The story of Bloom Boom: How young artists blossomed at the Philadelphia Flower Show.
While the city of Philadelphia braced itself against bitter cold, a stunning burst of creativity was underway in Philadelphia, Camden, and Norristown public schools. Over 2,600 K-12 students dove headfirst into the world of horticulture, creating art for the Philadelphia Flower Show. The result? Bloom Boom, an unforgettable exhibition of 125 artworks hailed by the Philadelphia Inquirer as one of the “Five Not-to-Miss Experiences” at the show.
A creative challenge like no other
Fresh Artists, a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, inspired young minds by posing a big question: What does it mean to bloom? Using flowers as a metaphor for emerging from the tough years of isolation and uncertainty, students were encouraged to express themselves through five innovative project challenges:
- Philly Phlowers: Students designed hybrid flowers with superpowers to tackle real-world problems—a mix of biology, imagination, and heroism.
- The Sneaky Language of Flowers: This challenge explored the Victorian tradition of assigning emotions and messages to specific flowers.
- Throughout the Bloomin’ World: A celebration of Philadelphia’s cultural diversity, this project encouraged students to choose a country, study its natural flora, and paint a scene showcasing its unique climate and landscape.
- If I Were a Flower: Students created flower portraits that reflected their inner selves or how they wished to be seen by the world.
- Petal Pops: A Project for Every Artist: When art teachers in Individualized Education Program (IEP) classrooms reached out, Fresh Artists responded with a special addition to the program: Petal Pops. Inspired by the bold, iconic floral designs of 1960s Marimekko fabrics, Fresh Artists’ Creative Director Roger Allen developed nine adaptable flower templates. These templates became a canvas for endless creativity, resulting in 104 vibrant pieces of art. Of these, 52 were transformed into 3D masterpieces and displayed on panels covered in lush, preserved moss.
Everything Fresh Artists does revolves around printing
Fresh Artists set out to make Bloom Boom not only a showcase of young talent but also an opportunity to push creative boundaries. Thanks to support from Canon, they integrated cutting-edge materials like 3M’s color-shifting Dichroic film and clear acrylic twin-wall—a staple in greenhouse design—to create stunning, vibrant displays.
Even the production process was a lesson in innovation. Using Canon Colorado 1650 and Canon Arizona printers, Fresh Artists overcame material challenges to produce breathtaking, durable results. From UltraBoard Classic to copper-finish DiBond, Palram Palite PVC boards, and Natura SM100 Silver Metallic film, every detail of the exhibit was crafted to celebrate the students’ hard work and creativity.
Students Elyse (left image) and Lyric (right image)
Why it matters
Bloom Boom wasn’t just about pretty flowers. It was a celebration of resilience, diversity, and the power of young voices. “Completely brilliant! I am astonished by the talent and innovative interpretations of hundreds of garden flowers by such young children!” said Paul Epsom, former PBS Victory Garden host.
Fresh Artists continues to prove that art, through the use of large-format printing, can be a transformative force for good. Through programs like Bloom Boom, they not only nurture creativity but also empower kids to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
The Art teachers
Founders Roger and Barbara Allen
A Call to Action: Support young entre-PRINT-teurs
Be a Print Pal of Kids Who Print!
Fresh Artists is looking to build and deliver strong support of Kids Who Print activities throughout the country. Like civic minded boosters of every town Little League, Fresh Artists invites the entire print industry to become Print Pals, helping to grow this innovative, educational nonprofit serving creative, disadvantaged children at the same time as their own print industry. Print Pals will receive Kids Who Print decal badges to proudly display on business front doors, break rooms, websites, showrooms, and of course, the Printing United Alliance trade show Expo booths! Use the Kids Who Print badge in your social media to show you support the development and growth of this youth-centric, career-introducing, industry-diversifying and entrepreneurial program! Reproductions of artwork from the Fresh Artists Collection and large photos of the kids at work in Fresh Artists Studios are also available.
About Fresh Artists
Fresh Artists is a nonprofit organization that empowers children through art while raising awareness and funds to support arts education. Learn more about their incredible mission at www.FreshArtists.org.