Art in Bloom at the North Carolina Museum of Art

Most recently updated March 24th, 2026

“Art in Bloom” is an annual fundraiser at the North Carolina Museum of Art, taking place March 18-22, 2026.

Beautiful florals at Art in Bloom
Beautiful florals at Art in Bloom

More than 50 floral designers from across North Carolina and beyond will interpret artwork and objects in the NCMA’s People’s Collection during this five-day festival of florals.

This year’s theme, “Written in the Stars”, is reflected in 14 gallery installations inspired by the zodiac’s astrological signs and their various meanings.

I was lucky enough to be invited to a media “sneak preview” of the exhibit before it opened.  And I have to say,  if you can find a way to get there – do it!!

Opening remarks at the Art in Bloom media preview.
Opening remarks at the Art in Bloom media preview.

As the NCMA’s largest annual fundraiser, Art in Bloom supports the museum’s public programming, annual exhibitions and the NCMA Foundation, Inc.

(PNC Bank returns as the founding presenting sponsor of Art in Bloom.)

The five-day event also includes floral workshops, lectures and programs as well as special extended hours and expanded food options.

See more information on related events by visiting ncartmuseum.org/artinbloom.

Sculptures in the West Building host Art in Bloom
Sculptures in the West Building host Art in Bloom

Admission is now SOLD OUT to Art in Bloom at the NCMA, March 18-22, 2026.

BUT THERE’S STILL A WAY TO SEE IT!

For a chance to see Art in Bloom plus more, purchase a raffle ticket here.

Also, see the “Art in Bloom” promo page on the NCMA website, for other upcoming Art in Bloom-related events, and Membership information.

NCMA Art in Bloom Information

Art in Bloom themed items are available at the Gallery store in the West building.
Art in Bloom themed items are available at the Gallery store in the West building.

Gallery of Art in Bloom Photos

All of the photos in this article were snaps I took at the preview of the artworks presented at that time.   

Designers finishing up for the show.
Designers finishing up for the show.

During the show, we’re only supposed to use photos of the installations for personal use – seems fair, right?

So I’ll open my exhibit photo Gallery next week, after the event is officially closed.

UPDATE:  The show is over, so I’ve added a link below to my personal photo gallery of the event.

Click here to enjoy the photos 🙂

Sculpture gallery at the NCMA
Sculpture gallery at the NCMA

About the North Carolina Museum of Art

The North Carolina Museum of Art’s collection spans more than 5,000 years, from antiquity to the present, making the institution one of the premier art museums in the South.

The NCMA collection provides educational, aesthetic, intellectual and cultural experiences for the citizens of North Carolina and beyond.

The museum is located at 2110 Blue Ridge Rd. in Raleigh and is home to the People’s Collection.

Last minute touches before the show!
Last minute touches before the show!

Just a word about parking at the NCMA during Art in Bloom – even if you’re just there to go to the park – it will be terrible! 

If you can park at a nearby location, and walk in, it will be much better for you ! 🙂

About the NCMA Art Park

The 164-acre Museum Park showcases the connection between art and nature through site-specific works of environmental art.

Whirligig sculpture and remaining smokestack in NCMA Art Park
Whirligig sculpture and remaining smokestack in NCMA Art Park

The museum park offers changing special exhibitions, classes, lectures, family activities, films and concerts.

Continue reading Art in Bloom at the North Carolina Museum of Art

Hike to the Zombie Tunnels! – Schenk Forest’s Richland Creek Trail

Most recently updated November 24th, 2025

Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes

The Zombie Tunnel Hike is a route that goes from Umstead State Park, and all the way through Carl Alwin Schenk Memorial Forest to the Lenovo arena – with the help of the Richland Creek Trail and Capital Area Greenways.

I’ve been leading this hike for years, and people really enjoy it. 

zombie tunnel
This is the actual tunnel we go through on this hike….

At over 12 miles, it’s a good long hike.  It’s pretty flat, but has a lot of different features – like Zombie tunnels!

Okay, there may not *actually* be any Zombies, but it sure looks like there could be….and one time I did find a mutant fish in there 🙂

I don’t host this hike very often because conditions need to be just right or the route is impassable, and I hate to disappoint anyone.

Just in time for Halloween, I hiked the route again AND (for a spook-tacular add-on) took a Ghost Walk in Raleigh the next day!!

According to legend, Brigadoon only appears for one day every 300 years.
According to legend, Brigadoon only appears for one day every 300 years.

(I’ll tell you all about the Ghost walk and how you can take one too, but first – the hike!)

Depending on recent weather conditions or new construction, parts of the trail have been known to disappear like Brigadoon at sunrise.

So earlier this year, before I posted the hike for others to join me, I decided to take a look and see if the route was still there – and still the same.

Good news!  The route was still there – and still mostly the same.  In fact some parts had actually been improved!  

The other tunnel is just for water.

Now I’ll tell you about the trail so you can try this somewhat spooky hike for yourself… perhaps followed by an equally spooky Ghost Walk!

 

 

 

Continue reading Hike to the Zombie Tunnels! – Schenk Forest’s Richland Creek Trail

Hike, Bike or Just Relax at the North Carolina Museum of Art Park

Most recently updated September 17th, 2024

Signpost on the Green trail at the edge of the NCMA park.
Signpost on the Green trail at the edge of the NCMA park.

The North Carolina Museum of Art Park has been a tremendous gift to the whole Raleigh community.

The park’s trails and open lawns, ponds and pools, larger than life outdoor art, plus the amphitheater and outdoor movie screen provide a beautiful open air gathering place for everyone.

NOTE: We were just named a local NCMA expert on ApartmentGuide.   

Read the full article here: Unique Things To Do in Raleigh, NC 

I’ve gotten a lot of good use from the safe – and inexpensive – outdoor activities for kids the Museum Park has made available over the years.

From the time my daughter was in kindergarten through her college years  – and even now as a young adult in the community –  the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) and the Museum Park events and grounds have been a big part of both of our lives.

Continue reading Hike, Bike or Just Relax at the North Carolina Museum of Art Park

Umstead State Park: Combining Trails for Longer Hikes

Most recently updated September 30th, 2022

Working remotely doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors – in fact, it’s healthier for you to take breaks and get outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine!

Being stuck indoors by yourself  – or with your kids – with no end in sight could make you nuts.

Paved trail beside Big Lake in Umstead State Park
Paved trail beside Big Lake in Umstead State Park

Getting out on the trail on your own, or with 10 or fewer members of your family or friends, could help bring you back from Crazy Town.

If you’re a hiker local to Cary or Raleigh, NC, you know the nearby hiking places, and have been on the trails.

They’re beautiful, have varied terrain and are easily accessible. 

Continue reading Umstead State Park: Combining Trails for Longer Hikes