We can take your reservation in-person at Rockford Art Museum (711 N Main Street), over the phone at (815) 968-2787 or you can mail a check (payable to Rockford Art Museum) with a list of attendees and your contact information.
October 16, 2026
11:00 am
Rockford Art Museum, 711 N Main Street, Rockford, IL, 61103, USA
PURCHASE YOUR TICKET TODAY! Friday, October 16th
Doors open at 11 AM, presentation and lunch at noon
Laura Dowling will be available to personalize pre-purchased books directly following the presentation (books can be added on to the program ticket below for $35/book)
Rockford Art Museum | 711 N Main St. Rockford
Sponsors to date— Anne & David Boccignone, Dean Alan Olson Foundation, Holly Johnson, Pam Reilly & Robin Roegner; Susan Carlin, Liz Dickinson, Gunderson Girls, Janet Moore, Cathie Thiede; Barbara Holmstrom; Marti Frantz; Margret Hesler Hynes, Pam Keeling
Join us for this year’s annual luncheon presented by Women’s Art Board benefiting educational programming at Rockford Art Museum. The event will be held Friday, October 16th, in the galleries at Rockford Art Museum (711 N Main St., Rockford). Doors open at 11 AM for a silent auction and social hour, and the luncheon will begin at noon. There will be an opportunity to have pre-purchased books personalized by Laura Dowling immediately following the luncheon.
Floral Diplomacy in the White House Style
Lecture, Floral Demonstration & Book Signing with Laura Dowling
Step behind the scenes of one of the world’s most iconic residences with former White House Chief Floral Designer Laura Dowling, who served as Chief Floral Designer from 2009–2015. In this special presentation, Dowling shares the remarkable journey that took her from a career as a policy analyst in Washington, D.C., to studying floral design in Paris, and ultimately to winning the coveted position of Chief Floral Designer at the White House.
Drawing from her unique concept of Floral Diplomacy, Dowling reveals how flowers became far more than decoration — they were thoughtfully designed as strategic tools to create atmosphere, celebrate American traditions, honor visiting heads of state, and support the diplomatic objectives of the presidency. Through behind-the-scenes stories and stunning photographs, she offers an insider’s look at planning and orchestrating White House state dinners, official ceremonies, holiday celebrations, and other historic events.
This annual luncheon continues to be an educational, entertaining event. Presented by Women’s Art Board, ticket proceeds help the group support RAM education programs throughout the year. Reservations required.
We can take your reservation in-person at Rockford Art Museum (711 N Main Street), over the phone at (815) 968-2787 or you can mail a check (payable to Rockford Art Museum) with a list of attendees and your contact information.
Stay tuned!
<p>If you have a group that you'd like to sit with simply include their names on your registration form and we'll do our best to seat you together. Tables can accommodate up to 10.</p>