The 82nd Annual Hyde Park Art Center Gala, doubles the fun with two iterations: Virtual and in-person

Guests are invited to attend a free virtual program on Tuesday, November 9 featuring student-led conversation with acclaimed artist Hebru Brantley, followed by a live, ticketed in-person celebration Friday, November 12 with Interactive Artist Interventions and Open Studios

Hyde Park Art Center, the renowned non-profit hub for contemporary art located on Chicago’s vibrant South Side, announces its 82nd annual Gala which will this year be mounted in two versions the week of November 8: one virtually on Tuesday, November 9, 6:15-6:45 p.m. while the much-anticipated in-person celebration returns on site at the Center on Friday, November 12, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

The virtual Gala version, available for complimentary public viewing with contribute-what-you-can donations, will be headlined by an inspiring conversation with acclaimed street artist Hebru Brantley led by members of the Art Center’s own Youth Board of Artists, art auctions, and a DJ set.

Then, guests are invited out to the Art Center for the much-anticipated in-person return of its annual Gala. With a ‘creative cocktail’ dress code, the evening will feature a cocktail party with hors d'oeuvres and a full bar, remarks by Hyde Park Art Center Executive Director Kate Lorenz, and art auctions. With a reputation as one of the city’s most ‘hands on’ art parties, the Gala will feature the popular Interactive Artist Interventions, resident artist open studios, and a DJ set throughout the evening.

Interactive Artist Interventions have been one of the highlights of past Art Center Galas, where guests are engaged in inventive ways including getting inked by a tattoo artist and eating cake off a wall. The Interventions this year will feature the following Chicago artists: Macus Alonso, Jonathan Castillo, Kathryn Fimreite, and Kelly Kristin Jones.

"This year’s celebration of Chicago art is rooted in optimism,” said Aaron Rodgers, Art Center Director of Development. “The seemingly endless pandemic has created countless obstacles to sharing our humanity with each other, but visual art and artists have found a way to be resilient. In fact, art has been an essential medicine to surviving and understanding these challenging times while providing the beauty and joy we’ve all craved. For that, this year’s gala is dedicated to the reliance of human expression while raising critical funds for arts education for all ages, support of Chicago artists, and a space for all Chicagoans to see, learn about, and make art.”

The Gala is co-chaired by Ghian, Traci + Jade Foreman, Jill Ingrassia + Luigi Zingales, and Sonya Malunda + E. Charles Lampley. Hyde Park Art Center’s Gala 2021 is presented by Lead Sponsor Julie and John Guida of The Guida Family Foundation. 

Guests can RSVP and make donations at www.hydeparkart.org/gala, where art auction items are also available for online viewing in advance of the gala. Tickets are available between $500 - $40,000 for the in-person event, and contribute-what-you-can for the virtual. For gala tickets or more information on sponsorship levels, please contact Maria Nelson at mnelson@hydeparkart.org or 773-324-5520 x1014.  Funds raised will deepen the impact of the Art Center’s programs for Chicago art and artists.

COVID Safety Protocols for the In-Person Gala

Masks and vaccination proof are required to enter the building. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be located in a heated tent with open sides outside of Gallery 1 to allow for air circulation. Artist Interventions, exhibitions, the art auction, and open studios will be dispersed throughout the Art Center’s entire building to allow for social distancing. For latest COVID safety protocols, check https://www.hydeparkart.org/gala/.