RICHMOND, VA.-Fifty spectacular floral designs will interpret masterworks from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts collection in the ninth edition of "Fine Arts & Flowers," to be on view at VMFA from Thursday, Oct. 11, through Sunday, Oct. 14.

"Members of the Garden Club of Virginia and the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs will offer creative interpretations of artists' original visions for the exhibition," says Wyckie McClure, president of The Council of VMFA, which sponsors the exhibition as a fundraising project.

"You will see surprising uses of materials and innovative concepts in the fantastic floral arrangements. This year we're extending the show through the weekend so that everyone can have the opportunity to view the magnificent displays," she says.

There are two new additions to the 2007 "Fine Arts & Flowers" exhibition. A Jewelry Fair will showcase the work of 14 American jewelry artisans throughout the run of the exhibition, and their uniquely crafted items will be available for purchase. A free family event, Nature's Treasures from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon, Oct. 13, will expand the show's focus for children ages 4 to 12. Music, crafts, and storytelling will be presented. Illustrator Suzanne Tanner Chitwood will demonstrate how she creates pictures for books. Refreshments will be served. (Children must be accompanied by an adult.)

"Fine Arts & Flowers" will kick off with a festive preview party Thursday, Oct. 11, from 7 to 10 p.m. in the flower-filled Marble Hall. Guests will get a first look at the floral interpretations and enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, music and a show of fashions from Saks Fifth Avenue. The evening's theme is Fabergé-inspired: Décor and food will be reminiscent of imperial Russia and France. The preview party also marks the opening of the Jewelry Fair. Tickets to the gala are $130 per person.

"Fine Arts & Flowers" continues through the weekend with luncheons, lectures, demonstrations, docent-guided tours and book signings. Those presenting lectures and demonstrations and participating in book signings will be Ron Morgan of San Francisco, one of the most sought-after floral designers in the United States; Judith Blacklock of London, who is the author of six bestselling books and has created arrangements for the British royal family and prime minister and is a medal winner at the Chelsea Flower Show; and Dan Hinkley of Indianola, Wash., a plant collector and a contributing editor at Horticulture magazine who has appeared as a gardening correspondent on TV's "Martha Stewart Living."

Exhibition and Jewelry Fair admission tickets are $12 per person, with discounts for VMFA members and students. Tickets vary in price for lectures, demonstrations, docent-guided tours, luncheons and Sunday brunch. Details and ticket information are available by telephoning (804) 340-1405 or on-line at www.vmfa.museum.

Parking is available in the new VMFA deck and is included in the price of an exhibition ticket.

"We are grateful to The Council of VMFA for organizing this exciting exhibition - and to the floral designers from the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs and the Garden Club of Virginia. The money raised through their efforts will support the museum's important education and outreach programs," says VMFA Director Alex Nyerges.

Support for the exhibition is from Strange's Florists, Greenhouses and Garden Centers; Target Stores; Whiting-Turner Contracting Company; Saks Fifth Avenue; and VMFA Council member Anne Grigg. The media sponsors for "Fine Arts & Flowers" are Virginia Living magazine and NBC-12.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is an educational institution of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The museum is on the Boulevard at Grove Avenue in Richmond.