J. JOHN PRIOLA

gold sheen tissue, green ripple fine paper, gold glitter paper, coffee filters, inks

Artist: Cécile Chalouni

“While the Iris is the symbol of the monarchy in France, I picked it as I simply find this flower beautiful, and saw it blooming in my parents' garden. Also, it is the name of the colored part of the eye that controls the amount of light that gets captured. It is a wink, and I do love photography and nature as well” - Cécile Chalouni.

Thanks to Noëmie Herail, Executive Director.

handwoven mat from the Philippines

Artist: Sammay Dizon

“Handwoven mats are essential throughout Asia and Oceania. This flower is made of repurposed handwoven mat from the Philippines - acquired in my mother's home province of Albay, Bicol.” - Sammay Dizon

Thanks to Vinay Patel, Executive Director.

Kirigami, paper, wire, floral tape

Artist: Hoa Du

The Lotus grows in deep mud, producing the most beautiful flower. It's known as the flower of the dawn, symbolizing purity, enlightenment, optimism for the future, and rebirth. At night the flower closes, sinks underwater, then rises and opens again at dawn.

Thanks to Hang Le To, Executive Director of ACVCC, and Co-Chair of SEAACC.

crepe paper, wire, glue

Artist: Kook

“I chose this particular flower because of its uniqueness. The flower definitely catches your eye; it's not your average style flower. The anatomy of the flower is different than most, and the color contrast, along with its “crane” style shape, makes the flower “pop-out”. The petals and bulbs of the flower are vibrant and have different textures. The Bird of Paradise flower is a tropical flower which blooms during the fall season, usually September- October. The flower exudes from South Africa but is often found in “jungle” like areas. The flower symbolizes freedom, longevity, and enlightenment. All things which make life’s journey bright and hopeful. When you look at this flower display, you should feel free, warm, and encouraged.” Kook 2021.

The Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theatre is the culture hub of Bayview Hunters Point, a homing beacon for all African Americans who have left the area, and a place where Black and Brown artists come to present their work and collaborate with each other.

Thanks to Barbara Ockel, Executive Director, and Zarahia Perdomo, Production Manager.

paper, wire, pheasant tail feathers, hot glue, floral tape

Made by one of the early performers, this ‘flower’ is referencing the original hat in Beach Blanket Goes Bananas, 1975 Steve Silver's Beach Blanket Babylon was the world's longest-running musical revue that began its run in 1974. “Beach Blanket” had reached over 6.5 million patrons before it closed permanently on New Year’s Eve, 2019.

organza fabric, orange and yellow cellophane, paper, wire, glue

Artist: Natalie Alemán

"Marigolds, also known as Cempasúchil is used in our Día de Los Muertos celebration honoring the souls of our friends & family members who’ve passed away. Beautifully bright, the Marigolds decorate private altars alongside ofrendas; food, photos and items that belonged to the deceased, as a reminder of their lives . The roses speak for our hard-working migrant families, they are our neighborhood street vendors. As you walk through the Mission District, you’ll see white buckets containing roses of all colors decorate street corners & carts, ready to be sold. Both flowers, are symbolic to the preservation of our collective community — past, present and future.” - Natalie Alemán.

Thanks to Erick Arguello, Council President, and Frank Gonzalez, Arts and Culture Chair.

crepe paper, wire, floral tape

Artist: Yan Shao

Wintersweet (Yellow Plum Blossom) is one kind of flower native in China, which bursts into bloom in the middle of winter with a delightful honeyed fragrance. It represents the elegance, beauty, and perseverance in Chinese culture, as the famous poet Wang Anshi had described it “Several plum branches stand at the wall corner; Even in extreme cold they, alone, flower in delight. From a distance I know that they are not snow; For sweet scent floats and lingers in the freezing air.”

Thanks to Yuanyuan Zhu, Exhibition Manager.

hand-sewn feathers, glass beads, paper, wire, floral tape

Artists: Dauwila Harrison, Navajo/Pomo/Paiute, & Summer Harrison-Little Cloud, 12 years old

“The California poppy has been used as medicine to our people and it only seemed right to pick a poppy in these times. My mother and I brought an intertribal contemporary form of art while creating these flowers. We used feathers for the petals and glass beads for the stigma. -we hope you like it” - Summer Harrison-Little Cloud, 12 years old.

