# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Annual Luncheon presented by Women's Art Board featuring Laura Dowling
- **Event Start and End Date**: Fri, 16 Oct, 2026 at 11:00 am – Fri, 16 Oct, 2026 at 02:00 pm (-05:00)
- **Event Description**: PURCHASE YOUR TICKET TODAY—rockfordartmuseum.org/events! 

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 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

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.

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. 


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, rockfordartmuseum.org/events
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/rockford/annual-luncheon-presented-by-womens-art-board-featuring-laura-dowling/200030550968818
- **Event Categories**: art, exhibitions, fine-arts, nonprofit, holiday, it, thanksgiving, storytelling
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 17

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Rockford
- **state**: IL
- **country**: United States
- **location**: 711 N Main St, Rockford, IL, United States, Illinois 61103
- **lat**: 42.2765
- **long**: -89.08896
- **full address**: 711 N Main St, Rockford, IL, United States, Illinois 61103

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Annual Luncheon presented by Women's Art Board featuring Laura Dowling
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events4/banners/6a38688e387d10925cb25f0234a5fb656db304ca2a0094f7e3eb1cfb86254fb4-rimg-w1200-h1800-dc080808-gmir?v=1787325700

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Annual Luncheon presented by Women's Art Board featuring Laura Dowling being held?
  - **A:** Annual Luncheon presented by Women's Art Board featuring Laura Dowling takes place on Fri, 16 Oct, 2026 at 11:00 am to Fri, 16 Oct, 2026 at 02:00 pm at 711 N Main St, Rockford, IL, United States, Illinois 61103.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Annual Luncheon presented by Women's Art Board featuring Laura Dowling?
  - **A:** Annual Luncheon presented by Women's Art Board featuring Laura Dowling is organized by Rockford Art Museum.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Annual Luncheon presented by Women's Art Board featuring Laura Dowling is ideal for art lovers, collectors, creatives, and anyone inspired by visual arts, installations, and exhibitions. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Rockford, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Annual Luncheon presented by Women's Art Board featuring Laura Dowling sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

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