For nearly a decade, one local visual arts event has brought two vignettes of the Chippewa Valley's creative scene together for a lovely – if fleeting – exhibit: Fabulous Florals & Fine Arts. 

Fabulous Florals & Fine Arts pairs artists and florists together, tasking the latter with interpreting some sort of visual arts piece through floral arrangement. Originally held at the former Eau Claire Regional Arts Center for a number of years, the annual sensory exhibit now calls the Pablo Center at the Confluence its annual home, with this year's display shown from March 26-29 at the James W. Hansen Gallery.

This year's showing saw more than 20 pairings, with artworks ranging from acrylic paintings to felting, film photography and stained glass. Local florists included individuals from Brent Douglas Flowers, Lily Beez, Four Seasons on Grand, Eevy Ivy Over Flowers, Hy-Vee Floral,Green Oasis and independent florists. 

Part of the sensory exhibit, viewers are encouraged to spend time with each pairing and offer their feedback via slips of paper, stating their picks for a handful of awards categories. Congratulations to this year's winners, shared below, and a heartfelt kudos to all who participated in this annual favorite.

2026 Fabulous Florals & Fine Arts award winners, per the Pablo Center:

Best Artwork: "Wild Sunflowers" by Gerlyn Brasic
Honorable mentions: "Cathedral Glass" by Jeff Nelson, "Tree of Life" by Melissa Owens

Best Floral Design: Brent Stelzer's (Brent Douglas Florals) arrangement inspired by Patty Q's "Self"
Honorable mention: Jenn Lightell's (Four Seasons on Grand) arrangement inspired by Patty Q's "Eclipse"

Best Pairing: "Emerald Darling" by Ben Howen & Nika Schawrz (Brent Douglas Flowers)
Honorable mention: "Grief" by Maddilyn Vetter & Sherry Wozniak (Hy-Vee Florals)