June Events for the Design Minded, Part 2

Photo courtesy of Newport Mansions

By Lynda Simonton

Newport Flower Show

Come help the Newport Flower Show celebrate its 20th year. Rosecliff, where the show is hosted, is the birthplace of the American Beauty rose, and the 2015 show celebrates the timeless beauty of this iconic bloom. The show will feature presentations by floral designer Jane Godshalk, gardener and historian Peter Hatch, and celebrity gardener P. Allen Smith. There will also be floral designs, garden displays, and plenty of shopping opportunities. Several social events surround the show, including a festive opening-night party on Friday, and a Sunday Champagne and jazz brunch. June 19 – 21, admission for the show is $20 in advance, and $25 the day of the event. Tickets for the keynote lectures and social events can be purchased on the Newport Mansions website. Rosecliff Mansion, Newport, R.I., (401) 847-1000, newportmansions.org

Nantucket Plein Air Festival 

The Artists Association of Nantucket hosts its fourth annual Nantucket Plein Air festival on June 18-21, open to outdoor painters who would like to capture the beauty of the island. The four-day event ends with an exhibition of the art and the presentation of the Frank Swift Chase Awards, June 21, at 5 p.m., at the Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery. $10 to enter. Nantucket, Mass.,  (508) 228-0722, nantucketarts.org

Orleans Improvement Association Garden Tour

Enjoy the beautiful gardens of Orleans with the annual Orleans Improvement Association Garden Tour on June 20. Local musicians as well as plein air painters will be on hand for additional entertainment. After-tour receptions will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at local galleries. Tours 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; $25 in advance, $30 the day of the tour. Advance tickets available online or at Snow’s, Friend’s Marketplace, and Agway. Tickets will be on sale the day of the tour at the Nauset Regional Middle School Greenhouse, 70 Route 28, Orleans, Mass., orleansimprovement.org

Evening of Discovery

The 17th Annual Evening of Discovery will take its theme from Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s exhibit of Alfred Eisenstaedt’s photographs of island people. The gala held on June 27 will feature a silent auction and a buffet dinner under a tent overlooking Vineyard Haven Harbor. Black-and-white attire is encouraged, but not required. 6 p.m.; $225. Martha’s Vineyard Museum Vineyard Haven Property, Vineyard Haven, Mass. (508) 627-4441, x117, mvmuseum.org

Art in the Village

Enjoy great art and the beautiful village of Barnstable, Mass. at this annual event. There will be music, kids’ activities, and a silent auction, as well.  June 27-28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sponsored by the Cape Cod Art Association, (508) 362-2909, capecodartassoc.org

Connecticut's Historic Gardens Day 

The day includes tours of seven of Connecticut’s historic gardens along with other special events. Pack a picnic lunch and discover some of the area’s prettiest and most interesting gardens. June 28, Noon–4 p.m. See the Connecticut Historic Gardens website for details, cthistoricgardens.org