THE 31th AMERICAN CRAFT EXPOSITION REACHES RECORD ATTENDANCE AT NEW HOME - THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN

Evanston, IL (October 5, 2015) - The 31st annual American Craft Exposition (ACE) presented by The Auxiliary of NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) launched its fourth decade of showcasing unique, hand-crafted art at its new home, the Chicago Botanic Garden with a highly anticipated Benefit Preview Party on Thursday, September 24. Over 800 supporters attended this celebratory kickoff to the Show which raised over $175,000 throughout the weekend to support pioneering ovarian cancer research at NorthShore. Event attendees enjoyed gourmet appetizers, desserts and cocktails while having an exclusive opportunity to peruse and purchase extraordinary handcrafted pieces and luxury collections from the country’s finest artisans.

Over 150 juried artists from across the country, including an emerging artist gallery presenting the work of the industry’s hottest upcoming talent, exhibited at this year’s ACE, showcasing new achievements in jewelry, ceramics, metal, fashion wearables, glass, furniture, fiber decorative, leather, wood, mixed media and baskets.

Guests came out in record numbers for this year’s inaugural Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden which continued throughout the weekend of September 25 through 27. Over 8,500 attendees, including more than 75 local high school students, had the opportunity to experience the artistry and expertise of the talented ACE artisans at several live demonstrations, informative lectures, as well as enjoy a walking exhibition of fashion wearables throughout the Show.

This year’s Presenting Sponsor was Keystone Capital, Inc.; Day Sponsor was LeAnn Pedersen Pope and Clyde Smith McGregor; Event Sponsors were Eckenhoff Saunders Architects, Integrated Facilities Solutions, Inc., and Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc.; Virtual Table Sponsors included Aramark Healthcare, Autohaus on Edens, and Silverado Memory Care Communities.

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, NorthShore Orthopaedic Institute and NorthShore Cardiovascular Institute, as well as 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.