By Louise Irvine
What an amazing program of events we had at WMODA in May, in the lead-up to International Museum Day, honoring its 2026 theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World.” The events also celebrated
Broward County Cultural Division’s “50 and Forward” anniversary, marking 50 years of artistic growth
in the community.
Flowers & Fine China
Mother’s Day Tea
On May 10, we paid tribute to our mothers, mentors and influential women in our lives at our Flowers & Fine China tea party. Louise Irvine, our Executive Director & Curator, celebrated the art of tea and floriography, the “Language of Flowers”, while guests enjoyed delicious afternoon tea treats served on fine china in our spectacular Victorian Gallery.
From Clay to Cloth
The Ardmore Design Journey
On May 13, Lawson Ricketts from Ngala Trading in New York led a virtual safari through Ardmore’s Design journey, From Clay to Cloth. WMODA guests discovered how Fée Halsted and the Ardmore artists create unique ceramic art featuring vibrant flora and fauna at their remote South African studio and then reimagine their designs as textiles for luxury home furnishings rooted in African style and culture. The Ardmore Studio embraces the African spirit of Ubuntu, a concept that emphasizes the accomplishments of community and means “we are because of others.”
Shining a Light on Connection
International Museum Day
On May 17, we were “Shining a Light on Connection” at WMODA and the transformative power of the Fired Arts through vibrant community partnerships. Chelsea Rousso’s Amulets of Light and Unity in
the Community projects demonstrate how glass art can become a medium for social connection
and shared expression.
Local collector Alan Tinter shared the psychedelic world of art kaleidoscopes, blending science and beauty, and demonstrating how different perspectives can create infinite possibilities from diverse fragments. Lori Brown, the museum’s graphic artist, fascinated guests with her kaleidoscopic images of pieces in the collection created in Adobe Photoshop.
Look out for lots more exciting events during the summer as we create family-friendly programs in our Splash! exhibition. We are also planning a new safari scavenger hunt for kids in our Ardmore Ceramics and Design gallery.
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A Moorcroft Floriography
Carnations and Cream Teas
Kaleidoscopes – A Penny for a Peek
Mega Kaleidoscope
