions.

“Everyone loves springtime in Central Florida,” said Jill Toole, president of the Council of 101. “We’re very excited to host this festival year to bring the community together and help support the arts in a safe, fun way.”

Daily Show Features

Floral Interpretive Designs throughout the galleries
Antique Dealers
Auctions and Special Drawings
Pop-Up Shops
Tables in Bloom
Outdoor Farmer’s Market
Rotunda Bistro 101

General Admission Tickets:

$15 Adults / $5 Children (Ages 3-11) / $12 for Seniors, Military, First Responders and OMA members.

Tickets are available online via Eventbrite. Admission includes access to the Museum’s exhibition, A Boundless Drop to a Boundless Ocean, Voices and Conversations, Art in Bloom, Rotunda Bistro 101 and daily show features. Parking is available on-site for $5.

Advanced, online ticket purchase is required, as the museum continues to operate at a limited capacity, adhering to social distancing guidelines. Designated areas for food and beverage consumption on site. Face masks are mandatory while visiting the museum.

Art in Bloom Show Hours:

Friday, March 26, 2021 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, March 27, 2021 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 28, 2021 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

General admission is $15 Adults / $5 Children (Ages 3-11) / $12 for Seniors, Military, First Responders and OMA members.

Tickets for general admission and all events will be sold on Eventbrite.

Art in Bloom Special Events:

Thursday, March 25

Bourbon & Blooms – Opening Night Reception, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

$150 per person
A southern garden party featuring cocktails, light bites, Bourbon tasting and blues
Welcome of the Dr. Aaron DeGroft, OMA’s new Executive Director and CEO.
Tickets include an exclusive viewing of A Boundless Drop To A Boundless Ocean and nighttime preview of Art in Bloom designs, before the event opens to the public.

Friday, March 26

Wine and Beer Garden, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

$75 per person
A casual, outdoor evening om the sculpture garden, under the stars
Tickets include viewing of A Boundless Drop To A Boundless Ocean exhibit.

For more information, please visit the website or call 407-896-4231 ext. 254.

Festival of Trees Celebration Returns for the Holidays

The Festival of Trees is back for its 34th year at the Orlando Museum of Art to bring joy to Central Florida with advanced tickets available now.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 12-29, with the exception of Mondays and Thanksgiving Day.

During this time, the Orlando Museum of Art will be transformed into a holiday wonderland filled with stunning décor and holiday cheer. This year’s theme is “Joy to the World—Celebrating a Season of Joy,” selected by the Council of 101 to focus on adding a little joy during the holiday season.

But while the fun will be what Central Floridians have come to expect from the beloved event, the Council of 101 has scaled down the event this year and made some changes to ensure a safe a fun event for all.

Tickets will be managed through reserved admissions due to limited capacity. Advanced ticket purchases are strongly encouraged. Onsite visitors will be asked to strictly adhere to social distancing guidelines. For those who can’t make it out, organizers have enhanced the virtual experiences, offering online tours of the festival, virtual events, and even the opportunity to purchase a tree online.

“The Festival of Trees is a truly a favorite tradition here in Central Florida. It’s what really makes it feel like the holidays for so many people,” said Jill Toole, president of the Council of 101. “While some things will be different this year, we’re proud we could still bring the holiday spirit to our community, perhaps when we need it most.”

Onsite or online, guests can experience the decorated halls of the museum and enjoy more than 25 decked-out trees, exceptional gingerbread houses, pop up vendors, elegant Entertaining by Design table settings, performances by talented local entertainers, and special drawings throughout the event. Not to be missed are the Santa sightings on the weekend, and children can make their Christmas requests by writing letters.

The first weekend of the festival kicks off with Ugly Sweater Day on November 14, with dignitaries and special ambassador appearances anticipated for this fun-filled theme event.

The Council of 101 events, including the Festival of Trees, have raised over $12 million for the Orlando Museum of Art’s educational programs. Festival of Trees benefits lifelong learning programs at the Orlando Museum of Art. Reaching deep into the community, these programs support many people from different walks of life, age, and income groups.

