The Mississippi School of the Arts was blooming Monday as stateflower lovers and designers visited the campus to observe 16educational exhibits, 96 designs and 279 pieces of horticulture atthe State Advanced Standard Flower Show, sponsored by the GardenClubs of Mississippi, Inc.

The show started in the Student Life Center where guests weregreeted with refreshments and toured horticulture and some designexhibits. The event continued up the walkway to the JohnsonInstitute where arts school students showed off their talents in acompetition between various forms of art and more designarrangements were displayed. The exhibition ended in the LamptonAuditorium with educational presentations and even more floraldesigns.

With more than 350 pieces of art, the show attracted visitorsfrom across the state. Tina Brumfield, chairman of the StateAdvanced Flower Show, estimated a crowd of 500 people, includingsome who traveled from as far as Diamondhead to make this year’sevent.

“The show is a unique way to see things from all over thestate,” Brumfield said, “We’re really delighted about the statewideparticipation and the viewing public.”

The participation part was an area Brumfield said she was mostconcerned about. She added that it is easy to orchestrate a show ather local garden club in McComb because her friends will be there;however, the difficulty in a show of Monday’s size depends onothers and their desire to participate since the event isstatewide.

“It’s been dry and it’s a long drive to bring a leaf,” Brumfieldsaid with a smile. “We’re thrilled and gracious at theturnout.”

The state flower show is held every other year. The eventorganizers decide the destination of the show, which can beanywhere in Mississippi.

Brumfield said she and her co-chairman, Donna Smith, lookedeverywhere south of Jackson for the best place to showcase thetalents of garden club members. After looking from Jackson to thecoast, they felt Brookhaven was the best spot to plant the roots ofthis year’s show due to the community and MSA.

“It has a setting that complements the mood and attitude of theshow,” Smith said.

The occasion was well received by Executive Director of theSchool of the Arts Suzanne Hirsch. She said the flower show allowedfor an opportunity to showcase not only the school, but also MSAstudents’ talents as well.

“We’re really excited to have people from all over the state tosee the school,” Hirsch said, “We’re an art school, and floraldesign is definitely art.”

Spectators confirmed that all those involved in the competitionworked hard and displayed great ability in their designs.

“The talent these people have is unbelievable,” said MarieHannet, member of the Pine Needle Garden Club in Columbia.

However, there were a few pieces that stuck out.

Debby Cooper won the Award of Horticulture Excellence, which isgiven to the overall winner of horticultur. The Educational Award,which is given based on the display that best demonstrates nationalgarden club objectives, went to Carol Bullard. Mary Hall won theArtistic Craft Award, which is given to the best craft such as acorsage, ornament or other decorative item. The Award ofDistinction, which is given to the best design using all driedmaterial, went to Delores Feldman. The Award of Design Excellence,which is given to the overall design winner, went to AlanaGabler.

The winner of the students’ contest was Crystal McKee, NewAlbany, for her silk-screened scarf.

In addition to art, the event featured design inspiration andtips, education and even stories.

Marian Gullette, a member of the President Council of theMeridian Garden Clubs, Inc., shared a story with Diamondhead GardenClub, Inc. President Penny Crawford.

Gullette explained how she was planting 2,000 daffodil bulbs andaiding in the upkeep of her street when a little boy from next doorasked to help. She instructed him to plant the point of the bulb toHeaven. Crawford responded by saying that may have been alife-changing experience for him.

“Garden club is more than hats and gloves. That’s real gardenclub,” Crawford said.