BY JUDY CARMACK BROSS
At the Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society’s Preview night, 335 guests were the first to walk the immersive artist-inspired illuminated trail Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Direct from London where one million people took the mile-long path that includes tunnels created by only tiny lights, “singing trees” and ribbons of moving bulbs, the first US glimpse of Lightscape raised $325,000 for the Garden’s many global scientific, research and conservation initiatives.
Gail Seidel-O’Gorman and Jill Danaher chaired Preview night of the show running through January 5, with many nights already sold out. Judy Koren serves as President of the Women’s Board.
Lightscape Preview Co-chairs Gail Seidel-O’Gormanand, Jill Danaher and Woman’s Board President Judy Konen.
Woman’s Board President Judy Konen with Lightscape Preview Co-chairs Jill Danaher and Gail Seidel-O’Gorman.
Woman’s Board President Judy Konen and Chicago Botanic Garden President & CEO Jean Franczyk.
With a hot malt drink in hand, guests first walked the Lightscape trail where waterfalls of light and jewel-colored trees dazzled As they returned to the Regenstein Center, they were greeted with a sparkle Prosecco cocktail with a white sparkle sugar rim and a Swiss raclette station where guests could continue viewing the Lightscape grand finale. Musicians of the Stanley Paul Orchestra played festive smooth jazz and classics for guests throughout the evening.
Musicians of the Stanley Paul Orchestra playing festive smooth jazz and classics.
Sparkle Prosecco Cocktail with a white sparkle sugar rim.
Indoor Lightscape decorations.
Entertaining Company catered the event with indoor Lightscape décor by Kehoe Designs echoing the glittering theme of trees filled with light.
Indoor Lightscape décor by Kehoe Designs.
Departure delights included a deluxe coffee station, mulled cider, warm silvery glazed mini doughnuts and home-baked butter cookies with edible flowers. The evening was made possible by the generous support of Beam Suntory.
Harriet Resnick and Jodi Zombolo led the installation of Lightscape for the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Joshua Hilgendorf of Chicago, Toni Miterhoff of Oswego, and Paul Eiselstein of Chicago.
Susan Canmann of Winnetka, Mike and Lizabeth Kohler of Winnetka.
Ann and Brian Balusek of Winnetka.
Harvey and Madeline Plonsker of Glencoe.
Ken and Anne Leventry of Naperville.
Bob and Angie Dickey of Arlington Heights, Carolyn Katz of Winnetka, Bruce and Teri Mason of Highland Park, and Sallye and David Mason of Highland Park.
Jay and Kitty Kirby of Winnetka, and Maureen and Craig Kirby of Wilmette.
Nancy Kurz of Winnetka and Anne Healy of Glencoe.
Michael Foradas of Kenilworth, Melanie Hauck and Jim Hertel of Winnetka, and Valerie Foradas of Kenilworth.
John and Jill Danaher of Lake Forest.
Opened in 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a 385-acre living plant museum in Glencoe featuring 27 distinct gardens and four natural areas. Its mission is to cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life.
For more information about Lightscape, visit chicagobotanic.org/lightscape.
