Ron Ben-Israel will be the featured presenter for the 2015 Festival of Flowers sponsored by Lower Cape Fear Hospice.

Ben-Israel is known as “Sweet Genius” to fans of the Food Network show by the same name. His presentation, Flowers with a Sweet Twist, will teach participants how to create edible flowers. Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation has partnered with Wilmington-based One Belle Bakery to present the event at this year’s fundraiser.

“He is without a doubt a sweet genius and has been an inspiration to me since I began my cake career,” One Belle Bakery owner Anna Echols said. “We are so excited to offer festival guests a chance to learn the art of sugar flowers from the most talented professional in the industry.”

The presentation will take place at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 26, at Coastline Convention and Event Center. Guests will create their own edible floral masterpiece to set atop a cupcake. Tickets are $50 per person. Lower Cape Fear Hospice is a nonprofit agency that provides health care and comfort to people with advanced illnesses, support and counseling to families and education to the community.

Jean Rosenberg, chairwoman for the event, came up with the twist on this year’s festival.

“She thought festival guests would enjoy a fresh take on flowers this year,” said Lindsey Champion, Lower Cape Fear Hospice development manager. “We’re thrilled and excited to offer Festival of Flowers guests the opportunity to learn how to make beautiful, confectionery flowers from someone as accomplished and renowned as Ron Ben-Israel.”

Ben-Israel has appeared on several TV shows including The Oprah Winfrey Show and Late Show with David Letterman. Town & Country and New York Magazine have featured his work, and his creations were highlighted in the book Vera Wang on Weddings.

For full event details and to purchase tickets, call 796-8099, ext. 6 or click here.

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