Thanks to Sofia Moore, TAY Case Manager for the Youth Program.

Salmon, Red, and Orange: crepe paper, wire, floral tape

Artists: Anouk Wodianka, 6 years old & Bettina Wodianka, Alba Njangiru, 6 years old & Noémie Njangiru, Astrid Kraft Alonzo

After having a conversation about which flower to choose for the project, we picked the Peony. Peonies are a very popular flower in Germany because of their gorgeous blossom. They can be found in private gardens as well as on garden farms. Most importantly, however, we all associate beautiful and very personal childhood memories with the flower. These memories come to life through their delicate and fragile appearance and above all through their scent.

crepe paper, additional materials from Japanese American family-owned Soko Hardware, since 1925, and Japanese American family-owned Paper Tree, since 1968

Artists: Stephanie Doi, & Elena Nielsn

Thanks to Matt Okada, Director of Special Events & Communications

Note: Kanzan Cherry Blossom trees once bloomed in front of the Center and will do so again soon, Cherry Blossom Trees vandalized, January 2021

Lehua & La`i

Artist: Kawika Alfiche, Kumu Hula

We used the lehua flower and la`i leaf with 2 different styles of lei making. These are 2 typical plants we use for traditional dance and are grown at our cultural center in South San Francisco. As hula people, we engage with the elements and our movement and song are environmental conversation and prayer. These lei are what we call kinolau (vegetable bodies) and connect us directly to the deity of the forest and hula, Laka.

Korean traditional paper, wire, floral tape, paint.

Artist: Sarah Kim-Lee

These three flowers represent past and contemporary Korean culture.

Thanks to Bomion Spring Kim, Program Director

paper, paint, aluminum wire

Artist: Selena Squarzanti

“My heritage and my present give me the chance to say that I’m a world citizen. Italy is my born and raised country, San Francisco is my love. Lily is Italy. It’s a chameleonic flower. Its meaning changes depending on the colors. This is Italy, with many shapes of personalities, cultures, and food. What keeps all these shapes together is Amore (love). The letter A represents my past and my future and the three circles in the chain represent my family.“ - Selena Squarzanti.

Thanks to Susan Fliippo, Assistant Managing Director.

paper, wire, glue, floral tape

Artist: Muneeba Zeeshan

The paper rose is showcasing the intricate Ajrak design which is unique to the Province of Sindh, Pakistan. Ajrak is the art of block printing complex floral designs with bold and contrasting colors. This art has been passed down through generations. It’s a symbol of pride and respect among the locals. In Pakistan, Ajrak shawls are often presented to honor special guests.

Pakistan is also famous for its most fragrant roses especially from Hyderabad (Sindh). So the Ajrak patterned roses are a unique depiction of Pakistan in this beautiful bouquet.

Thanks to Wesaam Al-Brady.

paper, wire, glue, rhinestones

Artist: Donna Sachet

This bloom created is inspired by the rainbow flag that represents the rich diversity within the LGBTQ+ Community. Donna has been actively involved in San Francisco as a singer, event producer, fundraiser, and activist for 25 years.“Our mission is to celebrate and commemorate the historic impact of LGBTQ pioneers with bronze plaques in the heart of the Castro District.”
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‍For over 10 years, the Rainbow Honor Walk has been selecting suitable honorees and commemorating their lives, and work with bronze plaques up and down Castro Street, 19th Street, and Market Street, giving the Castro neighborhood a very visible and constant reminder of the importance of our LGBTQ+ history and its key players. We have honored people from different fields, genders, ages, ethnicities, and gender identities, both local and national or international in recognition. As an all-volunteer organization, we rely completely on tax-deductible donations from individuals and companies who share our mission.

