PHOTO CREDIT James Harvey Photography... Informal photo of the Class of 2020 winners seated behind the formal plaque they will receive that will be formally placed in Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin, IL. Pictured are: (L to R) Joel Sheesley (Visual Arts), Jeffrey Hunt (Performing Arts), Kevin Braheny Fortune (Performing Arts), Vincent Chiaramonte (Visual Arts), & Partrick F. Beckman (Performing Arts). Scroll down for more event photos...
March 31, 2023...With torrential rain and howling wind as a backdrop, the classes of 2020 and 2022 were inducted into the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame Friday night at Villa Olivia in Bartlett surrounded by about 160 guests that included friends, family, fans and supporters.
The weather did not deter attendees, who came to celebrate the ten (10) influential and talented artists all connected to the Fox Valley area.
PHOTO CREDIT James Harvey Photography. The Honorable Mayor Dave Kaptain of Elgin, IL welcomed guests and inductees.
In his comments he emphasized the importance of arts advocacy at a time when artistic freedom in this country is threatened by censorship. He also promised that the Hall of Fame will continue to have a dedicated location at the Hemmens Cultural Center, which is slated soon for comprehensive renovation.
2010 Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame Inductee, Huntley Brown, Christian concert pianist performed during the event. Photo courtesy of Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame.
Pianist Huntley Brown and the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) Hanson String Quartet provided entertainment. Each Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame honoree was introduced and received a gold medallion and engraved plaque -- see below.
inductees also receive a smaller version of this plaque for home or office measuring about 9" x 12".
The 2022 class includes Lucille and Sten Halfvarson, performing arts, represented by their daughter Mary Covelli; Charles Pierce Burton, literary arts, whose award was accepted by Kelly Quinn, director, Three Fires Council, Boy Scouts of America; and Olive Beaupré Miller, literary arts, represented by Aurora History Society director John Jaros. These inductees, who are all deceased, resided in Aurora. Joseph Morton (Mort) Luby, Carpentersville was unable to attend, and his wife Patricia accepted the award on his behalf.
Previous years' inductees were in attendance including the well-known acrylic miniaturist painter, Ed Cook, pictured below:
The Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame (FVAHF) is a nonprofit organization that gives public recognition to artists associated with the Fox Valley. A second objective of the FVAHF is to ensure a strong cultural legacy for future generations. For more information, visit FoxValleyArtsHallofFame.org.