Garfield Park Conservatory transformed into a one-of-a-kind runway as floral designers unveiled stunning creations made entirely of plants and flowers at the annual FLEUROTICA fundraiser on Oct. 17, 2024. Drawing a sold-out crowd in just nine minutes, the event combined creative artistry with a mission to support nature education programs, raising a record-breaking $271,000 for the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance (GPCA).
The event showcased the work of 15 Chicago-based floral creatives from diverse fields, including floral design, fashion, landscape design, and fine art. Participants were challenged to design head-to-toe looks inspired by nature and the Conservatory, using only botanical materials. This year’s program also featured a new raffle and live auction, helping GPCA expand access to its nature and education programs, including the Urban Roots Teen Environmental Justice Program.
Two Urban Roots Teen Leaders, Cecilia Mejia and Samuel Holmes, shared personal stories during the program, highlighting the impact of their internships. Since 2016, more than 130 West Side teens have participated in the program, with 100 percent reporting increased knowledge of environmental science and the health benefits of spending time in nature, as well as motivation to pursue green careers.
Opening remarks were delivered by John Harris, GPCA Board of Directors Chair, Co-chairs Erika Summers and Jenné Myers, and Jen Van Valkenburg, GPCA CEO & President. 2024 floral designers include: A. Hunt Design, Amy Crum Designers, A’vents by August, Brittney Kee Floral Design, Dominique Struck, Earth’s Remedies – Mercedes Pickett, The Florist & The Flower, Hailey Rodden, Hearthstone & Terrace, Honey Street Flowers, Luz Cardenas, Planks and Pistils, Project 1952 with Lillian Augusta Beauty, Scottie by Design, and Vitruvian Fine Art Studio.
FLEUROTICA 2024 was supported by a host committee led by co-chairs Erika Summers (Erika Summers Events, GPCA Board Member) and Jenné Myers (The Golden Connect) and committee members Kristin Beal (Wintrust), Mary Clare Bonaccorsi (Polsinelli), Cristina Vera Bridges (Vera Creative), Wilonda Cannon (FIHN Consulting), Tanya Davis (William & Mary Davis Foundation), Elinor Escamilla (William Blair), Jessica Ashley Garmon (The Will Group), Vanessa Hall (Peoples Gas), Dontrey Britt Hart (Denim & Damask), Georgina Heard (Strategies for Sustainable Solutions), Diana Palomar (ABC 7), and Julie Sacks.
FLEUROTICA’s 2024 Presenting Sponsor was the Escamilla/Walania team at William Blair. Champion Sponsor is Dontrey Britt-Hart of Denim & Damask. Lily Sponsors include Amazon, ComEd, Enterprise, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Polsinelli, and Cari and Michael J. Sacks. Palm Sponsors include ABC 7 Chicago, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, The Bluhm Family Charitable Foundation, Charity & Associates, and Wintrust Financial. Fern Sponsors include Chicago Bulls Charities, Erika Summers Events, Fifth Third Bank, The Golden Connect, JMB Insurance, Loretto Hospital Foundation, The Malkin Family, Onyx Strategies, Julie and Kenny Sacks, Vera Creative and The Will Group.
A pre-show cocktail hour featured drinks from Uncle Nearest, St~Germain, Martini & Rossi Prosecco, Bonaccorsi Wine Company, Marz Community Brewing, Nebula9, Swoon, Goya coconut and sparkling water and Boxed Water. Light bites provided by Beatrix, Ema, Pizzeria Portofino, and dessert from Eli’s Cheesecake, Jesse’s Gelato, and TruFru. Event production partners include Vue Productions, Ruth Page Center for the Arts, DJ All the Way K, and Select Model Management. Photography by Ally Almore Photography. ABC 7 Chicago is the official media sponsor for FLEUROTICA, featuring emcee Jasmine Minor.
About Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance
The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance (GPCA) changes lives through the power of nature. GPCA is a 501c3 educational organization responsible for the Garfield Park Conservatory’s educational programs, events, and visitor services. The Alliance works in partnership with the Chicago Park District to engage Conservatory visitors year-round. Alliance programs range from beekeeping, composting, and plant propagation to dynamic arts and culture programs that serve West Side families and Chicago residents of all ages and visitors across the globe. The Garfield Park Conservatory now hosts over 325,000 visitors annually, engages and provides school field trips for over 20,000 Chicago children. The Conservatory is one of the nation’s largest and finest historic conservatories and is owned by the Chicago Park District.
About Garfield Park Conservatory
The Garfield Park Conservatory is owned and managed by the Chicago Park District and has showcased “landscape art under glass” for 115 years. Opened in 1908, the historic Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N. Central Park Ave.) displays 2,000 varieties of plants ranging from Midwest natives to exotic species, as well as fountains, ponds and a prairie-style waterfall, inside stunning glass houses designed to replicate desert, tropical and prehistoric rainforest environments. The Conservatory’s 14-acre campus also boasts three outdoor gardens, an expansive rolling lawn and a stone terrace.
How To Help:
Interested in supporting equitable access to nature on Chicago’s West Side? Want to get more involved to champion the next generation of climate and environmental activists? Or just want to decrease your stress level and enjoy some verdant tranquility? Visit Garfield Park Conservatory online to book a visit, donate, or become a member or volunteer.
