Macy's Flower Show Presents Art In Bloom March 22-April 4,2015 (State Street,Chicago,IL)

MACY’S FLOWER SHOW^

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
AT MACY’S ON STATE STREET

Today Macy's State Street store 
held a media event to preview 
"Art In Bloom" 
that opens Sunday 
March 22nd and runs until 
April 4,2015. I photographed a 
few of the exhibits while
gardeners were busy 
putting everything together. 
So please keep in mind that 
my images are of an amazing 
work in progress!
Hope everyone gets to make 
it out to Macy's State Street 
store in Chicago for this!

POINTS OF INTEREST

Bouquet of the Day                          

1^st Floor, Cosmetics Department

Macy’s Flower Show^ will flourish with fresh one-of-kind floral themed masterpieces from the city’s 
top floral designers and featured as the show’s Bouquet of the Day from March 22 through April 4 
in the main aisle on the 1^st floor. 
These extravagant, larger-than-life bouquets will reflect the personal style of each master floral designer
 and take inspiration from this year’s theme, Art in Bloom. Each display will rotate every three to 
five days throughout the duration of the Flower Show.

• March 22-25: Marguerite Gardens
• March 26-28: Fleur, Inc
• March 29-April 1: Fleur De Lis
• April 2-4: Artistic Blooms

There’s No Place Like Homewood Suites

5th Floor Garden

Whether you stay two days or two weeks, Homewood Suites has everything you need to be at home. 
Visit the Homewood Suites Reading Garden in the Kid’s Department on the 5th Floor featuring Lewis 
the Duck.

Mars Gallery - 9^th Floor, Event Center

Mars Gallery is a legendary Chicago art gallery established in 1988 with a long-standing reputation 
for excellence. Fine art from Chicago's hippest art gallery is housed in a 19th century all-brick timber 
loft, the gallery is home to a wonderful variety of art and artists, including contemporary, modern 
pop art, abstract, figurative and more. Its three stories are packed with art, displayed on every surface, 
even suspended from the ceilings. See a sampling of what they have to offer on the 9^th floor during 
Flower Show.

Show Texture Wall

9^th Floor, Event Center

Be sure to stop by the texture wall and touch nature while experiencing the Flower Show.

Doodlebooth

9^th Floor, Events Center – Monday-Friday from 12:00-3:00 p.m.

Doodlebooth is like a caricature, but very non-traditional — and totally fun. Be sure to stop by for a 
doodle of yourself to take home.

Artista Impresso: Passion Filled Impressionism by JixiPix
Throughout the show

The 19th century brush-wielding Impressionist artists were crazy about flowers and gardens. 
It took their genius, lifetimes of practice, and navigating the riot of their senses, but these 
extraordinary artists took what they saw and felt in the petals and leaves and transferred their 
impressions onto canvasses full of beauty, mood, and meaning. Introducing Artista Impresso, an 
app for your smart phone, designed by Jixi-Pix with Macy’s Flower Show in mind. 
Artista Impresso transforms your photos into multi-textured, stroke-filled Impressionist masterpieces. 
The result is captivating, print-worthy paintings brimming with passion, life, and beauty. 
Be sure to visit macys.com/flowershow and download the app by JixiPix that will transform 
your snapshot into a stroke-filled Impressionist masterpiece.

Flower Show Gift Shop & Café

9^th Floor, Events Center – During Store Hours

Enjoy fresh sandwiches, salads, hand-decorated cookies, cupcakes or pick up gourmet 
foods or candy treats as a spring pick-me-up.

Chicago Fashion Incubator – Fashion Inspired by Art in Bloom

9^th Floor, Events Center – During Store Hours

Five designers from the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s on State Street each designed and 
constructed a garment inspired by an art genre featured in the 2015 Macy’s Flower Show.
Come see their creations inspired by the impressionism, surrealism and pop art gardens.

Tours

Macy’s Flower Show and History Tour

60 minutes/$12 per person

Public Tours (for individuals or groups less than 10) on Fridays, March 27 and April 3 at 11:30 a.m.

Private Tours (for groups of 10 or more) 2-week advance reservation required

Learn how Macy’s has grown to be America’s largest department store. Tour highlights 
include the breathtaking Tiffany vaulted ceiling, the graceful Burnham fountain, the 
world-renowned Walnut Room restaurant and, of course, a walk through the annual Macy’s Flower Show.

