The Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden announces “AUTHENTIC TEXAS…food and gardens”, the 11th annual “A Writer’s Garden” Literary Symposium and Luncheon. The event will be held Thursday, November 2, 2017, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm, at the Arboretum’s Rosine Hall and is part of the Women’s Council’s 35th Anniversary Celebration.
The Honorary Chair is Nancy Bierman. Co-Chairs are Kay Weeks and Susan Adzick. Melissa Lewis is the President of the Women’s Council.
As president of the Women’s Council of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden in 2007-2008, Nancy Bierman conceived of a new project for the organization: a literary symposium called “A Writer’s Garden Literary Luncheon”, an event that has continued for over ten years. Combining interests in writers and gardens this project has provided programs of entertaining and informative speakers, as well as much-needed funds for the Women’s Council.
With a love of flowers and gardening, Nancy Bierman is a Certified Master Gardener for Dallas County and is an Accredited Flower Show Judge for the National Garden Clubs, Inc. She is a member of Bluffview Garden Club, Designers & Diggers Garden Study Club, Southern Garden History Society, and is a past president of Junior League Garden Club.
As a proponent of lifelong learning, Nancy Bierman enjoys educational programs of the Mary K. Craig Class and the Pierian Study Club, and she is currently a candidate for a Doctorate of Liberal Studies degree at S.M.U. In addition, Nancy serves on the Board of Trustees of Methodist Health System Foundation, Dallas Heritage Village, and the Dallas Public Library Foundation, and on the Advisory Board of Wilkinson Center and Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Nancy, and her husband Mike enjoy travel, watching sports, and walking.
In a recent conversation, Nancy remarked: “It is so rewarding to see A Writer’s Garden Literary Symposium continue to reach out to the community, offering enlightening speakers, and gaining new members and funding for the Women’s Council! I am delighted to serve as the Honorary Chairman this year, and thank you for your support and friendship”.
For the 2017 event, engaging histories showcasing the cultural influences that shaped the distinct styles of Texas food, heartfelt stories about the farming and ranching families that are in the forefront of the organic food movement, and personal experiences that celebrate the value of using native plants and flowers in the planned landscape will be presented by:
- Jessica Dupuy, Austin, TX, well-known columnist for Texas Monthly and author of “United Tastes of Texas: Authentic Recipes from All Corners of the Lone Star State”;
- Pamela Walker, Santa Fe, NM, local farm and food activist, and author of “Growing Good Things to Eat in Texas: Profiles of Organic Farmers and Ranchers across the State”;
- Andrea De-Long-Amaya, Austin, TX, Director of Horticulture, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, garden columnist and teacher.
A Patron Party for “A Writer’s Garden” Sponsors, Patrons and Underwriters is planned for Monday evening, October 30, 2017, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, at a private residence.
For the past thirty-five years, the major goal of the Women’s Council has been the development, funding, maintenance and endowment of A Woman’s Garden, the centerpiece garden of the Dallas Arboretum. Dedicated to the universal spirit of women, it is the only public garden in the nation conceived by women, built by women and funded by the efforts of women. The support of over 550 members of the non-profit, all volunteer Women’s Council makes possible the continued improvement and expansion of A Woman’s Garden.
Individual tickets for “A Writer’s Garden” Literary Symposium and Luncheon are $150. For Sponsorship and Underwriting opportunities and to purchase tickets on-line, visit: www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org.