SYRACUSE, NY.- The Everson Museum of Art is welcoming the colorful arrival of spring by hosting the 8th Annual Fine Art & Flowers, April 17-19, 2009. This year’s theme, Fields of Color, takes inspiration from the color field paintings in the Everson’s permanent collection. Join this weekend celebration where the Everson is transformed into a realm of stunning flowers and beauty.

Fine Art & Flowers is an annual spring event that celebrates the connections between nature and art. Floral arrangements designed by professional florists, garden club members, students and individuals will be displayed in the galleries near artworks from the Everson’s permanent collection which inspired them. Fine Art & Flowers is planned and run by the Everson Museum of Art Members’ Council, a volunteer group.

General viewing of exhibits will be offered April 18-19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cost of admission is $5 for all, children 5 and under admitted free.

The weekend will begin at the opening night celebration, April 17, from 6-9 p.m. It will be an evening filled with refreshments by Phoebe’s, entertainment, and of course-stunning flowers. Attendees will enjoy a fanciful night as they are the first to preview the sights and scents of the floral arrangements. A special highlight of the evening will be a silent auction of exquisite items.

The Everson will offer an early bird special of coffee, tea and pastries on Saturday, April 18 at 10 a.m. before a docent led tour of Fine Art & Flowers. This tour will explore the deeper insight into the floral designs and the artwork that inspired them.

Weekend lecture packages featuring celebrity guest and Syracuse native, Thom Filicia will be the highlight of the weekend. An intimate champagne luncheon and lecture will be held on Saturday, April 18. Enjoy a delicious lunch, prepared by Phoebe’s, which will be served in the Everson Green Room at 12:30 p.m. After the meal, Thom Ficilica, star of Style Network’s Dress My Nest and Bravo’s Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, will give an entertaining presentation on decorating with flowers in the Hosmer Auditorium beginning at 2 p.m. Be sure to stay after the lecture and enjoy tea and coffee with Thom, and a few more surprise guests, while relaxing in the Green Room.

On Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m., experience The Fields of Color Dinner, at The Century Club hosted by Chick Roeschlaub. This will be a classic black tie (optional) evening of wonderful entertainment and dining, an event not to miss. During dinner there will be an opportunity to test your trivia, a game which will surely keep spirits high.