For Ralph Null and Terry Conerly, the connection between floral design and the arts is a clear one.
“Art comes through all forms of artistic expression, and this is simply another form of expression,” said Null, of Columbus. “This is another way we can give a couple of hours of enjoyment and also help the Columbus Arts Council.”
Null and Conerly will present “Celebrate Christmas,” a benefit design show at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 at the Rosenzweig Arts Center in downtown Columbus. The event is sponsored by Noweta’s Flowers and Gifts of Columbus.
Null has done the benefits for many years. Conerly, recently of New Orleans, has joined Noweta’s as a designer and, this year, also joins Null for the holiday presentation. During the show, the designers will demonstrate and share techniques as they create fresh Christmas arrangements that will be sold that afternoon. In addition, 15 to 20 permanent arrangements will be available in a silent auction.
Null said, “The fresh arrangements can be used for events coming up while the permanent ones will give people planning events later in the season something to use.”
Null is an internationally recognized leader in floral arts and retail floriculture. The Mississippi State University professor emeritus has lectured throughout the world. His designs have been used at White House state dinners, presidential inaugurations and the windows of Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s, among many other notable locations. He is a former president of the American Institute of Floral Designers and a past CFO of the AIFD Foundation.
Conerly, AIFD, is a McComb native, Mississippi State alumnus and former student of Null’s. He went on to become a sought-after event and wedding designer in New Orleans.
“It’s always fascinating to watch these beautiful arrangements coming together right in front of you,” said Sarah Riley, who has attended the design show before. “I always come away with something lovely for the holidays, and always pick up some tips I can use when I’m trying to arrange flowers from my garden.”
Donating time and expertise to do the show is one way to contribute to not only the arts council, but also to the quality of community life, Conerly believes. It’s also a reason Bruce Sansing of Noweta’s is sponsoring the show.
“It’s up to the community to support arts, because the community is where it starts, and that’s where it stays,” Null said.
How to go
Tickets to “Celebrate Christmas” are $20 in advance at columbus-arts.org or at the arts center at 501 Main St. They may also be purchased by calling the CAC at 662-328-2787 (closed Mondays). Tickets at the door are $25. A light reception will follow the presentation.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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