MANKATO — The gardens next to the Blue Earth County Historical Society’s carriage house will again be turned into a space where arts come together as Twin Rivers Council for the Arts hosts the second Art in the Garden event Sunday afternoon.
A break in the hot and wet weather, along with some adjustments to last year’s inaugural event, have organizers artfully excited.
“Last year, the people who attended really saw the uniqueness and special energy of the event, and we got a lot of good feedback,” said Amy Klugherz, Twin Rivers executive director. Flowing across the beautiful garden space on South Broad Street gave the event a vibrancy they hope to capture in a bottle.
Although she sparked the event, she knew to feed the fire others needed to be invested. So, Klugherz handed it over to board members Lauryn Schindler and Melissa Ketchum.
Last year Ketchum brought a five-person Avant Garden fashion show to the event through her Meli Made Artistry; this year, it has bloomed to include a dozen models who will bring her designs to a catwalk of sorts behind a multi-focused theme that reflects the overall idea behind the event.
“The theme of my collection is ‘Flora Alchemica,’” Ketchum said. “Like alchemy transformation. It’s not only like the transformation of matter, but also like a soul transformation.”
She said that in creating the collection, she experienced a transformation or rebirth within herself. It will be brought forth through fun, bright, metallic colors. The fashion show will be at 2:30 p.m.
“I have 12 models who will be modeling these looks, and they’re women within this community who I admire, who shine their light and just make a positive impact within our communities.”
Bringing the models within the lawn adds to the idea that this is not a one-note sort of gathering. It is meant to be immersive, which means once you step through the gates of the Hubbard House gardens or Emy Frentz building, you will be surrounded by a mix of music, art and refreshments.
The fashion show will be accompanied by the Rogers Duo, cello and piano, with Cara Lucille singing “Ave Maria.”
“Before and after we have Stacy K playing music and doing some emceeing. We have the Twilight Garden Club (which maintain the grounds) who is going to be back this year, giving tours and answering questions about gardening,” Klugherz said.
“We have a Bloom Bar from Becky’s Floral, which we’re super excited about. We have an expanded kids area this year where there will be projects they can do with crushed flowers and plants and chalk art, and will be making art as part of the event,” she said.
“Just a lot of really cool stuff going on.”
Pub 500 will provide original cocktails inspired by the garden at their cash bar. A bouquet competition will be inspired by public art in Mankato, and specially decorated tents will give folks places to lounge, relax and enjoy a sense of community.
Local artists will have their art on display and available for purchase on Warren Court between the Emy Frentz building and Cray Mansion, and a games and activity area will serve adults as well as children. The event aims to be for everyone, organizers said.
A silent auction allows attendees to support a local artist. Among the pieces for sale is one by artist Amanda Jordan, which she created at last year’s event.
Proceeds will benefit the efforts of Twin Rivers Council for the Arts to create an atmosphere or environment that supports creatives and educates the community in the value of the creative sector.
Although not a part of the event, the adjacent Hubbard House operated by the Blue Earth County Historical Society will be open for tours 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Art in the Garden will be centered on the garden area between the carriage house and church parking lot; rain site is inside the Emy Frentz building.