Contact the Visitor Information Center for details, 312-781-4483 or visitmacys.chicago@macys.com

Flower Demonstrations

Meet each of the Bouquet of the Day floral designers

9^th Floor, Event Center – 12noon to learn their inspiration, techniques and tips

• March 23: Marguerite Gardens – Watch florists from this European-Style flower shop 
  demonstrate spring trends with unique floral designs.
• March 26: Fleur, Inc – Meet Kelly Marie Thomason and watch her passion and innovative 
   approach to floral design.
• March 30: Fleur De Lis – Join these floral experts as they share floral design inspirations 
  and tips on how to re-purpose household items inspired by the season.
• April 2: Artistic Blooms – Watch and learn from Adam Havrilla, owner and creative 
  director, as he creates modern and chic floral designs for your home.

Culinary Demonstrations and Events

Wine Tasting Event

March 26 at 5:30 p.m. – 7^th Floor, Walnut Room

Please join us for a Wine Tasting Event in the Walnut Room featuring some of the classic and unique 
wines available at Macy’s Wine Shop on the Lower Level. For tickets please visit Macysrestaurants.com.

Celeste – culinary demonstration

March 23 at 12noon – 7^th Floor, Culinary Studio

Join us as we welcome Chef Aaron Lirette from Celeste for an exciting culinary demonstration 
showing techniques of sophisticated seasonal American cuisine.

Big Jones – culinary demonstration
March 24 at 12noon – 7^th Floor, Culinary Studio

Macy’s welcomes Executive Chef Paul Fehribach from Big Jones. Chef Paul will feature Southern 
heirloom cooking using the ark of history to bring you food that is as refined as it is down-home 
satisfying.

Edzo’s Burger Shop – culinary demonstration

March 25 at 12noon – 7^th Floor, Culinary Studio

Macy’s welcomes Chef Eddie Lakin from Edzo’s Burger Shop. Get a chance to sample 
some delicious freshly-ground burgers that blur the line between upscale and lowbrow.

Macy’s Chef John Odgen – culinary demonstration
March 26 at 12noon – 7^th Floor, Culinary Studio

Macy’s Executive Chef of 7 on State, John Ogden, will be whipping up seasonal culinary delights.

Garden Tea Party Event

March 28 at 12noon – 9^th Floor, Event Center

Join Lenox and Adagio Tea as they demonstrate how to host a garden tea party. Lenox will show 
how to set the table using the Painted Camellia dinnerware set. The vintage floral details make 
it a perfect choice for use at an afternoon tea. Adagio Tea is making tea fun, modern, and friendly. 
Sample the tea and learn the history of tea from the knowledgeable staff from Adagio Tea.

El Tapeo – culinary demonstration

March 30 at 12noon – 7^th Floor, Culinary Studio

Join Executive Chef Franco Diaz from El Tapeo as he demonstrates the authenticity of Spanish 
Tapas and takes visitors on a journey exploring the many flavors of Spain.

Demera Ethiopian Restaurant – culinary demonstration

March 31 at 12noon – 7^th Floor, Culinary Studio

Enjoy cuisine from Demera Ethiopian Restaurant. Stop by and sample some invigorating Ethiopian 
cuisine, including delectable desserts.

Macy’s Culinary Council – Chef Cat Cora -– culinary demonstration

April 1 at 12noon – 7^th Floor, Culinary Studio (book signing following demo on the Lower Level)

Join Macy's Culinary Council Chef Cat Cora as she shows how to prepare some of her favorite 
award-winning dishes. After the demonstration, head to the Lower Level to explore the latest in 
cookware and gadgets for your kitchen. Plus, with any purchase of $35 or more in the Home department on April 1, receive a $10 Macy's gift card and a copy of Cat Cora's Classics with a Twist while 
supplies last. Seating is limited, please RSVP to: 1.800.329.8667.

Macy’s Executive Chef Brad Saylor – culinary demonstration

April 2 at 12noon – 7^th Floor, Culinary Studio

Join Macy’s Executive Chef Brad Saylor as he shares his favorite spring recipes inspired by this 
years’ Flower Show.

