Winnipeg 
Fleurs de Villes, the renowned floral show known for its exhibitions across various countries, is returning to Winnipeg this week.
Fleurs de Villes
The Leaf will host Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE in Winnipeg from January 16 to 26.
Celebrating Manitoba’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, this year’s theme highlights 15 intricately crafted floral mannequins.
Local florists have collaborated with Manitoba arts organizations to create displays inspired by various art forms, including ballet, music, and theatre. Each mannequin represents a unique cultural story, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in an artistic fusion of florals and creative expression.
What Is New
This year’s ARTISTE theme brings fresh interpretations of various art forms, from ballet to sculpture and theatre. Each floral mannequin is a reflection of its artistic muse, offering visitors a window into the diversity of Manitoba’s creative scene.
Notable highlights include floral designs inspired by Folklorama’s hoop dance, Manitoba Opera’s La Bohème, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s A Cinderella Story.
Visitors can also explore floral designs celebrating contemporary Inuit art at the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq and the symbolic architecture of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE
What to See and Do
Visitors can learn about the florists and their artistic collaborations, with each mannequin providing a detailed backstory. Guests are also invited to vote for their favourite design, with the chance to win a luxury stay at the Fairmont Winnipeg and tickets to 15 local arts experiences.
Featured Artists and Their Inspirations
- Posh Pampas: Inspired by the Manitoba Children’s Museum’s Illusion Tunnel, this mannequin features bold patterns and vibrant florals such as roses and carnations, reflecting the exhibit’s optical illusions.
- Fache Florals + Buffy Handel: Celebrates Indigenous hoop dance, showcasing storytelling through floral elements like roses that pay tribute to personal and cultural significance.
- Geranium Lake Botanicals: Captures the tranquillity of the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden with a moss-adorned mannequin blending seamlessly into a natural landscape.
- McDiarmid Flowers: Inspired by the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra’s Lullaby of the Snow, this design highlights spring’s arrival with a saxophone “playing” vibrant floral colours.
- Meraki Fiori: Pays homage to the Manitoba Museum’s Planetarium with a cascading gown mimicking the celestial beauty of the Aurora Borealis.
- Academy Florist: Reflects the character Musetta from Manitoba Opera’s La Bohème, with a Victorian-style silhouette adorned with lush flowers like roses and chrysanthemums.
- Petals Flowers and Gifts: Represents the Manitoba Theatre for Young People, with a mannequin dressed in vibrant blooms symbolizing imagination and transformation.
- Osborne Florist: Inspired by Prairie Theatre Exchange’s A Killing at La Cucina, this design reflects the intrigue of a murder mystery through dark, dramatic floral elements.
- The Floral Merchant: Celebrates the Royal Canadian Mint with a mannequin incorporating six hidden commemorative coins among its blooms.
- Silver Heights Florist: Honors Indecent by the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, depicting themes of forbidden love and artistic resilience.
- Bloom Floral Creative: Brings to life a peacock character from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s A Cinderella Story with pressed and dried florals.
- Oak & Lily: Mimics the Canadian Museum for Human Rights architectural journey from darkness to light with a design steeped in symbolism.
- The Camel Studio: Partners with the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq to create a mannequin inspired by Kenojuak Ashevak’s Large Bird of the Sun, bridging Canada’s North and South.
- Juniper Jayne Creative: Celebrates the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra’s Women in Jazz concert, highlighting female trumpet players with bold, energetic blooms.
- Addison Taylor Floral Design: Pays tribute to Gwen Hoebig of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra with cascading florals inspired by Debussy’s La Mer.
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Fleurs de Villes – Winnipeg
What: Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE will feature 15 fresh floral mannequins designed by local florists in collaboration with Manitoba arts and cultural organizations.
The mannequins will be inspired by a variety of beautiful art forms, such as ballet, classical music, sculpture, theatre, and more.
When:
January 16-26, 2025 | 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Where: Mediterranean Biome at The Leaf, 145 The Leaf Wy., Winnipeg
The exhibition is hosted at The Leaf, specifically within the Babs Asper Display House and the Mediterranean Biome. The venue provides a fitting backdrop with its lush indoor gardens and vibrant plant life, amplifying the beauty of the floral mannequins.
How Much:
Adults: $20.30 + GST
Seniors/Students: $18.25 + GST
Children (3–17): $13.45 + GST
Children (2 and under): Free
