Golden Triangle floral design enthusiasts and holiday hostesses will have an opportunity Sunday, Nov. 20 to watch and learn from internationally-known designer Ralph Null — and take home decor for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Holiday Floral Design presentation benefiting the Columbus Arts Council begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. Holiday arrangements and decor will be auctioned immediately following the program.
With the event falling only four days before Thanksgiving, Null’s demonstrations will focus on designs for the autumn holiday.
“We’re also going to have about 20 permanent Christmas centerpieces, wreaths, swags and table garlands that will also be auctioned,” Null said.
Throughout the presentation, Null will share thoughts on design concepts and tips, “showing people how easy it can be; it’s all about empowerment,” he said.
Null will incorporate new materials received via Winward Creative Director Matt Wood of California, who was featured at the Art ‘n Antiques Show and Sale in Columbus Nov. 3-5.
“We have some really beautiful materials from Matt Wood, who is a former student of mine,” remarked Null, a staunch longtime supporter of the Columbus Arts Council. The presentation is an increasingly rare opportunity to watch Null create and to acquire his designs.
“Now that I’m retired, I am doing very few of these,” he said. “I do this one because it’s something I can do that utilizes my artistic talent to further the programs the arts council has, and the revenue is so necessary.”
CAC Executive Director Tina Sweeten-Lunsford said, “The money we raise from this event goes to fund the youth programs of the Columbus Arts Council. It supplements the cost of camps and classes for youth, allowing us to keep these programs affordable.”
While the event is an important fundraiser, it is also a benefit to the Golden Triangle, noted CAC Board President Jerry Hodson.
“It’s very good for the community to have someone like Ralph who will share his expertise. We at the arts council are so appreciative of him doing this, plus it’s an excellent opportunity to purchase decorations for the holidays.”
Columbus to Tokyo
Null is a recognized leader in floral arts and retail floriculture. He directed the Retail Floral Design program at Mississippi State for 25 years, retiring in 1992. The professor emeritus has presented more than 850 lecture demonstrations and exhibited throughout the world, including in London, England; Oslo, Norway; Cape Town, South Africa; Sydney, Australia; and Tokyo, Japan.
Null’s creations have graced White House state dinners and presidential inaugurations. A past president of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), Null has also had design presentations featured at the Smithsonian Institution and New Orleans Museum of Art, among other prestigious venues.
How to go
Tickets to Holiday Floral Design are $20 in advance at columbus-arts.org, at the Rosenzweig Arts Center Tuesday through Saturday, or by calling 662-328-2787. Tickets at the door are $25.
For more information, call the CAC at 662-328-2787.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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