34th Annual Festival of Trees General Admission:

Thursday, November 12- Sunday, November 29 (Excluding Mondays and Thanksgiving Day)
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Don’t miss your chance to relish in the holiday season. Tickets are available at Councilof101.org or by calling 407-896-4231 ext.254. Tickets will be managed through reserved admissions as the museum is operating at limited capacity. Advanced ticket purchase is encouraged. Onsite visitors will be directed to strictly adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Ticket Prices for 34th Annual Festival of Trees:

Adults $15
Children (3-11) $7
Seniors (65+) $12
Military Personnel & First Responders (with valid ID) $12

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Councilof101.org or call 407-896-4231 ext.254

Festival of Trees Holiday Celebration 2019

Long-running Central Florida tradition, Festival of Trees, is supplying the holiday spirit through breathtaking décor at the Orlando Museum of Art

Tickets are now on sale for the Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art. The time has come to start thinking about decking the halls and decorating cookies as the holiday season approaches. Every Central Floridian knows it is not truly the holidays without the Festival of Trees.

The Orlando Museum of Art will be transformed into a holiday spectacular for the 33rd year. The Council of 101 is proud to host a “Merry and Bright” celebration with the Central Florida community.

Visitors of the festival can admire local designers’ work through Christmas trees, a gingerbread village and custom wreaths. Each dazzling piece is available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Orlando Museum of Art. This event will bring the bliss and joy of the holidays through sparkling trees, elegant holiday vignettes and spectacular décor.

“The Festival of Trees not only brings the joy of the holidays to our community, but also helps support it.” said Nancy Sedacca, president of the Council of 101. “The festival is meant to bring everyone together just in time for the holiday season.”

The Council of 101 events, including the Festival of Trees have raised over $12 million for the Orlando Museum of Art’s educational programs. Festival of Trees will be benefiting the lifelong learning programs at the Orlando Museum of Art. Reaching deep into the community, these programs support many people in different walks of life, age and income groups.

General Admission:

Saturday, November 16- Sunday, November 24

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the door, through the event website at www.orlandofestivaloftrees .com, online through fot2019.eventbrite.com or by calling 407-896-4231 ext. 254. Many special events will be running throughout the week during the festival. A few of the events are the Opening Night Gala, Breakfast with Santa where the kids can dine with Santa Claus, and an Ugly Holiday Sweater Party where guests dress in their favorite holiday sweater and enjoy local craft beers and food among the gorgeous décor. Looking for something at a slower pace? Try the Festival Salutes Seniors for those 65 and older. The Latin Nights dance party is sure to heat things up. There is something for everyone this season at the Festival of Trees.

General Admission Ticket Costs:

$15 for adults
$12 for seniors (65 and older), first responders and military personnel with proper identification.
$7 for children ages 3-11

Special events at this year’s Festival of Trees include:

Friday, November 15

Opening Night Gala and Auction 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. – $150, $250 and $350 per person, reserved tables are available for purchase.

Saturday, November 16

Breakfast with Santa, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. – $30 for all ages
Ugly Holiday Sweater Party, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. – $30 for adults

Tuesday, November 19

Festival Salutes Seniors, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – $12 for seniors

Wednesday, November 20

Rudolph’s VIP Pass, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – $30 for all ages
Reindeer Romp Children’s Party, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – $20 for all ages

Friday, November 22

Latin Nights, 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. – $45 for adults

Saturday, November 23

Breakfast with Santa, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. – $30 for all ages

Admission to Festival of Trees includes entry to the current Orlando Museum of Art exhibitions during the festival. Parking is available on-site for a fee. For more information please visit orlandofestivaloftrees.com.

Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art

The 27th Annual Festival of Trees has started and I’m pretty sure that means the holidays are upon us!

Last week I got a chance to take a sneak peek at 2013’s “All That Glitters” trees and decorations. And oh my goodness, there is LOTS of glitter around the the Orlando Museum of Art!

Festival of Trees runs until November 24th, 2013 and features all different styles of trees…

There are trees for EVERYONE’s taste!

I thought this Cinderella inspired tree was very well thought out – she’s ready for the ball on one side of the tree and dirtied with soot on the other.