Gala co-chairs Denise & Gary Gardner, Kate Groninger & Molly Meyer, and Julie & John Guida invite guests to an evening packed with food, music, dancing, and lots and lots of art. In addition, the evening will offer a series of interactive arts experiences for Gala and After Party guests.
 

Executive Director Kate Lorenz says, “Hyde Park Art Center is humbled to be celebrating 80 years of supporting Chicago art. For the past 80 years, artists have led movements and established their careers by exhibiting work at the Art Center while also learning new skills in our school and studios. Today, artists of all ages are pushing boundaries, developing creative identities, and supporting their communities. This milestone is a celebration of our history, a call to action for the future to continue and build on this work. Happy birthday, Hyde Park Art Center!”

This year, the Art Center will celebrate a select Honorary Artist Committee and reflect on the positive impact Hyde Park Art Center has had on artists at all stages. 

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour to be followed with the dinner program. After dinner, additional guests will arrive for the After Party. Both the cocktail hour and after party will feature interactive artist interventions by artists Hannah Barco, Cecilia Iwata, Kara Cobb Johnson, Liz McCarthy, Sadie Woods, and more. Follow Barco’s footsteps around the building to encounter surprises; search for McCarthy’s ceramic whistles hidden throughout the building; play with play-dough with Cobb Johnson or music boxes with Woods. 

The After Party experience also includes music, dancing, an open bar, late-night bites, and more fun to be announced. Individuals may purchase tickets or tables online here starting at $800, with sponsorship levels up to $40,000. Tickets to the After Party start at just $60 (early bird rate through November 4).