If you’re in the Chicagoland area, a must-see is the Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Garden. This year, called India Blooms, features orchids from India, and has community events like a market, rare book collection, and a post-show sale for all of the orchid lovers.
“Through the harmony of tradition and modern design, the Orchid Show immerses you in the beauty of India. Behold a magnificent floor-to-ceiling peacock, its sweeping tail crafted from hundreds of orchid blooms. Marvel at a towering banyan tree with cascading roots and branches intricately enmeshed with vibrant orchids. Discover bursts of pigmented powders reflecting the vivid hues of Holi, the festival of colors.
We are most excited about seeing the Rangoli demonstration.
Thursday, March 13, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Included with Orchid Show tickets, preregistration is not required
Join local artist Indira Freitas Johnson and take part in creating a rangoli installation inside the Orchid Show.
“It comes from the tradition of a woman who paints or draws a very simple pattern on the threshold of her home,” said artist Indira Freitas Johnson, who grew up in Mumbai.
“It’s done early in the morning to welcome the day and bring blessings on her family. During the day, people walk over it, and it’s obliterated. She does it again the next day.”
“Rangoli symbols signify and invite beauty, harmony, wholeness, and vitality. Through Community Blessings, you can join local artist Indira Freitas Johnson and take part in creating a rangoli installation inside the Orchid Show.
With Community Blessings, Indira has taken a family tradition and made it a communal one. The community comes together to create a rangoli pattern made up of symbols that are relevant to them. Symbols chosen embody wishes for the protection and well being of the people, celebrate our place in the world, and demonstrate our hopes for peace on earth.”
For more information on this tradition, read this blog post on The Art and Ritual of Rangoli.
Check out the Chicago Botanic Garden website for pictures of the murals made for the Orchid Fest and for more information and tickets.
Adult: $12 member / $22 nonmember
Children ages 3 – 12: $8 member / $15 nonmember
Children 2 & under: Free
March 7, 13, 14, 20, 21
5 to 8 p.m.
Every Friday of the Orchid Show and select Thursdays come mingle with the colorful blooms and enjoy a vibrant night out featuring cocktails and delicious bites for purchase. Separate ticket required
Tuesdays: 8:15 to 9:45 a.m.
& 4:15 to 5:45 p.m.
Pre-show ticketed access for photographers; capacity is limited
March 1 – 2
Shop for orchids, growing supplies and more from featured vendors.
Saturday & Sunday, March 8 – 9
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
See orchid displays, arrangements, a judged show, plus shop orchid products.
Saturday & Sunday, March 22 – 23
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Meet and shop for Indian products from local small businesses.
Through March 23
at the Lenhardt Library
Eye of the Artist: Rare Book Illustrations of India’s Flora
Thursday, March 27 at 9 a.m.
Buy plants from the Orchid Show while supplies last.