Botanical Arts Division Classes

THIS CLASS IS FULL

In a town known for grand homes of the finest marble, moldings and chandeliers, none shines brighter than Rosecliff with the largest ballroom in Newport. With matching chandeliers (nearly 10 feet high) and sconces of crystal, light dances around the room, magnified by the brilliance of ladies dripping in jewels from the tips of their tiaras to their couture dresses.

A Tiara worthy to sit upon the head of one of Newport’s Pearls …

Tiara created with dried plant materials. Viewed and judged from all sides. Head form supplied to exhibitor upon registration. Statement of Intent is optional. Photo and details of staging included in Exhibitor Packet.

Pedestal Size: 18” square top x 42” high

THIS CLASS IS FULL

Not only does Rosecliff boast the largest ballroom,
but also the only heart-shaped staircase built for the express purpose of grand entries.
Its shape was intended to perfectly frame a lady descending its steps on the signature red carpet.

A Minaudiere inspired by Tessie Oelrichs’ famous staircase.

Minaudiere created with dried plant materials. Viewed and judged from all sides. Statement of Intent is optional. Bag staged on Plexiglas stand provided to Exhibitor upon registration.

Photo and details of staging included in the Exhibitor Packet.

Pedestal Size: 14” square top x 38.5” high

THIS CLASS IS FULL

Stomachers were originally an inverted triangular-shaped pieces of stiff textile embellished and placed on the front of a lady’s dress to accentuate the body and enhance the bodice. A favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, these panels made a comeback during the Gilded Age, as another way to emphasize status and wealth.

A Stomacher that announces the worth of a Newport “Pearl.”

Stomacher embellished with dried plant materials. Stomacher staged on a black velvet panel within a niche painted Verdigris. Viewed from the front. Niche is lighted from above. Canvas panel provided to exhibitor upon registration. Photo and details of staging included in the Exhibitor Packet. Statement of Intent is optional.

Niche size: Interior of Niche – 17” wide x 17” deep x 25” high

THIS CLASS IS FULL

The “Pearls” of Newport had a penchant for jewelry. Caroline Astor was known for wearing the “Bow Brooch” created for and worn by Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III. Coincidentally, this is the same brooch that was just stolen from the Louvre (Fall 2025). A masterpiece set with 2,438 diamonds. Many other Newporters shared a love of exquisite jewelry, including the Vanderbilts. A substantial block of Vanderbilt jewels recently found their way to the auction block in Geneva, generating excitement.

A Brooch inspired by a great Newport family.

Brooch created using dried plant materials. The Brooch will be staged on a black velvet form inside a niche painted Verdigris. Velvet form provided to exhibitor upon registration. Statement of Intent is optional. Photo and details of staging included in the Exhibitor Packet.

Niche Size: Interior of Niche – 12-7/8” x 12-3/4” Circular Opening to Niche – 9-3/8”

THIS CLASS IS FULL

Chokers appear as far back as the Egyptians, who wore them for medicinal and protective powers. Anne Boleyn famously wore hers branded with a “B.” The red ribbon choker was a symbol of resistance during the French Revolution. In paintings such as Édouard Manet’s “Olympia,” a simple black ribbon choker was a symbol of a less-than-polite profession, but this did not stop the Victorians upper classes who embraced and wore them bejeweled in the style of Queen Alexandra of Denmark.
Mamie Fish, an outrageous Newporter of the Gilded Age, was often depicted wearing chokers of varying styles.

A Choker that sends a message.

Choker created from all dried and/or pressed plant materials. Choker staged on bust with a niche lighted from above and painted Verdigris. Viewed and judged from the front. Bust form provided to exhibitor upon registration. Statement of Intent is REQUIRED.

Photo and details of staging included in the Exhibitor Packet.

Niche Size: Interior of Niche – 31” wide x 23” deep x 35” high