Thanks to David Perry.

paper, paper towel, wire, floral tape

Artists: Lolita, Ofelia, Zeny, Cecilia, Auring, Nanita, Natividad, Elmira, Virginia, Maria, Emelita, Tetet

Sampaguita is a sweet tropical flower with tiny petals. It is the national flower of the Philippines which symbolizes purity, simplicity, humility, and strength. It is commonly used as garlands and sold near church entrances for religious offerings.Thanks to Aureen Almario, Bindlestiff Studio, and the Restorative Theater Arts for Seniors, sponsored by the San Francisco Arts Commission, California Arts Council, San Francisco Grants for the Arts, Theater Bay Area, SOMA Pilipinas. Bindlestiff Studio is the only Filipino American performing arts space in the nation. Their mission is to cultivate artists who reflect and celebrate the diverse values, traditions, and histories of Pilipino and Filipino American cultures through bold artistic expression and community engagement. Bindlestiff offers Restorative Theater Arts for Seniors (RETAS), a theater arts workshop especially geared for seniors. The workshop includes writing, movement, acting, music, and dancing. The workshop culminates in a show titled Senior Arts Moment. Song of the Sampaguita, a special note about the meaning of the Sampaguita flower from Natee

card-stock, wire, hot glue, floral tape

Artist: Scott G. Shelp

The flower created to represent SFLGFB is based on the "heart-note" logo created by graphic designer John Tomlinson. The Band has used it since its 10-year anniversary in 1988. The heart symbolizes the love and acceptance the Band promotes and practices. It can also be seen as a nod to “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” one of the first songs played by the Band and which was written in 1954 by a Bay Area gay couple, George C. Cory, Jr. and Douglass Cross.
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The Band’s Mission is to provide education and musical development of its members, promote visibility of LGBTQ+ communities, and foster understanding among communities. They believe all talent is worthy of development and that artistic expression is essential to our communities’ health. They are thrilled to support Bouquet.

‍Thanks to Pete Nowlen, Artistic Director, Concert Band, and Julie Williamson, Co-President.

Korean traditional paper, wire, floral tape, paint

Artist: Juniper Yun

This flower was created by one of the District's workers who used traditional craft techniques from their Korean heritage. The creation of the delicately cut paper petals allows light to shine through and thus transforms the cast shadows into beautiful complex shapes -- metaphor to the journey many Transgender and Gender Non-Confoming (TGNC) folks take living on the margins. The Transgender District is the first legally recognized district in the world dedicated to those of the TGNC and Transgender and Intersex identity (TGI) experience.

Thanks to Aria Sa’id, Co-Founder & Executive Director (she/her), and Jupiter Peraza, Program Associate (she/her).

handmade paper, wire, floral tape

Artists: April Martin, & Carey Lamprecht

“The Dahlia flower represents The Women's Building because of its many different forms and colors, it has 8 chromosome sets, which is the symbol for infinite. International Women's Day is on the 8th of March. It is also Mexico's national flower which represents the majority of our community and roots” - Olivia Herrera, Bookings Director.

‍Thanks to Kelly Lockwood, Finance and Human Resources Director, Olivia Herrera, Bookings Director, and Tania Estrada, Community Programs Director.

paper, glue, wire

Artists: Jennifer Drennan, Dowling’s Librarian, & Sheila

The shamrocks were created by Jennifer Drennan, a 6th generation northern Californian with Irish roots long lost to family lore and Sheila, a 3rd generation Californian, and an SF native volunteer whose family hailed from Cork and Kerry.Named after its founder and first library director, Patrick J. Dowling (1904-1998), the library, located on the ground floor of the UICC opened on April 5, 1975, a month after the United Irish Cultural Center. When the UICC was being planned and built, it was Dowling’s idea to create the first all-Irish library and archives in the U.S. He traveled throughout the U.S. and Ireland, soliciting book and journal donations. The library now contains more than 5,000 titles on a number of subjects relating to Ireland, Irish America, and books written in the Irish language. Guestbooks chronicle visits by people from all around the world, including Tip O’Neill, former speaker of the United States House of Representatives; Albert Reynolds, Prime Minister of Ireland; Mary Robinson, President of Ireland; and recently by Beto O'Rourke, presidential candidate; and Robert O'Driscoll, San Francisco Consul General. Dedicated volunteers have generously given their time to keep the library going. And thanks to bighearted donors, the library’s collection continues to grow, connecting patrons to all things Irish and Irish American.

Thanks to Angela Tickler, Director of Events and Operations.