Art is inspired by many things in life – nature, love, feelings, beauty and even dreams.

It’s also said that art inspires art, and that’s exactly what Gateway Technical College Floral instructor Joanne Leach was striving for when she set up the college’s inaugural Art in Bloom event.

The event, held Monday, April 11, to a small private audience, featured six students in Leach’s class creating floral designs inspired by a specific painting or sculpture. They received the floral materials in the morning and were required to finish their work by afternoon and display them at the early evening event.

Leach said she wanted to provide a way for her students to think outside the box, yet use all the skills they’ve gained through their coursework. The event served as a final project exam for students in the class.

“They were required to select a piece of artwork and then had to interpret that artwork through flowers,” said Leach. “They will learn a great deal through this, from creating their own piece to learning how to incorporate elements of design properly into their work.”

A three-member judging panel – including Leach – graded the floral design based upon fundamental design principles, technique and the uniqueness of the floral interpretation. Mallory Whitefoot took home the Judge’s Choice Award.

“I think this was a fun way for our students to show what they’ve learned,” said Leach.

A people’s choice will also be awarded for those receiving the most votes through a public voting process. The floral pieces will be displayed in the Arthur F. Mahone Jr. Student Atrium of the Academic Building on the Kenosha Campus, and Gateway students, staff and the public will be encouraged to view the floral work and vote on their favorite.

Voting ends April 14, and a winner will be announced April 19.