Blooming art

"Art in Bloom," the annual rite of spring at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, marks its 30th anniversary this week, Thursday through Sunday. The floral festival and fundraiser will include more than 150 flower arrangements inspired by works of art in the MIA's collection. The theme of this year's event is "Global Nature," and will include live music from different cultures, throughout the museum.

Special events will include a keynote address by Chris Giftos, retired master floral designer for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a lecture and workshop by Ardith Beveridge, director of education at Koehler & Dramm's Institute of Floristry in Minneapolis. For a complete Art in Bloom program and to reserve tickets for specific events, visit www.artsmia.org/art-in-bloom.

'Girlfriend getaway'

Stillwater, the 1848 river town on the St. Croix, is inviting women of all ages to its "Girlfriend Getaway" event this weekend. More than 40 historic Main Street shops, restaurants and hotels/B&Bs are participating, offering activities, classes, demonstrations and shopping specials. Events will include a morning yoga class with breakfast, a silk scarf-making class, wine tastings, cave tours, trolley tours, food and beauty demonstrations, and a spring style show.

Most activities are free, but a few require preregistration and cost due to limited space. The weekend kicks off Friday with a 5-7 p.m. wine and cheese reception at the Water Street Inn, 101 Water St., where participants can pick up their free Stillwater Passport outlining all weekend activities. Visitors who want to spend the night can take advantage of discounted lodgings (15 percent off a one-night stay; 25 percent off a two-night stay). Participating properties are listed at www.discoverstillwater.com/lodging.

Architecture on film

The tiny-house movement, a response to McMansion culture, is gaining momentum. A film focused on this movement, "Tiny: A Story About Living Small," will be part of the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival.

Showings will be 7:30 p.m. Thursday and 4:10 p.m. Saturday at the St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 SE. Main St. Before both showings, Architecture Minnesota will screen three videos ("Big Hair, Big Ideas," "The Virtual Office" and "Bobbie Jones") from its Videotect 3: "City of the Future" video competition. To order tickets, visit www.mspfilmfest.org.

Fashion for the home

Want ideas for incorporating current fashion trends into home decor? Mark your calendar for May 8 when LiLu Interiors will host "Fashion + Interiors." This event features interior vignettes designed to reflect the distinct style of live models outfitted in the latest fashions from local boutiques. New for this year's event will be a runway show.

Fashion + Interiors will be held 5-7 p.m. at International Market Square, Suite 185. The event is free; wine tastings and light hors d'oeuvres will be served. Space is limited. RSVP to info@liluinteriors.com.

Call for ugly rooms

Do you have a hideous living room, bedroom or dining room? HGTV is looking for ugly, outdated spaces in the Minneapolis and Hudson, Wis., areas for a new show. "We're talking shag carpet, wretched wallpaper, old comic book collectibles and awful hand-me-down furniture," reads the news release.

A few homeowners will receive a dramatic makeover, courtesy of HGTV. If you are a homeowner interested in participating, e-mail your contact information, including city of residence, a description of your room, and photos of the space and your family, to ugliestroomcasting@gmail.com. Don't delay. The deadline for submissions is April 26.

KIM PALMER