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ALBANY, NY – The New York State Museum has announced special Sunday event hours for the 20th annual “New York in Bloom” February 25-27.

Spring will arrive early at the Museum where visitors will find more than 110 thematic floral displays positioned throughout the galleries during this special 20th anniversary weekend fundraiser that benefits the Museum’s award-winning after-school programs. The event will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Garden club members, professional designers and floral enthusiasts from across the state will create unique floral arrangements that complement and interpret the museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions. Table displays will also be provided by local interior designers and home furnishing stylists, florists and event specialists. The event also will feature demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday and one for children on Friday. A flower market will also be open in the lobby area on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while supplies last.

There also will be table displays in Bird Hall created by Douglas Fisher of Designs by Douglas, Linda Savage and Barbara and Charles Guyette of W&P Enterprises, Kim Ryan of Hilton Garden Inn, Kimberly Seymour of Embellir and Benjamin Hodder of Frame of Light. There also will be an additional table in Bird Hall designed by Marty Teumim, Sheila Schwartz, Becky Marvin, Cheryl Reeder and Amy

Koren-Roth. Rudy Grant and David Siders of Experience and Creative Design will create a table display in the New York Metropolis corridor.

A demonstration on “Floral Printmaking will be held on Friday in Kids’ Cove from 10:30 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3:30 p.m. Weekend demonstrations will be presented in Adirondack Hall. Topics and times on Saturday are: “Teas and Flowers: Creating Teas and Edibles from Flowers,” 10 to 11 a.m.; “What Comes Naturally,” 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; “Designing with Vintage Pieces,” 1 to 2 p.m.; “Blooming Fun,” 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and “Starting Plants from Seeds,” 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday demonstrations will include “Rethinking Flowers – Starting from Scratch,” 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; “Japanese Flower Arranging,” 1 to 2 p.m. and “Michele’s Flower Hour,” 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

On Friday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Classe′ Catering will offer soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts and beverages at the Sugar Maple Café in Adirondack Hall. Other food will also be available all three days at Subway, on the Museum’s fourth floor Terrace Gallery, and on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Big Don’s Hot Dogs & More/ Losee’s Deli in the Museum’s first floor Student Center.

“New York in Bloom” marks the only time during the year that admission is charged to enter the Museum. The “New York in Bloom” admission fee is $5 for adults on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday the fee will be $6, which also includes admission to the 18th annual “James Campbell Memorial Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show and Sale.” Admission is free for children 12 and under, accompanied by an adult. Tickets may be purchased at the door, or at your local Price Chopper.

“New York in Bloom” is a primary funding source for the nationally recognized, educational after-school programs -- the Museum Club and Discovery Squad. Since 1987 the after-school program has provided tutoring and educational enrichment opportunities for youths from Albany’s underserved neighborhoods. Students receive homework help and reading support and participate in interactive projects involving Museum exhibitions. In the Discovery Squad, teens receive essential job training, academic and personal support, explore higher education opportunities and gain confidence as they serve the Museum in various work environments.

Supporters of the after-school program include Price Chopper, promotion and community partner; the Times Union, media sponsor; Spotlight Newspapers, promotional sponsor; Ambiance Florals and Events and Quality Retail Systems.

The New York State Museum is a program of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Located on Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is generally open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Further information can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the Museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.

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