Art in the Elements Brings Floral Installations to Meadow Brook Hall’s Scenic Grounds

Katie Alexis Photography

An outdoor event celebrating the art of floral design is taking over the paths around Meadow Brook Hall this weekend.

Now in its sixth year, Art in the Elements invites florists to create their own large-scale floral art installations based on a theme. This year’s theme is music ranging “from Motown to Mozart, techno to Dolly Parton.” 

“Floral is an emerging art form here in the United States,” says Laura Daluga, a fourth-generation florist who is the chair of Art in the Elements and general manager of Flowers for Dreams Detroit.

“It’s very much one and has been one for a very long time in most of Europe, but we’ve just started to embrace it as an art form here.”

Daluga says an event like Art in the Elements not only elevates floral art but it also gives florists a chance to create unique work that’s outside of a client’s needs or wants.

“I call it a creative exorcism … because as florists, we often don’t get to create for ourselves,” says Daluga, who created an installation this year inspired by techno music by trying to emulate the look and feel of glowstick trails.

“I’m really just trying to evoke that feeling you get when you’re in a tight club. It’s hot. Everyone’s dancing and there’s joy,” says Daluga.

The floral art exhibition Art in the Elements is at Meadow Brook Hall from Friday, Sept. 10 through Sunday, Sept. 12. Tickets are required. For times and ticket information, visit Meadow Brook Hall’s official website.

Listen: Artist Laura Daluga on how floral is an emerging art form in the U.S.