Classes, Workshops and Seminars

Tips for the Urban Gardner

Tuesday, March 24 at 12noon - 9^th Floor, Event Center

Join Macy’s in welcoming Don Nekrosius a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener as he walks us through and teaches us fun tips and tricks for the Urban Gardener. Learn about sun and rain and how it affects flowering and fruiting plants, how to make your own potting soil and much more.

Butterfly Gardening in the City

March 25 at 12noon – 9^th Floor, Event Center

Calling all gardeners to learn from Seth Harper, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Horticulturist, on how to attract butterflies to their gardens and which plants feed butterflies at all life stages. Also, learn tips and techniques for creating butterfly-friendly spaces. To learn more visit http://www.naturemuseum.org/.

The Frosting

March 25 at 11:00 a.m. – 9^th Floor, Event Center

This class will demonstrate how to create an edible rose and daisy out of gum paste! Space is limited! To RSVP call 1.800.329.8667.

Arts N Spirits

March 26 at 11:00 a.m. – 9^th Floor, Event Center

For the third consecutive year, Arts n Spirits will be instructing painting classes at the Macy’s Flower 
Show. Whether you consider yourself an artist or have never painted before, this session will help 
you unleash your inner artist. For more information, visit www.artsnspirits.com. Space is limited! 
To RSVP call 1.800.329.8667.

Do It Yourself Vase Painting

March 28 at 10:00 a.m. – 9^th Floor, Event Center

Make memories at this year’s Flower Show by painting your very own flower vase to take home. 
Join Macy’s and One Strange Bird for this special opportunity.

The Nature Experience

March 28 at 1:00 p.m. – 9^th Floor, Event Center

Macy’s and The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum are creating a nature experience for children. 
Learn the essential skills to plant a seed, decorate your own pot, get dirty with composting and take a 
plant home to watch it grow. Also, learn how bubble gum comes from plants and make your own gum.
 Space is limited! To RSVP call 1.800.329.8667.

Urban Beekeeping

April 1 at 12noon – 9^th Floor, Event Center

Foster your urban beekeeping abilities with Allen Lawrance, Peggy Notebaert Nature Muesum 
Living Invertebrate Specialist, as he shares the importance of hobbyist beekeeping within the city, 
including special challenges beekeepers face in an urban environment. 
To learn more visit http://www.naturemuseum.org/.

Terrarium Building

April 2 at 11:00 a.m. – 9^th Floor, Event Center

Sprout Home believes that a modern aesthetic can live both in home and garden. Join Macy’s and 
Sprout to learn the basics of crafting a terrarium of your own. Perfect for the experienced or novice 
gardener, this will cover plant selection, care and inspire unique creations of your own. Space is limited! To RSVP call 1.800.329.8667.

Arts N Spirits

April 3 at 12noon – 9^th Floor, Event Center

For the third consecutive year, Arts n Spirits will be instructing painting classes at the Macy’s Flower 
Show. Whether you consider yourself an artist or have never painted before, this session will help 
you unleash your inner artist. For more information, visit www.artsnspirits.com 
Space is limited! To RSVP call 1.800.329.8667.

Do It Yourself Notecard Making

April 4 at 10:00 a.m. – 9^th Floor, Event Center

Whether you have a birthday party to attend, well wishes to send, or notes of your own to jot down, 
learn how to create custom notecards with One Strange Bird! Release your creativity with stamps, 
ribbons, patterned paper, and more.

Kids and Family Fun

Nature and Kids

March 28 at 1:00 p.m. - 9th Floor, Event Center

Macy’s and The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum are creating a nature experience for your child. 
Join us to learn the essential skills to plant a seed. Decorate your own pot, get dirty with composting 
and take home your plant to watch it grow. Space is limited. RSVP is required to participate. 
To RSVP call 1.800.329.8667

Family Fun Day

March 28 at 2:00 p.m. – 9^th Floor, Event Center

Join Macy’s and Homewood Suites for an afternoon of family fun filled with lots of artsy activities. 
Whether you stay two days or two weeks, Homewood Suites has everything you need to be at home. 
Get creative at the crafts table where you can create nature-inspired art. Plus, kids will meet and take 
pictures with Lewis the Duck, enjoy face painting, balloons, music and more. Be sure to visit the 
Homewood Suites Reading Garden in the Kid’s Department on the 5^th floor featuring Lewis the Duck.

