Art Museum Transforms Into Indoor Garden for Chicago Benefit

Fleurotica, a benefit for the Garfield Park Conservatory, took place at an art museum this year—but the venue still had a garden feel.

Jenny Berg
June 26, 2013

At Fleurotica, guests draped themselves on moss-covered beds at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Ivy covered the bar, appetizers circulated on leafy plates, and models walked a runway in looks constructed entirely out of plants, flowers, and ferns. The June 12 fund-raiser for the Garfield Park Conservatory couldn't be held at the conservatory because of hail damage to its roof—the evening's take, estimated at $200,000 will help with repairs—so organizers worked to bring the spirit of the garden-filled spot to the museum. Here's a look at how co-chairs and event producers Deirdre Koldyke, Whitney Lasky, and Shauna Montgomery brought the outdoors inside and added a touch of fantasy.

Guests could pose for photos, or just lounge, on brass beds decked with mossy, flowery bedspreads. Plush pillows in bright hues featured the event logo.
Guests could pose for photos, or just lounge, on brass beds decked with mossy, flowery bedspreads. Plush pillows in bright hues featured the event logo.
Photo: David Miller
Some 30 landscape artists and floral designers created runway looks using plants, flowers, leaves, moss, and branches. H. Bloom's look (pictured) featured bright purple orchids.
Some 30 landscape artists and floral designers created runway looks using plants, flowers, leaves, moss, and branches. H. Bloom's look (pictured) featured bright purple orchids.
Photo: David Miller
At the leaf-covered bar, servers infused Willa vodka cocktails with botanical elements found at the Garfield Park Conservatory. The specialty drinks, called 'Conservancy Julep' and 'Alliance Elixir,' were served in Mason jars.
At the leaf-covered bar, servers infused Willa vodka cocktails with botanical elements found at the Garfield Park Conservatory. The specialty drinks, called "Conservancy Julep" and "Alliance Elixir," were served in Mason jars.
Photo: David Miller
Smilebooth provided a photo station with a grassy step-and-repeat and props including a flowery picture frame.
Smilebooth provided a photo station with a grassy step-and-repeat and props including a flowery picture frame.
Photo: David Miller
Appetizers circulated on trays decked with leaves and flowers. Menu items included watermelon cubes with fresh feta, tarragon, and balsamic syrup.
Appetizers circulated on trays decked with leaves and flowers. Menu items included watermelon cubes with fresh feta, tarragon, and balsamic syrup.
Photo: David Miller
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