The Flower Exchange is a community compliment to our July exhibition, Cross-pollination.* It is co-organized with Elizabeth Brown, a Maine Master Gardener and owner of Foxglove Farmhouse.

Community members of all ages and backgrounds are invited to create and share floral arrangements which will become part of the life of this show. Arrangements will be displayed alongside the art and can be delivered anytime during the exhibition run, or designed on site using materials sourced from local gardens and growers. Visitors may exchange their arrangements for others and will be encouraged to take flowers home.

This initiative is inspired by a reimagining of traditional “art in bloom” events, and a desire to foster joy, connection, and creativity in our community. We hope you will take part in it with us.

*Cross-pollination, on view July 19 - August 17, celebrates the overlap between art-making and gardening as conduits for creativity, community, sustenance, and healing. The show brings together the following eight artists whose practices run parallel to work in the garden: Dina Andretta, Sasha Azbel, Clementine Cavanagh, Kristen Kieffer, Nicole Kiernan, Sarah Steedman, Cathy Rees, and Robin Reynolds.

How to participate

As garden season approaches we invite you to plan your plantings with the Flower Exchange in mind. Plant extra to share; use the opportunity to grow something new; find visual inspiration in your favorite artworks or artists; and invite your friends to do the same! 

When the show opens, deliver your contribution anytime during gallery hours. Arrangements will cycle through on a rolling basis and, with your help, fill the gallery for the run of the show,  July 19 - August 17.

There are several ways to take part:

  • Donate materials

  • Share your garden flowers by cutting blooms and bringing them to the gallery for visitors to design with on-site.  We welcome donations from individuals and businesses, and can harvest or pick blooms up upon request.

  • Create an arrangement to share

  • We will incorporate all arrangements into the installation of the show. Flowers, greenery, herbs, veggies, and other organic treasures from your garden, yard, or elsewhere (responsibly and respectfully sourced, please) are all fair game.

  • Arrangements can be inspired by specific works from the show, or not. We encourage you to be creative, but this is just for fun!

  • Receptacles will not be returned so use something you won’t miss—old jars, cans, vases you’ve been meaning to donate, etc.

  • Design something at the gallery

  • We will have plant materials and receptacles available at the gallery for those who want to design on-site.

  • Bring your creation home with you, leave it with the show, or exchange it for one already present.

We will share more specifics as the show approaches. Email info@georgemarshallstoregallery.com with any questions.

Graphic features The Twist, Robin Reynolds, oil on panel, 18” x 18”