Family Fun Day

April 4 at 2:00 p.m. – 9^th Floor, Event Center

Join Macy’s and Homewood Suites for some family fun. Whether you stay two days or two 
weeks, Homewood Suites has everything you need to be at home. Get crafty with our fun hands-on 
activities while the DJ spins your favorite tunes. Lewis the Duck will make an appearance. Also, 
enjoy face painting, balloons, games and much more. Be sure to stop by the Homewood Suites 
Reading Garden in the Kid’s Department on the 5th Floor.

Horticulture and Kids

April 4 at 1:00 p.m. – 9^th Floor, Event Center

Have your little one learn on how to become a master gardener with the University of Illinois 
Extension Master Gardeners. Attend this interactive class to learn about horticulture and how kids 
can help improve the environment. Also, enjoy a petting zoo of cool, creepy crawling insects. 
Space is limited. To RSVP call 1.800.329.8667.

Performances

Illinois Institute of Art’s Chef Childers Carving Demonstration

March 27 at 11:30 a.m. – 9^th Floor, Event Center

Join Chef Childers from The Illinois Institute of Art Chicago as he showcases his spectacular food 
carving skills that are known worldwide with a Thai style melon carving. With 24 years of putting his  
talents on the line, be prepared to be wowed by Chef Childers. To learn more, 
visit http://new.artinstitutes.edu/chicago.

Harpist Lisa Marie Kahn

March 27 at 12:30 p.m. – 9^th Floor, Event Center

Enjoy the classical repertoire and jazz standards from harpist, Lisa Marie Kahn. She serves as the  
main harpist for the Drake Hotel, where you can see her perform in the Palm Court for tea several 
times a week.

LUC Silhouettes

March 27 at 1:00 p.m. – 9^th Floor, Event Center

LUC Silhouettes, Loyola University Chicago’s only women's a cappella group, will entertain with 
melodies and merriment. The Silhouettes are here to help you sing your way into spring.

Elaine Dame

April 3 at 12noon – 9^th Floor, Event Center

Time Out Chicago says Elaine Dame is a "jazz dynamo" and "a gem in the city's vocal jazz scene," and 
Neil Tesser, Grammy-winning jazz critic and author says "Elaine has risen to the top rank of Chicago 
jazz singers." Prepare to be wowed by her signature sound. For more info, please visit 
www.elainedame.com

Apollo Chorus

April 3 at 12:30 p.m. – 9^th Floor, Event Center

Stop by and enjoy a musical performance by the Apollo Chorus with songs from around the globe, 
including American folk and gospel favorites, Celtic and Venezuelan delights, and choral 
gems from international luminaries. For more information please visit www.apollochorus.org.

First Date

April 3 at 1:00 p.m. – 9^th Floor, Event Center

Enjoy a performance from the stars of Broadway's new musical comedy about the most dangerous 
human endeavor in existence - the dreaded blind date. First Date is a lighthearted, funny and romantic
show that the Associated Press hailed as “Madcap fun.” Now playing at the Royal George 
Cabaret. For tickets, visit www.firstdatechi.com

Special Events

Spring Fashion Event with Celebrity host, Courtney Kerr

March 26 at 5:30 p.m. – 3^rd Floor, Impulse Department

Join Celebrity Host, TV Personality and Fashion Blogger, Courtney Kerr for a runway show 
celebrating the latest trends in spring fashion. After the show, enter for a chance to win 
tickets to see KURIOS™ - Cabinet of Curiosities™ a Cirque de Soleil show. Enjoy live music 
from our DJ, sips & sweets, DIY stations, and more. Plus, the first 50 customers to check-in to 
he event will receive a blossoming surprise, and when you spend $75 in the Women's department the 
night of the event, you will receive a special gift. Please RSVP by calling 1.800.329.8667.

