From 9/20 through 9/23, visitors may only enter through the John R entrance. All other entrances, plus the museum grounds, Kirby St and Farnsworth St will be closed during this time for Concours d'Elegance.

Friends of Art & Flowers

For the Beautification of the Museum

Members of Friends of Art & Flowers displaying their floral arrangements
Friends of Art & Flowers logo

The Friends of Art & Flowers (FAF) is a dedicated group of members who share a deep connection with art and flowers. With a primary goal to beautify the museum with flowers, members of FAF create floral arrangements throughout the fall and into spring. Prior experience in floral design is not required.

Major events include planning and presenting two annual lectures that are open to the public: the annual Betsy Campbell lecture in the fall focuses on outdoor gardening and landscaping and the Elizabeth Sites Kuhlman lecture in the spring brings an internationally renowned expert in floral design to the museum.

Our activities vary throughout the year, from flower arranging workshops to guest lectures by nationally known floral experts.

In order to be eligible for membership in FAF, you must be a member of The Detroit Institute of Arts.

Join/Renew Membership

Officers 

  • Beth Lilley, Chair 
  • Johnese Thibault, Vice-chair  
  • Cathy Topf, Secretary
  • Mary McHale, Membership
  • Rita Goss, Treasurer

Board of Directors 

  • Nancy Follett
  • Ellie Gause
  • Midge Lusardi
  • Bruce Paterson
  • Donna Stoner
  • Candy Sweeney
  • Eva Von Voss

Committees 

  • Carolyn Cardoza
  • Carolyn Demps
  • Glee Firth
  • Elise Fisher
  • Jeananne Joaquin
  • Anne Ryan
  • Janet Weber

Staff Liaisons, Rose Gleeson and Phil Rivera

Friends of Art & Flowers accepts donations for personal tributes in honor or memory of someone special. These donations are used to create some of the spectacular floral displays you see in and around the Museum. With these donations comes your personal message honoring your special person or event.

If you would like to make a donation to the Friends of Art & Flowers in honor of someone special or a special event, please contact Azzah Smith, at [email protected], or 313-833-6855.

Watch the training video on YouTube