Kerfuffle! 2024 Program - ChiArts Foundation's Annual Benefit

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024

MORGAN MANUFACTURING

CHICAGO, IL

Harris CHIARTSTHEATRE‘15

Meet

Izaiah

Actor, Singer, Tap Dancer

Starring as Eddie Ryan in the First National Broadway Tour of FUNNY GIRL

LETTER FROM THE CHIARTS FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Welcome to Kerfuffle! On behalf of this year ’ s co-chairs and the Foundation Board of Directors, I thank you for joining us as we celebrate The Chicago High School for the Arts.

We believe novice talent should have access to creative opportunities and pre-professional arts training, no matter their income or previous exposure to arts education. With support from Chicago’s philanthropic community, ChiArts remains a catalyst for change and a creative home for hundreds of diverse emerging artists. It is where aspiring dancers, writers, actors, musicians, and visual artists uncover their potential, as creative opportunities ignite passion, inspire self-discovery, and illuminate possibilities

Your support is an investment in opportunity, allowing ChiArts to serve more than 600 students annually. With more than 1,500 ChiArts alums now impacting the world as artists, educators, lawyers, scientists, and numerous other professions, your support is an investment in brighter futures. Finally, ChiArts employs and develops nearly 100 teaching artists who are specialists in their field, providing targeted, real-world perspective, support, and training to ChiArts scholar-artists, because your support is an investment in artists as educators.

This evening, we are thrilled to celebrate and honor Carol Prins and John Hart for their unwavering support of ChiArts and many of Chicago’s civic and cultural institutions. You will experience presentations by talented scholar-artists from ChiArts’ donor-funded Creative Writing, Dance, Theatre, Music, and Visual Arts conservatories. You will also hear from the school’s leaders, meet ChiArts alums, and connect with a vibrant community of supporters.

Thank you again for taking part in our mission to provide access to arts education and professional development opportunities for current, future, and former students of The Chicago High School for the Arts. Enjoy!

With gratitude, Johnny Merrifield

ChiArts Foundation Executive Director

kerfuffle! 2024

CO-CHAIRS

Samera Ludwig & Mirja Spooner Haffner

HONOREES

Carol Prins & John Hart

PROGRAM OF EVENTS

5:30 COCKTAILS & PASSED HORS D’OEUVRES

Featuring ChiArts Jazz, Poems While You Wait, Live “Mythical Portraits,” & a Visual Arts Display

7:00 WELCOME & HONOREE PRESENTATION

Samera Ludwig & Mirja Spooner Haffner, 2024 Kerfuffle! Co-chairs

Johnny Merrifield, ChiArts Foundation Executive Director

Honoring Carol Prins & John Hart

7:30 DINNER SERVICE

Musical entertainment by the ChiArts Music Conservatory

8:15 PRESENTING CHIARTS

Tina Boyer Brown, ChiArts Executive Director

Greer Reed, ChiArts Artistic Director & Pavielle Driver, ChiArts Principal

Feature Performances by the ChiArts Music, Theatre, Dance, & Creative Writing Conservatories

8:45 RAFFLE DRAWING & POST-DINNER MUSIC

Featuring “Ritmo di ChiArts,” ChiArts’ Afro-Caribbean Percussion Ensemble

10:00 BARS CLOSE

tonight’s menu

First Course

SPRING PEA SALAD

Blanched Sugar Snaps, Young Pea Shoots, Aged Manchego Cheese, Creamy Roasted Garlic & Black Peppercorn Vinaigrette

~Option to remove cheese and switch to Vegan GF Champagne Vinaigrette

ARTISAN BREADS, ROLLS, & CRISPY LAVOSH

Sweet Cream & Lemon Sage Butters

Entrée Choices

HONEY BALSAMIC – GLAZED AMISH CHICKEN BREAST

Heirloom Carrots, House Gnocchi, Brown Butter, Steamed Sugar Snap & Roasted Tomatoes

~House GF Gnocchi option available on request.

