The amount of work that goes into creating the multifaceted Northwest Flower and Garden Show seems overwhelming to a simpleton like myself. How do they do it all? As Stephen Sondheim says, "Bit by bit." Here, along with the lyrics to the Sondheim song, is a glimpse the floral competition being put together.
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Bit by bit, putting it together
Piece by piece, only way to make a work of art
Every moment makes a contribution
Every little detail plays a part
Having just a vision's no solution
Everything depends on execution
Putting it together (That's what counts)
Ounce by ounce, putting it together
Small amounts, adding up to make a work of art
First of all you need a good foundation
Otherwise it's risky from the start
Takes a lot of earnest conversation
But without the proper preparation
Having just a vision's no solution
Everything depends on execution
The art of making art, is putting it together
Bit by bit
Art isn't easy
Every minor detail
Is a major decision
Have to keep things in scale
Have to hold to your vision
Even though you're feeling apprehensive
That you're looking bland and inoffensive
And you wish your wardrobe was extensive
Don't forget that Spangles are expensive
The light, Love
A little to the right, Love
It isn't very bright, Love
And must it be so tight, Love
Thank you, he does that every night
Art isn't easy
Every word, every line
Every glance, every movement
You improve and refine
And refine each improvement
Bit by bit, putting it together
Piece by piece, working out the vision night and day
What it takes is time and perseverance
Dealing with details along the way
Dealing with producer's interference
Waiting for the author's disappearance
Filling up the holes with animation
Covering the flaws in the construdtion
wiping all the scenic ostentation
Knowing it's a "Macintosh" production
Working for a tiny compensation
The art of making art
is putting it together
Bit by bit
Part by part
Fit by fit
Start by start, Stride by stride
Kick by kick, Glide by glide
Schtick by schtick, Side by side by side by side by side by side.
And that is the state of the art.
Hats off to the floral artists who inspire, entertain, and amuse us year after year!