Mother's Day at the BK House

On Sunday, May 14, at 2 pm, BK House will present a special Mother’s Day treat with acclaimed artist, host and gardener, Cathy Graham, discussing her book, Full Bloom.  With her uniquely whimsical style and artful touch, Graham creates a variety of colorful designs for the table, home, and party. Brilliant bouquets are paired with Graham's own watercolor artwork, and easy-to-follow step-by-step guides to creating delightful table settings and floral designs will inspire readers in designing their own creations.  Doors will open at 1:30 pm prior to the 2 pm program where Full Bloom will be available for purchase.  Visit www.bkhouse.org for tickets. This event is free for museum members and $10 for general registration.

 

 

Also in May, The Historic BK House & Gardens will premiere a new event, Dining by Design, on Sunday, May 21, at 5:30 pm.  A dozen or more designers and luminaries such as Gayle Benson, Andrew Lamar Hopkins, Patricia Brinson, Virginia Dunn and Lisa Brooking, Stephen Sonnier, and others will provide settings and décor reflecting their own styles and creativity on individual tables spread throughout the historic property.  Guests will be served a four-course meal, provided by Palate and inspired by Francis Parkinson-Keyes’ cookbook, complemented by wines. Before dinner, hors d’oeuvres and champagne will be featured in the elegant Courtyard, along with a brief concert by Co-Chairs Michael Harold and Quinn Pepper. Guests will gather after the meal for dessert, coffee and more bubbly in the Courtyard. Limited tickets will be offered for purchase at $250 each. Funds raised will support the development of a furnishings and restoration fund for the historic property.

 

Preceding the dinner, a Dining by Design Preview from 1-4 pm will provide a special viewing of table scapes, giving the public an opportunity to peek at the fabulous designs. More information and a ticketing link will be available at bkhouse.org/diningbydesign. Tickets will be $20 per person; beverages will be provided.

 

 

Summer will feature week-long arKIDtecture Camps for children ages 8-13 in June and July where campers will explore the past and present-day architecture of New Orleans through a variety of fun and engaging, hands-on activities that include games, art, building, and more. Camp will take place in The Historic BK House & Gardens, a home that was built almost 200 years ago and serves as an architectural marvel of the 19th century. While learning about the master craftsmen responsible for building this house and others, campers will participate in live demonstrations and take numerous field trips around the French Quarter. Tuition is $225 for museum members and $275 for general registration. Add-ons for before and after care are available. Register via https://www.bkhouse.org/summer-camp.

 

Details about upcoming BK House events and membership information are available at www.bkhouse.org for those who want to support the Museum and take advantage of future programming discounts.
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About:  The Historic BK House & Gardens: Now distinguished as a National Historic Landmark, the house was built in 1826, purchased by noted author Frances Parkinson Keyes in 1948 and restored under her loving care. Programming has evolved in the last several years to focus on the seven families who lived on the property, as well as influences of the French Quarter neighborhood. A new interpretative program is underway to better reflect the heritage of the site. Membership, events, grants, donations, and fundraising activities generate revenue needed for on-going restoration and future capital improvement projects.
 
About the Instructor Diego Larguia: An established New Orleans artist and educator, Larguia is a multifaceted artist, proficient in drawing, oil, acrylic and watercolor. He’s had numerous solo exhibitions and has been an active participant in the New Orleans art scene for the last 20+years.Mr. Larguia trained at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts and has been a teaching at this institution for the last 15 years. A sample of his work is available at www.diegolarguia.com.
 
About the authors of Full Bloom:
​Cathy B. Graham received a BFA in painting from the Rhode Island School of Design and studied fashion illustration at Parsons. A frequent host and passionate gardener, she delighted audiences with Second Bloom, her first book on floral design and entertaining. She regularly charms fans across the country with discussions and demonstrations of her unique creations. She lives in New York City and has a home on Nantucket.
 
For two decades, Clinton Smith has been regarded as one of the design industry's authorities on matters of taste and style. A former Editor in Chief of Veranda, he has authored four books and currently serves as Editor at Large for New England Home and Style Editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles. He lives in New York City.
 
Christopher Spitzmiller is an internationally celebrated ceramicist and tastemaker. He is author of the successful book A Year at Clove Brook Farm, chronicling life and entertaining at his property in Millbrook, New York.