Exhibition Related, Special Events

Art in Bloom: Floral Design Inspired by the Hudson River School

Discover how the beauty of nature can inspire both art and floral design during this special demonstration led by designer Ken Norman of Floral Inspirations in Lewes, DE. Drawing inspiration from the Delaware Art Museum’s special exhibition Transcendent: Landscapes of the Hudson River School, attendees will explore the colors, textures, light, and seasonal beauty that captivated America’s great landscape painters and continue to inspire artists today.

This demonstration will begin with a brief introduction to the Hudson River School and highlights from Transcendent. Guests will gain insight into the artists’ reverence for the natural world and the ways they used composition, color, and atmosphere to create memorable works of art.

Ken will then demonstrate how these same artistic principles can be translated into stunning floral arrangements. He will show you how to create your own nature- and art-inspired arrangement at home, while experiencing firsthand how a painting can serve as the inspiration for a beautiful floral composition.

Whether you are an experienced gardener, flower enthusiast, or art lover, this engaging afternoon offers a fresh perspective on the connection between art and nature. Tea and lite bites will be served.

This event is hosted by Barbara Goetz on behalf of the Delaware Art Museum. Space is limited to 30 guests, and advance registration is required. All registrants must be 18 years of age or older to attend.

About the Exhibition

Transcendent: Art of the Hudson River School
October 10, 2026 – January 10, 2027
Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington, DE
Organized by The New York Historical

Drawn primarily from the rich collections of The New York Historical, Transcendent: Landscapes of the Hudson River School explores nationally beloved paintings through the lens of Transcendentalism, a 19th-century movement that emphasized the spiritual connection between humans and the natural world. Transcendent introduces visitors to the tradition of landscape painting that flourished in the United States in the middle decades of the nineteenth century.

About Ken Norman, Floral Designer

Ken Norman AIFD, PFCI is a third-generation floral designer. In 2015 he relocated to Lewes and opened his retail floral business, Floral Inspirations. Ken was recognized and inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) in 2002. Mr. Norman has served on the education and membership committees. In addition, he currently serves on the AIFD National Board and has held each elected seat on the northeast regional chapter board of directors.

Mr. Norman has presented his trademark designs to garden clubs and civic groups as well as instructing extensive hands-o workshops. He is also a respected instructor at the prestigious New York Botanical Garden, Ann Arundel Community College in Maryland and t Mount Cuba Center in Hockessin, Delaware.

Working with international designers and attending the industry’s leading conferences keeps Mr. Norman abreast of industry trends. He has participated in the world-renowned Philadelphia Flow Show both as a featured designer and an exhibit chairman for AIFD. Ken has been a winning contestant and demonstrator at the flower show’s “Designer Studio”.

Ken’s work has been published in several bridal magazines and the blog “Style Me Pretty”. Ken has won the “best ceremony” and “best reception” categories in Florists’ Review “Picture Perfect Wedding” contest.

Artwork: Thomas Cole, Catskill Creek, New York, 1845. Oil on canvas. The New York Historical, The Robert L. Stuart Collection, the gift of his widow Mrs. Mary Stuart. Photograph: Courtesy of Ken Norman