GARDEN GNOCCHI

House Gnocchi with Charred Corn, Roasted Squash, Green Zucchini, & Cherry Tomatoes. Tossed in Extra Virgin Olive, Citrus & Basil. Topped with Parmesan Cheese & Micro Greens

~House GF Gnocchi & dairy-free option available on request.

WINE OFFERINGS

Block Nine Cabernet Sauvignon

Koha Sauvignon Blanc

DESSERT

FAMILY STYLE PETITE SWEETS

Cookies & Cream Cake Pops; Chocolate Brown Butter Caramel & Sea Salt 'Twix' Bar; Key Lime Pie Tartlet

We invite you to enjoy our strawberry shortcake bar, cocktails, and coffee/tea after dinner in the Concrete Bar & Staircase Lobby.

The Jim & Kay Mabie Family

ARTISTIC VISIONARY

Elissa Hamid Efroymson & Adnaan Hamid

Jim & Karen Frank

Mirja Spooner Haffner

Tim Schwertfeger & Gail Waller

PRODUCER

The Collens Family

Peter Fidler & Kate Grossman

Betsy & Arthur Holden

Klaff Family Foundation

Gary Metzner & Scott Johnson

Sylvia Neil & Dan Fischel

Denis & Martha Pierce

Amisha Rigia & Adam Caplan

Helen Zell

STAR

Tom Hurvis & Ann Andersen

Christine & Greg Gallagher

Bill & Anne Goldstein

Goodman Theatre

Marilynn & Ronald Grais

Jack & Sandra Guthman

Robert Kohl & Clark Pellett

Anonymous

BMO

Clayco

The Driehaus Museum

Lois & Steve Eisen

Susan Feibus & Tom Geoghegan

Helyn Goldenberg & Michael Alper

Matthew & Rebecca

Grossman

Ron Levin

Joseph Patt & Maril Alsup

Audrey Prins & Dr. Joshua Trachtenberg

Lisa Simmons & John Street

Abra & Jim Wilkin Fund

patron

Hilgers Graben PLLC

Loraine & Steve Kaufman

Sabrina A. King

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP

Marcena Love

Samera Syeda Ludwig

Pam & John McCambridge

Alice & John Sabl

As of 4.30.24

Meet

Joel ross CHIARTS MUSIC‘13

Vibraphonist & Composer

CHIARTS FOUNDATION MISSION

ChiArts Foundation was established in January 2021 to support arts education opportunities for, and inspire and nurture current, future, and former students of The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) The Foundation’s key objectives are to provide annual fundraising support for ChiArts’ arts conservatories, support outreach through partnerships, develop marketing & public relations activities, and increase engagement & build community through alumni support.

about chiarts

The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) is Chicago’s first public high school for the arts. With disciplines in Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts, ChiArts provides its scholar-artists with a donor-funded preprofessional arts training program, paired with a collegepreparatory academic curriculum. ChiArts opened its doors in 2009 and has graduated 11 classes of scholar-artists at a rate between 92-100% each year. ChiArts is the only public arts high school in the nation that actively recruits novicelevel students.

2024 chiarts HIGHLIGHTS

Read about how scholar-artists from ChiArts’ five conservatories have made the most of their arts classes, performing opportunities, and community partnerships!

CREATIVE WRITING

CONSERVATORY

Two scholar-artists were recognized at Young Chicago Authors’ Rooted & Radical Youth Poetry Festival. Out of 500 youth poets, ChiArts’ Maya Hernandez received the Land of Growing Award, and Mily Munoz received the Spirit of Slam Award.

VISUAL ARTS

CONSERVATORY

Scholar-artists received seven Gold Keys, three Silver Keys, and seven Honorable Mentions, bringing home a total of 17 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the nation’s longest-running recognition program for creative teens.

