The marriage of beautiful visual art and flowers seems so logical, so when Earth Garden Creative Designer, Kyle Riccoboni, was asked to interpret several pieces of art in the 2016 Spectrum exhibition, “Natural Inspiration” now on display at the Carriage Barn Arts Center in New Canaan, he jumped at the opportunity. “Floral Designers have been interpreting the collection at the Boston Museum of Art and the Hartford Athenaeum for years, why can’t we?” suggested Valerie Garlick when she thought to reach out to Earth Garden for the upcoming program. Nancy Gorkin, owner of Earth Garden and Mr. Riccoboni agreed.

Kyle will be applying his renowned floral design talents in a demonstration, Nature in Art, on Thursday, May 19th from 11:00am to 12:30pm at the Carriage Barn. Tickets are available at $8 for members and $10 for non-members and can be purchased in advance online at www.carriagebarn.org or by calling 203-972-1895.

Using materials scavenged from nature and fresh flowers, Mr. Riccoboni will share step-by-step his design secrets as he interprets some of the paintings in the exhibit. A few fortunate audience members will go home with the flower arrangements. All can enjoy refreshments before the program.

Kyle brings an especially discerning eye to this floral design exercise for he is fine art painter by training. Years ago he applied his artistic talents in the fashion industry as a window director for Macy’s flagship store and merchandising and fashion directors for Saks Fifth Avenue. Kyle began his own floral design business in New York City while still in the fashion world and taught himself many tricks of the trade. He now has been with Earth Garden in New Canaan and Wilton for 16 years.

“I always have loved color and design. I was fortunate enough to have exceptional instruction and encouragement along the way – in the amazing art program at New Canaan High School and in my work as a teen with two grand dames of New Canaan, Alison Caesar and Mathilde Benington. Mrs. Caesar and Mrs. Benington first shared the world of flowers with me.”

“It is very important to me to keep beauty alive in New Canaan.” As a third-generation New Canaanite, Kyle welcomes the opportunity to give back to the community in his support of local nonprofits such as the Carriage Barn Arts Center.

About Earth Garden
Earth Garden is a team of individuals who are passionate about plants, flowers and the environment. Every design we create mimics the aesthetic beauty and simplicity of nature. We love what we do! Our joy is reflected in our work and the relationships with all whom we encounter. Earth Garden is an environmentally responsible company. We recycle and compost 90% of our waster. We welcome our customers’ clear glass vases, wicker baskets and terra cottas pots for reuse in our shop. Earth Garden is a giving company. We contribute gifts of time as well as tangible objects to many local organizations whose missions are in keeping with our own. Earth Garden Store hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30am-5pm and Saturdays 10am-5pm.

Upcoming programs:

–Workshop for Children ages 7-12 during Caffeine & Carburetors, bringing together automotive enthusiasts and their vehicles, Sunday, May 22, 2016 from 8-11am. We will be open and hosting a free children’s workshop during this Caffeine & Carburetors event in Waveny Park. A guest artist will lead visitors in nature-themed crafts made from recycled materials and other fun materials. Free. Register at www.carriagebarn.org.

–Saturday May 28th from 5-7pm there will be an opening reception for Art in the Windows in the New Canaan PopUp Park, at the intersection of Elm Street & South Avenue, for artists, merchants, and the public, with light fare provided by Elm Restaurant. Generous support for Art in the Windows 2016 has been made possible by our Lead Sponsor Hutchinson Tree Care Specialists, Inc. and our Presenting Sponsor Karl Chevrolet. The 10th Annual Art in the Windows in downtown New Canaan will run from Sunday, May 29 through Sunday, June 12, 2016. This cash & carry exchange, organized by the Carriage Barn Arts Center and the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, encourages partnerships between artists, merchants and nonprofits. More than 45 retail establishments in the center of town will display the works of 45 local artists, including paintings, photography and sculpture. The public in invited to view the artwork for free. All artwork is available for purchase and merchants are happy to facilitate a sale. Proceeds benefit the artists and programming at the Carriage Barn Arts Center.

About The New Canaan Society for the Arts (NCSA)
The mission of the New Canaan Society for the Arts is to promote the visual and performing arts, to enrich the community through exhibitions, education, and cultural experiences, and to operate the Carriage Barn Arts Center. We offer artists opportunities to exhibit their work in an exceptional gallery space inside a unique nineteenth-century stone barn. Our shows are complemented by gatherings, educational workshops, concerts, and other events in our adaptively reused historical space, located on the grounds of a former estate, now named Waveny Park. During exhibitions our gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday 10-3pm and Sundays 1-5pm. One can find more information at www.carriagebarn.org