The 2016 American Craft Exposition Kicks-off at the Chicago Botanic Garden

On Wednesday, January 27, The Auxiliary of NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) proudly kicked off planning for the 2016 American Craft Exposition (ACE) at the Chicago Botanic Garden. More than 40 ACE committee members, including this year’s Show Co-Chairs, Debbie Kerr and Dana Turban, gathered to discuss plans for their 32nd season which will once again be held on the Garden’s exquisite grounds. An exciting line-up of special guest speakers included Dr. Mark Dunnenberger, Senior Clinical Specialist Pharmacogenomics at NorthShore, Harriet Resnick, Vice President, Visitor Experience and Business Development at Chicago Botanic Garden, and long-time ACE jewelry artist Aaron Macsai.

“We are thrilled to be returning ACE to the Chicago Botanic Garden for its 32nd Show,” shared ACE Co-Chair, Dana Turban. “Over 8,500 attendees joined us at ACE last year to experience the artistry and expertise of our incredibly talented artists. With a variety of live demonstrations and lectures prepared, we are confident that this year’s Show will draw an even larger crowd that is sure to be blown away by the artists’ talent.”

Funds raised at this year’s ACE will support NorthShore’s pioneering innovative pharmacogenomics research. Funds raised will allow researchers to analyze and predict how patients react to medications based on genetic variants. This information can be used to customize medical treatments, ensuring that patients receive the right drug in the right dose the first time, minimizing the side effects and adverse reactions to drugs for patients.

Artist Aaron Macsai, who has been an exhibitor at ACE for more than 20 years, shared his artistic process for creating his exquisite handmade, finely-crafted pieces that are intimate, honest and creative, and why he continues to return to ACE each year. Empowered by the new pharmacogenomics research ACE will be supporting this year, Macsai strives to promote this year’s show because of its significant importance to his personal health and the future health of the North Shore community.

ACE festivities begin at the world-renowned Chicago Botanic Garden on Thursday, September 22 with a Benefit Preview Party from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. The Show runs throughout the weekend: Friday, September 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, September 24, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, September 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance for a single three-day pass and $45 for two three-day passes. Both options include one day of parking at the Garden. For more information, please visit americancraftexpo.org or call (224) 364-7270. To submit an artist application, please visit http://bit.ly/1RJzc3C.

About NorthShore University HealthSystem

Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 10,000 staff and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including a 900 physician, multispecialty group practice with some 100 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in clinical trials, medical informatics and genomics. The NorthShore Foundation is the organization’s primary philanthropic entity. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore’s ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.

NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including Kellogg Cancer Center, NorthShore Neurological Institute and NorthShore Orthopaedic Institute, as well as in cardiovascular care, high-risk maternity and pediatrics. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the first in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.