THEATRE CONSERVATORY

ChiArts Theatre’s cast of THE TRUMAN SHOW became 2024 Illinois High School Association's (IHSA) Sectional Champions. Every cast member was named t the IHSA All-Sectional Cast a rare and exceptional feat

MUSIC CONSERVATORY

14 instrumental and vocal scholar-artists were selected to Illinois Music Education Association’s (ILMEA) AllState, playing among the best youth musicians in the state. Scholar-artists Fabrizio Milcent and Angel Alday were also awarded for their work in ILMEA’s Composition Contest.

DANCE CONSERVATORY

The Dance Conservatory celebrated its third annual dance production honoring the legacy and history of Black dancers This second sold-out installment of JOURNEY OF THE BROWN TIGHTS gave audiences an interactive history lesson about resilience and tenacity.

CHIARTS PERFORMANCES &

PRESENTATIONS

CREATIVE WRITING CONSERVATORY

Visit a typewriter station for ‘Poems While You Wait’ and receive an original work created by our brilliant Creative Writing scholar-artists. The dinner reception will also feature poetry readings from Maya Hernandez and Yamile Munoz.

MUSIC CONSERVATORY

The evening will showcase music from ChiArts Jazz, Wind Trio, guitarists, vocalists, and other instrumentalists. We will end the night with a dance celebration hosted by the iconic ChiArts AfroCaribbean Percussion Ensemble, “Ritmo di ChiArts.”

THEATRE CONSERVATORY

Acting scholar-artist Samantha Gonzalez will perform a monologue from KING HEDLEY II by August Wilson. Musical Theatre scholar-artist Elena Rupp will perform the song “Beautiful City” from GODSPELL.

DANCE CONSERVATORY

Scholar-artist Tyra Outlaw will perform a dance solo. Dancers will also present a selection from their sold-out spring production JOURNEY OF THE BROWN TIGHTS, a tribute to the legends and history of Black dance.

VISUAL ARTS CONSERVATORY

Visual Artists will have select pieces on display to admire. Throughout the evening, the conservatory will also be creating one-of-a-kind “mythical portraits” for guests to receive as a keepsake.

MEET CHIARTS ALUMS

We encourage you to engage with ChiArts alums at tonight's event, to learn about their current creative and professional endeavors and the impact ChiArts had on them.

TEXT-TO-DONATE

TEXT "CHIARTS" TO 801801 TO MAKE A DONATION

ChiArts‘ five arts conservatories are 100% funded by the ChiArts Foundation through individual, corporate, and foundation contributions Did you know it costs almost $6,000 per student to provide world-class, pre-professional arts training? KERFUFFLE! is a vital component of our annual fundraising efforts!

2024 Honorees Carol Prins & John Hart

We are honored to celebrate Carol Prins, John Hart, and their remarkable contributions to ChiArts and Chicago’s vibrant cultural community. Carol and John’s shared passion for the arts and unwavering commitment to nurturing scholar-artists has been pivotal in bringing ChiArts’ mission to life John’s leadership on the Board of Directors since 2009, with Carol’s support, has impacted thousands of ChiArts alumni. Their advocacy for accessibility programs at cultural institutions across Chicago has also helped ensure that Chicago's community can access these arts and cultural experiences, regardless of background or ability Thank you, Carol and John for your dedication to promoting inclusivity and accessibility. Your legacy will continue to uplift generations of scholar-artists and Chicagoans to come

for nearly 50 years, rol prins and ohn hart have transformed Chicago’s cultural landscape.

“The depth and quality of accessibility in Chicago’s zoo, theaters, and museums is held in esteem by professionals working in accessibility around the world. John and Carol’s long-term support make these efforts possible and sustainable Their commitment to the disability community ensures meaningful experiences for all people. In my time at Lincoln Park Zoo, it has been a great pleasure to know them and further their vision. The zoo ’ s inclusion of people with disabilities among our guests, staff, and volunteers is a testament to their leadership in prioritizing the disability community.”

