Two luminaries from the worlds of floral design, horticulture and lifestyles are among highlights of the 2015 Decorative Arts and Preservation Forum and Antiques Show and Sale Nov. 5-7 in Columbus, presented by the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation.
Sharon McGukin and P. Allen Smith are featured in a Nov. 6 morning event at Trotter Convention Center downtown. The two well-known experts’ talks fit well with the overall theme of the three-day forum and sale, “Flowers Through the Ages.”
“We’re excited to be sponsoring what we feel is one of the most in-depth presentations of sharing our gardens and harvesting flowers that has ever been presented in the Golden Triangle,” said Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation Executive Director Nancy Carpenter. “To have two quality individuals like Sharon and P. Allen on the same stage will be exhilarating.”
A “rock star”
McGukin will open the 8:30 a.m. program with her presentation, “Flowers from the Heart.” The Carrollton, Georgia, native is widely recognized for her expertise, Southern charm and engaging style of floral “edutainment.” Named by Floral Management Magazine as one of the Top Ten Floral Rock Stars, the past president of the AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers) will share tips, trends and techniques the pros use in designing arrangements for weddings, holidays and other special occasions.
“Flowers just add so much to everyday life,” McGukin said in a phone interview Wednesday. “Studies prove that people feel happier when flowers are in the room.”
McGukin’s interest in floral design was fueled by her high school job in the industry.
“I just fell in love with it, and still have a passion for flowers and the people that love them,” she said.
McGukin is a member of the Smithers-Oasis Design Directors Team and is active with PFCI (Professional Floral Communicators-International), the American Academy of Floriculture and the Society of American Florists. She is the author of “Flowers of the Heart: A Bride’s Guide to Choosing Flowers for her Wedding.”
Although she has worked with students at Mississippi State University before, this will be the designer’s first engagement in Columbus.
“Whenever they offer me an opportunity to go to Mississippi, I sign up immediately,” she said. “I just think Mississippi is a beautiful state of kind-hearted people and true Southern spirit.”
P. Allen Smith
P. Allen Smith is one of America’s most recognized and respected garden and design experts. The host of two public television programs, “P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home” and “P. Allen Smith’s Garden to Table,” and the syndicated 30-minute show “P. Allen Smith Gardens,” will present his talk, “Share the Bounty,” in Columbus.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and raised in McMinnville, Tennessee, the fourth-generation nurseryman and horticulturist showed livestock and poultry as a boy and is dedicated now to promoting good stewardship of the earth.
With a PowerPoint presentation, Smith will share with his Forum audience the practices and design elements he has employed on his own farm.
He has appeared frequently on the CBS “Early Show,” the NBC “Today Show” and other programs, and has contributed to numerous publications, including Southern Living and Women’s Day. Smith is the author of multiple books, including the Garden Home series with “Creating a Garden for Everyday Living,” “Seasonal Recipes from the Garden” and “Creating Compelling Color Themes.”
A book signing with both McGukin and Smith follows the presentations.
How to go
Tickets for the Nov. 6 event are $25 and include a catered breakfast. For tickets, contact the Visit Columbus office at 117 Third St. S., or call 800-327-2686 or 662-329-1191.
Watch The Dispatch for more about Decorative Arts Forum and Antique Show and Sale events, which include a preview party, talks on wedding gowns through history and wedding venues, plus a special luncheon and dinner.
In addition to the Cultural Heritage Foundation, sponsors include the Billups-Garth Foundation; Thyme Kitchen, Tabletop and Gift Store; The University Florist at Mississippi State University; Columbus Garden Club Council; Mr. and Mrs. Dick Leike; Dr. and Mrs. Joe Boggess; Graham Farm; and the Columbus Arts Council.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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