The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) is in full bloom this spring, with floral designers interpreting works of art from the Museum’s collection into vibrant floral displays at Art Alive, April 25-28th.

Art Alive is the Museum’s signature annual fundraiser, providing critical year-round support for exhibitions, education, and outreach programs in the community. The celebration brings a kaleidoscope of nearly 100 colorful floral arrangements inspired by works of art on view at SDMA.

Celebrating Indian Art and Culture

The theme for this year’s Art Alive celebrates Indian art and culture, and the event will include a special installation from the Museum’s renowned Edwin Binney 3rd collection of South Asian paintings.

Complementing the exhibition, Art Alive 2024 features a highly talented selection of Indian keynote artists, including Nisha K. Sethi, Vani Shiroor, and Meghaa Modi.

Nisha Sethi is a talented typography artist whose works will be displayed at Art Alive’s kick-off party, Bloom Bash.

Vani Shiroor is founder of DOTURMINDS, a local art and mindfulness group that aims to help people gain clarity, confidence and purpose through rangoli, an ancient Indian art form that uses multi-colored sand to create floor decorations symbolizing wealth, joy and prosperity, as well as thanksgiving to deities.

Meghaa Modi, the Museum’s first international rotunda designer and India’s premier wedding and concept floral designer, is traveling from Bangalore, India, to fill the Museum’s two-story rotunda with a vibrant, large-scale floral installation.

You’ll relish her multi-sensory design celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of India, centered around the revered bovine figure of the goddess Kamadhenu, described in Hinduism as the wish-granting mother of all cows.

“We are thrilled to celebrate South Asian art and culture with the San Diego community and beyond,” says Roxana Velásquez, Maruja Baldwin Executive Director and CEO at The San Diego Museum of Art.

“It is quite special to be able to highlight our world-renowned Binney collection and to juxtapose classic works of art with the innovation and beauty that our international floral artist brings to life.”

“It is our hope that through this collaboration of art forms, all our guests can gain a new sense of appreciation and wonder for nature and art combined.”

Experiences, Activities, and Celebrations

In addition to viewing the annual Art Alive floral exhibition, Art Alive 2024 offers four full days of experiences, activities, and celebrations, including:

Art Alive 2024 Premiere Dinner | Thursday, April 25 | 6:30 PM to 11 PM

The Art Alive Premiere Dinner is an elegant black-tie event celebrating art with a spectacular dinner in a Museum gallery surrounded by a special installation of South Asian paintings from the Edwin Binney 3rd Collection.

The Premiere Dinner also offers a first look at the Art Alive floral exhibition, a cocktail hour in the Museum rotunda among the Art Alive 2024 rotunda floral design, and a decadent, multi-course meal that includes extraordinary entrees, a full bar, and delectable desserts.

SDMA is excited to continue its longtime partnership with Chef Barry Layne of Coast Catering and this year welcomes Chef Saransh Oberoi, who will accompany the Coast team to offer his expertise in Indian cuisine for the Premiere Dinner menu.

Chef Oberoi grew up in the culinary world alongside his father, Chef Hemant Oberoi, who is a legend in India and has cooked for dignities from across the world.

Chef Saransh Oberoi is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York, gained national acclaim showcasing his culinary skills on “Beat Bobby Flay” in 2020, and is now a chef at Curry & More Indian Bistro.

Members’ Preview | Friday, April 26 | 8 AM to 12 PM

Museum members have early access to view the nearly 100 floral arrangements interpreting works of art throughout the Museum.

Experience the Art Alive 2024 rotunda design by Meghaa Modi, enjoy the special art installations only on view during Art Alive, and vote for your favorite floral interpretations in the Art Alive floral exhibition to select the three Members’ Choice winners.

Bloom Bash Friday | April 26 | 7 PM to 12 AM | $250 for members; $300 for nonmembers

Bloom Bash also returns this year, offering immersive art installations, live performances, custom henna applications from Henna San Diego, sweet and savory bites from more than 30 top eateries, including local Indian restaurants, and signature cocktails, craft beer and upscale wines.

The 21+ party also features a Ferris wheel in the Plaza de Panama outside the Museum, plus live performances from Indian drummers, dancers, and a DJ.

After-hours viewing of the Art Alive floral exhibition is also available, and special art installations, including work by Bay-Area graffiti artist Nisha Kaur Sethi, who was brought up in the graffiti scene and is currently an artist and activist working as a professional sign painter.

Nisha Kaur Sethi draws inspiration from and was deeply influenced by childhood trips to India, learning the world of hand-painted film posters.

Bloom Bash will also feature sweet and savory delicacies from more than 30 top eateries, including signature cocktails, craft beer, and upscale wine, plus live music, unique performances, and all-night dancing.

Garden of Activities | Saturday, April 27, 1 PM to 5 PM | Sunday, April 28, 1 PM to 5 PM | Free with Art Alive Admission

The Garden of Activities introduces hands-on fun with interactive projects and demonstrations that are open to artists of all ages, offering a great way to experiment and explore the floral-themed art-making space.

The Garden of Activities guided projects are inspired by the art of India and the special Art Alive installation of the Museum’s renowned Edwin Binney 3rd Collection of South Asian Paintings.

Art Alive Petal Pop-Ups

Back by popular social media demand, the Museum is also again bringing large-scale pop-up floral installations by Native Poppy to four surprise partner locations around San Diego on the weekends leading up to Art Alive.

The Art Alive Petal Pop-Ups are announced across the Museum’s social media channels and will span four weekends: March 22 to 24, March 29 to 31, April 5 to 7, and April 12 to 14.

The 2024 Art Alive floral exhibition will be on display to the public on Friday, April 26, from noon to 5 PM and 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28.

See you there!

General admission is complimentary for members, $40 for nonmembers, $5 for guests aged seven to 17, and free for children under six.

Timed tickets are required, and entry is anytime within the designated hours. However, you can enjoy Art Alive at your own pace, as exit is not timed.

Bloom Bash and Premiere Dinner tickets are sold separately.

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets!

See you there, San Diego!