On Friday June 10, Arts Alliance Illinois hosted its fourth annual Voices of a Creative State benefit luncheon at the Fairmont Chicago, raising more than $200,000 that will support arts education. Nearly 400 artists and leaders in the creative industry including Senator Pat McGuire, Chicago Alderman Scott Waguespack, Sarah Albrecht, former US Ambassador Fay Hortog-Levin were in attendance as Jim and Kay Mabie, long-time supporters of various arts organizations and education institutions were jointly honored with the Citizen Advocate award for their continuous dedication and contributions to the arts and arts education.
Jim and Kay Mabie
“Due to Arts Alliance’s success in updating Illinois’ arts learning standards for the first time since 1997, it was particularly fitting that we will celebrated the Mabies at our luncheon, given their focus on supporting the training and education of young artists,” said Arts Alliance Illinois Board Chair Kassie Davis.
Arts Alliance Illinois is an arts advocacy organization that promotes the value of the arts to all residents of Illinois.
Sarah Albrecht, Teresa Samala de Guzman and Jason Palmquist
One of the main events of the luncheon was a panel discussion featuring Roque Sanchez and Kirsten Kelly. Kelly was the director and producer of the documentary film The Homestretch, Roque Sanchez appeared in the film. The event also included a performance of “Core’ngrato” by noted baritone Takaoki Onishi and pianist Craig Terry.
Rena Henderson Mason, Ursula Ricketts and Sarah Pietlicki
Dan and Julie Schmidt and Jim and Kay Mabie
Craig Terry and Takoki Onishi
Kirsten Kelly, Michelle Boone, Roque Sanchez and Brooke Flanagan
Paul Sznewajs, Senator Pat McGuire and Amy Sue Mertens
Alderman Scott Waguespack and Amy Sue Mertens
Roque Sanchez and Kirsten Kelly
Gail Ward, Steve Shewfelt, Evan Plummer, Paul Sznewajs
Photo credit: UnPosed Photography
