4th Annual Winnsboro BLOOM

Downtown Winnsboro prepares to blossom once again with the return of BLOOM, an immersive floral art experience that transforms spring into a vibrant celebration of creativity. Now in its fourth year, this colorful festival hosted by Winnsboro Center for the Arts (WCA) invites visitors to soak in the artistry, sounds and scents of the season from Saturday, April 11 through Saturday, April 25.

Set against the charming backdrop of The Bowery in Downtown Winnsboro’s thriving Cultural District, BLOOM transforms the town into a garden of artistic expression. It’s the perfect place to plant yourself for a weekend and watch inspiration grow.

A Garden of Experiences Awaits

Throughout April, BLOOM offers a bouquet of events designed to delight every sense:

• The BLOOM Art Exhibition showcases an exquisite collection of floral and spring-themed works by approximately 30 regional artists. Visitors will discover lush still-life paintings, stunning photography, sculptural pieces and mixed media creations that capture spring in full flourish. The WCA gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday each week of the festival, and admission is FREE.
• Art & Heritage Walks invite guests to stroll through Winnsboro’s storied past, tracing colorful tales from how the town earned its name to the surprising stops made here by Bonnie and Clyde. Guests will also learn about the city’s longstanding support of local artists and public art. These FREE guided walks start in front of the Historical Museum and take place Saturday mornings April 11, 18 and 25, at 10 a.m.
• The Art of Chris Brown’s Art Walk, on Friday, April 24, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., offers a FREE twilight tour through downtown with local artist/BLOOM creator Chris Brown. Guests start at Modern Country and meander through Chris’s most inspirational local destinations while discovering favorite works and artists that make Winnsboro shine.
• The official ribbon-cutting for WCA’s new Creative Learning Center, the “heart of the arts” in Winnsboro, takes place at 3 p.m., Friday, April 24.
• A live concert on The Bowery Stage features Grammy-nominated country singer-songwriter Lee Roy Parnell, whose blues-infused slide guitar promises to set the evening aglow on Friday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. Ticket info will be on the website soon.
• BLOOM’s interactive public sculpture, commissioned by WCA and created by Brown, stands as the festival’s centerpiece: a larger-than-life floral statement that invites visitors to gather, connect and capture the perfect springtime selfie.
• A weekly Farmers Market, held each Saturday morning in April, celebrates the season’s harvest with fresh produce, handmade crafts and fragrant bouquets of locally grown flowers.

Not Your “Garden Variety” Festival

BLOOM also offers unexpected delights beyond the arts:

• The Winnsboro BLOOM Pickleball Tournament takes place April 17–19, adding another opportunity to enjoy outdoor weather along with a dash of friendly competition.
• Viva Las Vegas, the April 11 opening-night artist reception and spring fundraiser, invites guests to mingle with BLOOM artists and our best Elvis impersonator while enjoying cocktails and light bites in a lively, celebratory atmosphere. Ticket info will be on the website soon.

BLOOM Where You Are Planted

BLOOM was founded in 2022 by Winnsboro artist Chris Brown, an East Texas native recognized as Best Floral Designer by D Magazine in 2003. As owner of downtown Winnsboro’s Modern Country gallery and boutique, Brown envisioned BLOOM to unite art and nature in a shared seasonal celebration.

“BLOOM is our annual reminder of how inspiring change can be,” said Brown. “It celebrates the beauty of the turning seasons and Winnsboro’s deep-rooted appreciation of nature and creative expression.”

“We are proud of our lively downtown and our reputation as a flourishing arts community,” said Mary White, executive director of WCA. “BLOOM brings all of us together to celebrate nature and artistry in ways that each of us can enjoy and appreciate.”

WCA plays a key role in bringing cultural programming, exhibitions and entertainment to Winnsboro and East Texas. WCA is supported in part by grants from the Texas Commission on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, Wood County EDC, Winnsboro EDC and Christus Mother Frances Health Systems. Winnsboro’s Cultural District is recognized by Texas Commission on the Arts for its vibrant arts scene. Winnsboro is recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a Texas Main Street Community and an accredited member of Main Street America for its successful downtown revitalization.

For updated schedules, artist announcements, ticket information and additional details, visit the BLOOM page on the WCA website. The Bowery is located at 200 Market St. in Downtown Winnsboro.

ABOUT WINNSBORO CENTER FOR THE ARTS: Winnsboro Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Winnsboro, Texas. As a multi-disciplinary arts center, it serves communities throughout Northeast Texas, engaging people in educational programming, cultural experiences, and entertainment. All scheduled programs are subject to change.