Artists in Public Schools 2026 Annual Gala

Thursday, October 22, 2025 | 6-10 pm
The Arts Club of Chicago

Art Means Something

–> 65,000 Chicago students still can’t access a real arts education. Artists in Public Schools is changing that—one paid residency, one school community, and one student-led project at a time. Help us bring professional artists to the 335 schools still waiting.

Join us for the 2026 Gala! Sponsorships, tickets, auction bids, and donations directly fund our artist residencies, student workshops, public art installations, highlight the accomplishments of our talented residency artists, and much more.

2026 Gala Honoree: Andre "Add-2" Daniels

We'll honor recording artist, professor, President of the Chicago Grammy Chapter & Regional Director of Guitars Over Guns.  Andre and young artists from Guitars and Guns recently joined Chicago native Pearl Jam legend Eddie Vedder to co-write and perform the original song Better Believe for the Grand Opening of the Obama Presidential Center.

with Special Remarks from Dorian Sylvain

Hear from Dorian Sylvain, muralist, educator, curator and former Artist In-Residence, Artists in Public Schools.  As a painter, Dorian’s color and texture explore ornamentation, pattern, and design as identifiers of cultural foundations. Core to her practice is collaborating with children and communities to elevate neighborhood aesthetics and shared understanding.

Event Highlights

• Cocktails, Bites and Art at The Arts Club of Chicago

• Featured Speaker & Artist Dorian Sylvain renowned muralist, painter, art educator, cultural organizer and mother who has spent over four decades transforming public spaces and empowering Chicago youth

• Exclusive Live Music A special performance of “Better Believe” (co-written with Eddie Vedder) by Guitars Over Guns, led by our 2026 Honoree, Andre “Add-2” Daniels

• Silent Auction supporting artist residencies, student workshops, mentorships, exhibitions, and public art installations

• One-of-a-Kind Live Auction of a co-created mural throughout the evening, led by renowned muralist, Dorian Sylvain.

Support Our Mission

Your ticket purchase directly funds:

• Paid artist residencies across Chicago Public Schools

• Student mentorship opportunities and collaboration with professional artists

• Community rooted art projects that capture the each school's identity and enhance visibility

• Public exhibitions and installations that showcase artist talent, student expression, and school stories

By joining us at the gala, you’re investing in Chicago’s young artists, and helping us build a future where every student’s voice matters.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Partner with us to make a lasting impact on arts education in Chicago. Sponsorship levels include:

• Superintendent — $10,000

• Principal — $7,500

• Teacher — $5,000

• Student — $2,500

Sponsors receive premier recognition, complimentary gala tickets, and exclusive opportunities to engage with Artists in Public Schools artists and students.

Be part of this unforgettable night of art, storytelling, and community. Together, we’re shaping the next generation of Chicago’s artists and cultural leaders.