2026 Artists in Public Schools Gala Press Release

COMMUNITY DELIVERS RECORD SUPPORT FOR ARTISTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AT ANNUAL GALA, RAISING ESSENTIAL FUNDS FOR ARTISTS RESIDENCIES IN CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

CHICAGO, IL — DATE

Artists in Public Schools (AiPS) premier fundraising Gala benefit on October 22 brought together two hundred civic leaders, philanthropists, artists, educators, students, and art enthusiasts to celebrate the evening’s theme “Art Means Something.” The evening resulted in securing over $150,000 of financial support, exceeding the event fundraising goal by 50%, setting a historic high. The charitable funds raised will provide essential underwriting of artist residencies in Chicago Public Schools that have placed 106 artists in 97 schools across 67 Chicago neighborhoods over the past nine years.

 

The lively event began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as Gala guests mingled and bid on an exciting array of silent auction items, ranging from artwork and theater tickets to jewelry and sports memorabilia.

 

Artists in Public Schools Founder and Executive Director, Suzette Bross along with Gala co-chairs Jacquie Amacher and Michael Noonan as well as Board member Kenneth Fox shared remarks later in the evening, which reminded everyone of the AiPS mission: to transform classrooms into vibrant creative hubs through a model where all involved benefit:

 

  • Students engage in artistic expression and quality art education
  • School communities benefit from artist-led programming
  • Artists are given time, space and a stipend to do valuable work

 

One of the highlights of the evening was an unforgettable performance by the young musicians of ‘Guitars Over Guns’ led by the AiPS 2026 Gala Honoree, Andre “Add-2” Daniels. Andre, his musicians, and Eddie Vedder co-created and performed a new song, “Better Believe” at the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center. For decades, Andre has inspired Chicago youth through music and mentorship, which is perfectly aligned with the AiPS mission.

 

The other high point was an interactive artwork led by renowned muralist and AiPS former residency artist Dorian Sylvain, who painted the striking background for this canvas, bringing her signature use of color and texture to a body of work that spans more than 20 buildings across Chicago, including the Hyde Park Art Center and, most recently, the Obama Presidential Center’s Center Court mural entitled “Pass it Forward”, a collaboration with the artist Sam Kirk, as well as projects at various CPS schools. Current AiPS residency artist Raspy Rivera, also put her marks on the canvas as did the evening’s attendees, who were encouraged to participate in the making of this one-of-a-kind artwork and respond to the question, “What does art mean to you?”

The financial high point of the evening was the live auction that featured the Dorian Sylvain-inspired canvas created that evening as well as The Wieners Circle experience, generously donated “twice” by Matt Brewer, co-owner of the venue.

 

Amacher had this to say in support of our mission, “Our 2026 Gala proved without a doubt that ‘Art Means Something.’ Chicago artists, art patrons, Chicago Public Schools educators and families, and our generous 2026 sponsors and supporters brought that conviction to life, demonstrating what’s possible when a city invests in its youth and arts ecosystem. Because of this vital support, we will continue transforming public schools into thriving hubs of creativity and opportunity.”

 

Noonan, Amacher’s co-chair added “Artists in Public Schools reminds us how important art, artistic expression and community is for Chicago Public School kids and their communities.  The Gala embodied all of that; and I’m honored to have had the privilege of co-chairing for the past two years. I have no doubt they will continue to push for more purposeful, representative and impactful shared art experiences for artists and Chicago’s youth.”

 

Artists in Public Schools places professional artists in Chicago Public Schools through paid residencies creating a win-win-win for schools, artists and students.  For more information about Artists in Public Schools programming, or learn how you can support working artists, visit us ArtistsInPublicSchools.org.

 

Our 2026 Gala was made possible by the generous donations of both private and corporate sponsors.  To see our full list of sponsors visit us here.

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Artists in Public Schools creates artist residencies in Chicago Public Schools (CPS), providing expansive art making experiences for students, educators, and professional Chicago-based artists. Working together with a collaborative, community-focused mindset, we celebrate and widely share the unique stories of CPS students and schools through art and creativity. When the arts and aesthetics are integrated into education, work, and life, we strengthen our capacity to learn. Creating something is at the core of learning.