RICHMOND, VA.-The Council of VMFA combines talents with the Garden Club of Virginia and the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs to present an exhibition of floral designs inspired by selected masterworks in the VMFA collection.

"Fine Arts & Flowers" begins Oct. 11 with an evening preview party and continues through the weekend with lectures, demonstrations and book signings by internationally recognized floral designers and gardening experts. Other special events include luncheons, afternoon tea, docent-led tours, a family event on Oct. 13 and a jewelry fair showcasing and selling work by renowned jewelers and designers.

Rubies, Rubles & Romance, a gala cocktail buffet in the flower-filled Marble Hall, opens "Fine Arts & Flowers" on Oct. 11. The Fabergé -inspired décor and food are reminiscent of imperial Russia and France. Models from Saks Fifth Avenue displaying the latest fashions will stroll among partygoers.

The evening also heralds the opening of the Jewelry Fair, new for 2007. Guests will have the opportunity to view and purchase hand-crafted work. Fourteen master artists will offer for sale their unique jewelry, from classical to contemporary.

"Fine Arts & Flowers" continues through the weekend with lectures, demonstrations, tours and book signings.

A free family event is set for Oct. 13. Nature's Treasures is for children ages 4-12 (and accompanying adult). Participants will explore how a flower is made, watch a children's book illustrator demonstrate how she creates pictures for books, hear stories, make craft projects, play games and enjoy refreshments.

Parking is available in the new VMFA deck and is included in the price of an exhibition ticket.

Exhibition and Jewelry Fair tickets range from $8 to $12 per person. Tickets vary in price for the preview party, lectures, demonstrations, tours and Sunday brunch. Details and an order form are available by telephoning (804) 340-1405 or on-line at www.vmfa.museum/faf_order.pdf. The media sponsor for "Fine Arts & Flowers" is Virginia Living Magazine.