BILL GREEN, HART PRINS FUND ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION MANAGER LINCOLN PARK ZOO

“Carol and John are the perfect combination of generous, thoughtful, and kind. Their support of Chicago visual and performing arts institutions is admirable, and we are humbled to have them as part of the MCA family.”

MADELEINE GRYNSZTEJN, PRITZKER DIRECTOR MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART CHICAGO

“For almost 5 decades, Carol Prins and John Hart have made an indelible mark on all aspects of life at Goodman Theatre and on virtually all of Chicago’s cultural life, through their involvement on a host of cultural boards citywide. Now a Goodman Life Trustee, Carol first played an essential role in establishing the theater’s Women’s Board and served as its President, later becoming Chair of the Goodman Board of Trustees at a critical time in our history: our relocation to the North Loop. Among her many accomplishments as Board Chair, Carol advocated for the major investment in the Goodman’s tech capacity a visionary move that continues to enable audience involvement and connection. We are grateful for their longtime contribution and unswerving dedication, and are proud to celebrate them tonight.”

ROCHE SCHULFER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO GOODMAN THEATRE

“The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association congratulates John Hart and Carol Prins on their well-deserved recognition by the ChiArts Foundation. John and Carol have demonstrated their deep commitment to the CSO through years of concert subscription, leadership as a Trustee and a Governing Member, and generous annual support. They have gone beyond that notable level of engagement to ensure that the music of the CSO is available to the school children of Chicago by establishing a fund to provide free tickets and transportation for the CSO’s school concerts to students in the Chicago Public Schools, and to other students for whom the cost of attendance might be prohibitive. John and Carol’s vision and generosity benefits thousands of children each season, and allows them the transformative experience of live performance, sparking their imaginations and opening a world of possibilities for these audiences and artists of the future.”

JEFF ALEXANDER, PRESIDENT CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION

“Steppenwolf is ever grateful for John and Carol’s generous spirit, love of our ensemble of artists, and belief in the transformation power of live theater Their investment as the Lead Sponsors of Accessibility ensures that our programming is accessible to ALL. We salute these true cultural citizens of Chicago and all they have done for the arts and culture of our great city.”

BROOKE FLANAGAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY

We proudly support Chicago’s emerging artists. Thank you to the scholar-artists, faculty, families, and Foundation who have made ChiArts an exceptional leader in arts education.

We are also honored to celebrate Carol Prins and John Hart. Thank you for your incredible impact on ChiArts and Chicago's cultural landscape.

ELISSA HAMID EFROYMSON & ADNAAN HAMID

tonight’s raffle

PRIVATE DINNER & WINE PAIRINGS FOR 10

Generously donated by Limelight Catering

Entice guests with a private 3-course dinner and wine pairing for up to 10 guests hosted at an agreed-upon location. An estimated total value of up to $8,000.

TICKET PRICES:

Single ticket: $75

Three Tickets: $200

Five tickets: $300

Pending date availability, and must be scheduled before May 25, 2025. Raffle tickets are on sale during cocktail hour and dinner!

Ronald B Grais

Sandra Guthman

John Hart

Betsy Holden

Tom Hurvis

Chardai Johnson

Pamela Johnson

Avril Klaff

Marshall Lindsey

Samera Ludwig

David Mabie

Michael McIntosh

Sylvia Neil

Jonathan Plotkin

Amisha Rigia

Lisa Simmons^

John Yonover

*Ex-Officio Directors

^ChiArts Alum Parent

chiarts school Board of Directors

Duffie Adelson, Board Chair

Karen Fishman, Vice-Chair

Janette Cortes-Duewel, Secretary

Peter Fidler, Treasurer

Carlos Azcoitia

Michael Crawford

Carmen Echvarria

Christine Gallagher

Bill Gerstein

Ron Grais*

Sabrina King

Kay Mabie

John McCambridge

Michelle Pierre-Farid**

Yulinda Rahman**

*Ex-Officio Director

**Parent Representatives