(Art in Bloom preview photos © Linda Matlow/PIXINTL. All rights reserved)

Lake FX Summit + Expo Registration Opens Wednesday, March 18th (Chicago)

Lake FX Summit + Expo April 16-19    Pre-registration is now open Full schedule is available     The Lake FX Summit + Expo presented by Google is the region's largest FREE conference for artists, creative professionals and entrepreneurs in the areas of film, music, fashion, culinary and the visual & performing arts. The inaugural four-day event, running April 16-19, will host keynotes, panels, professional development workshops and interactive labs featuring leading artists and industry innovators at the Chicago Cultural Center, the Virgin Hotels Chicago, the Gene Siskel Film Center, the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago and Macy's on State Street.   Pre-registration for the summit is encouraged and allows registrants access to a "Fast Pass" to some programs at the Chicago Cultural Center in the Claudia Cassidy Theater (priority seating based on availability) and special giveaways including a commemorative Lake FX Summit + Expo poster created by internationally renowned Chicago-based artist Carlos Rolón/DZINE (while supplies last). Only the Google Workshop on Friday, April 17, requires advanced registration which opens separately at 10am on Monday, March 23. By signing up in advance you will also be entered in a chance to win reserved seating to a future DCASE produced event in Millennium Park between May-September 2015. Paid, ticketed and contracted rentals are not included in this offering. The Lake FX "Fast Pass" will give you priority seating (first entrance based on availability) for the following programs (schedule subject to change): Friday, April 17  10:30am How to Win at YouTube Noon Website Demolition Derby 1:30pm Breaking Down the Walls: Art and Creative Industries and the Making of Community 3pm The Improv Toolkit: Bringing Yes, And to your work Saturday, April 18 10:30am Visual Art Keynote: Carlos Rolon/DZINE Noon Maker to Market 1:30pm TBD 3pm Film Keynote TBD Register here and tell your friends!

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events | 78 E. Washington St., 4th Fl. | Chicago | IL | 60602

Scientific Breakthrough: Pure Grown Unveils First Ever Laboratory-Cultivated White Diamonds

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Pure Grown Diamonds announces a scientific breakthrough with the unveiling of the first-ever, laboratory-cultivated white diamonds that are indistinguishable from mined diamonds, even under a microscope, yet cost 30 to 40 percent less, according to the International Gemological Institute." This 21st Century technological achievement comes just before Valentine’s Day when an estimated six million American couples get engaged; when most men spend 25 percent of their annual salaries on a diamond ring and when rough diamond prices are up 75 percent since 2009,” explains Pure Grown Diamonds President and CEO Lisa Bissell. “Most guys shopping for Valentine’s Day diamond engagement rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces are suffering sticker shock,” explains Bissell.

The company has been quietly growing and harvesting thousands of white, yellow and pink diamonds and making earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings for the Valentine’s Day 2015 global launch of its e-commerce website: www.PureGrownDiamonds.com

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“During the past 70 years, many have tried but failed to grow scintillating, sizeable, colorless diamonds in the laboratory – until now,” explains Chief Technical Officer, Dr. Devi Shanker Misra, PhD. He is a world-renowned physicist and inventor of the patented Pure Grown Diamond process. “No one, no company has achieved what Pure Grown Diamonds has accomplished -- culturing thousands of alluring diamonds that rival mined-diamonds, in every aspect." According to the Federal Trade Commission, lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and visual properties as mined diamonds. Pure Grown Diamonds are cultivated from a carbon seed in a microwave plasma chemical deposition chamber. The process replicates the earth’s process of crystalizing carbon into a diamond. Pure Grown Diamonds mature within six to 10 weeks.  

“Pure Grown Diamonds are the reasonably-priced, eco-friendly, conflict-free preference of shoppers seeking value; for consumers concerned about the environmental impact of mining; for people troubled by the history of human rights violations and greed-motivated violence in the mining regions of developing countries,” says Bissell, a seasoned diamond business executive – among the few women CEO’s in her industry.

Many of the company’s jewelry pieces are priced as low as $300. The difference between earth-mined diamonds and Pure Grown Diamonds are detectible only by highly sophisticated spectroscopic equipment and from Pure Grown Diamonds’ laser-scribed identifications on the stones' girdles that read, "Laboratory Grown." This is a voluntary policy of transparency that clearly identifies the source of the diamond. "Pure Grown Diamonds are not artificial; not synthetic; not cubic zirconium; not costume jewelry. They are diamonds," emphasizes Bissell.