Tickets Now Available for the 2024 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts: Artfully You Award Ceremony

The Springfield Area Arts Council (SAAC) and the City of Springfield are excited to announce that tickets are now available for the 2024 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts: Artfully You Award Ceremony, taking place on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 1:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. at the Inn at 835, located at 835 South 2nd Street, Springfield, Illinois. This special event celebrates the outstanding contributions of local artists, organizations, and businesses in Sangamon and Menard counties.
 
Guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar throughout the event. While tickets are free, donations are encouraged to help SAAC continue its mission by supporting the local arts community. Seating is limited, so early reservation is recommended to secure your spot. To learn more about the event and to reserve your tickets, please visit our website. Join us for an evening of art, culture, and celebration as we honor those who bring creativity to our community!
 
This year’s event promises to be a spectacular celebration of the artistic talents and creative spirit of our community. The afternoon begins with a cocktail hour at 1:30 P.M., followed by the main event at 2 P.M. The ceremony will feature a keynote address by Springfield Poet Laureate and Mayor’s Award-winning literary artist Shatriya Smith, along with live performances by the Copper Coin Ballet Company and performing artist Blaze Badu. Attendees will also have the opportunity to socialize after the awards presentation.
 
The highlight of the event will be the presentation of the 2024 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts. This year’s awards were designed and crafted by local glass artist Sarah Thomas, owner of The Garage on Leonard, known for her stunning stained-glass work. When describing her art, Thomas said, “My favorite aspect of my work is when the glass comes alive, dancing in the sunlight, offering a dynamic interplay that transforms my work into two separate pieces of art: the piece itself and its refraction.”
 
This event is black tie with a creative edge! Think classic elegance meets imaginative expression. We encourage you to bring out your inner artist and let your style tell a story. This is your time to shine—make your outfit Artfully You!
 
Since the Mayor’s Awards for the Arts program began in 1985, over 150 awards have been presented, honoring the diverse and vibrant art scene in our region. This year, we continue that tradition by awarding artists from eight distinct categories: Visual Artist, Performing Artist, Literary Artist, Arts Organization, Business, Arts Volunteer, Arts Educator, and Exceptional Arts Student.
 
Nominations are open until September 30, 2024. We invite the public to nominate individuals, organizations, and businesses that have made a significant impact on the arts in our community. Nomination forms are available online, and there is no fee to submit.
 
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Sponsorship levels offer progressive benefits, including an invitation to the ceremony’s exclusive pre-party. Your support enables SAAC to continue providing valuable programs, grants, and events that enrich the community through the arts. For a list of sponsorship levels and their benefits, visit our website.
 
The Springfield Area Arts Council is located in the Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 South 6th Street, Springfield, IL. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. For more information and future events, visit our website.