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A good painting lends itself to individual interpretations. A work of art can mean something different for everyone. That unique perspective is the theme of the Westmoreland Museum of American Art's exhibition "Art in Bloom."

The Museum's Women's Committee invites local residents to interpret the museum's works of art through floral arrangements to raise money for the museum. This weekend the results will be on display for the public to vote on the best in show by placing money in tip jars by each arrangement. The arrangement that collects the most money wins the top prize.

"We invite people to select a painting that they want to interpret in a floral arrangement," says Judith O'Toole, museum director. "The idea is to get people to bond with the work and lend their interpretation to it."

Arrangements can use real or silk flowers, contrived flowers such as those made out of beads or other man-made material, or various items.

Sally Loughran, vice president of the Women's Committee, remembers one year when a doctor used a wheel chair and stethoscope in an arrangement.

Judy Mizikar, owner of Just Miniature Scale, in Greensburg, is using several items in her arrangement. Instead of a painting, she chose The Pennsylvania Hutch, which is located in the Robertshaw Gallery in the Museum.

"I was drawn to it because there wasn't an obvious way to interpret it in flowers," says Mizikar. "I wanted to challenge myself a bit."

The arrangement will feature miniature crockery and Pennsylvania wildflowers, which are made from organic material and shells.

"The flowers are quite intricate," says Mizikar. "They're incredibly small and very detailed."

Mizikar hopes that her arrangement will reveal what a Colonial kitchen would be like.

Gary Pratt of Le Jardin Flowers will embrace the outdoors when he interprets the painting "Outer Harbor."

"It's just like a moment captured in time," says Pratt. "We're going to have an hourglass, seashells and sand. Probably white and blue flowers. They will be fresh flowers."

Pratt, who has operated his Greensburg business for six years, participated in the Art in Bloom exhibition the last time it was held two years ago. He also works extensively with the museum on various events.

"I like working for the museum because everything is always different," says Pratt. "It's like your own piece of art. In the floral business you don't get to express your full creativity."

This year, Loughran wants to ensure that children can enjoy the exhibit as much as their parents. Kids in Bloom will be offered for children ages 6-14 years. The children will receive a museum tour and then be allowed to interpret their favorite painting on a flowerpot.

"It's the first time we've tried it," says Loughran. "I think it's going to be a really successful idea. It's good to get the kids involved."

A panel of judges will vote on the 28 arrangements during a cocktail reception Friday night. Awards will be given for most creative and most humorous, among others. The best in show award will be based on the public's vote.

"There's a plastic container in front of every arrangement," says Loughran. "People vote monetarily."

All of the arrangements are by regional residents -- including Tribune-Review art critic Kurt Shaw, of Pittsburgh -- with one exception:

Pittsburgh native David Conrad, who stars on the CBS drama "The Ghost Whisperer," will offer his interpretation of "Gitana Vieja" by Robert Henri. The arrangement should prove to be one of the more dramatic interpretations with its use of black dahlias and one small red flower.

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