In just a few weeks, 236 visual artists will be flocking into Denver to showcase their best work in one of the most competitive cultural events in the nation. The Cherry Creek North shopping district will become a colorful myriad of visual, culinary and musical arts for the award-winning Cherry Creek Arts Festival on July 6, 7 and 8.

Last year, Columbine Design joined partners Colorado Homes & Lifestyles to turn a small tent into a gorgeous garden for their Outdoor Oasis vignette. This year, Colorado Homes & Lifestyles came to us with a whole new challenge that is really testing our talents. We were asked to design a booth inspired by a work of art from the festival.

Scott and I chose the Liv sculpture by Colorado artist Arabella Tattershall. We were instantly inspired by this incredible piece with its delicate femininity juxtaposed with its rough raw materials. It reminds us of a landscape in both a metaphorical and literal way while having a fantastical element to it that is reminiscent of ethereal forest fairies.

So we are creating a fantasy meadowland that we’re calling Clairiere d’art. ”Clairiere” is French for “glade” or “clearing.” Our Clairiere will be made of flowers from Tagawa Gardens and pieces from Sheptons Antiques to show both old and new growth that exist naturally in landscapes. The meadowland will also have stately features that represent the awe-inspiring power and beauty of nature. The “fae” (French for “fairy”) will be ever present throughout the vignette, represented by various natural elements such as tree trunks, fresh flowers and flowing water.

Here’s a peak at some sketches do give you an idea of some of the plantings we will be using in the design.

 

We hope to transport you to a magical meadow that expands your imagination. So be sure to stop by the Colorado Homes & Lifestyles booth at the 2012 Cherry Creek Arts Festival and let the fantasy take you away!