Annual Luncheon presented by Women’s Art Board

Annual Luncheon presented by Women’s Art Board

Event Date:

October 16, 2026

Event Time:

11:00 am

Event Location:

Rockford Art Museum, 711 N Main Street, Rockford, IL, 61103, USA

Event Description

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.

Dowling will also share a preview of her latest work as Artistic Director of Christmas at Cheekwood Estate & Botanical Gardens in Nashville, where she is creating Un Noël Enchanté, an immersive holiday exhibition inspired by the elegance of French châteaux. Following the lecture, Dowling will demonstrate how to create one of her signature lush seasonal bouquets in the French garden style, offering practical design tips and inspiration for arranging flowers with natural beauty, movement, and abundance. The program concludes with a book signing featuring her newest book, Designing Christmas (you can pre-purchase the book below).
Whether you’re passionate about flowers, design, history, entertaining, or the White House, this special program offers a rare opportunity to experience the artistry, diplomacy, and storytelling behind some of America’s most memorable celebrations.

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.

Ticket Options
Adult
$75.00
Extra Service
Laura's book "Designing Christmas"
$35.00
Total Price : Free
Attendee Information :   

Frequently asked questions

I'd rather not purchase tickets online, what can I do?

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.

What's for lunch?

Stay tuned!

How is seating determined?

<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>

Organized By: 
Event Schedule Details
Event Location

Rockford Art Museum, 711 N Main Street, Rockford, IL, 61103, USA