40 North/88 West Members Only Event Held at UIUC President's House
Friday, November 4, 2005
Urbana - Members of 40 North/88 West came together this evening to celebrate the organization's third birthday and to honor those who help to create and support a vibrant arts, culture and entertainment community in Champaign County. University of Illinois President B. Joseph White and his wife Mary, along with UIUC Chancellor Richard Herman and his wife Susan, served as hosts for the nearly one hundred members who gathered at the President's house in Urbana.
Those in attendance included artists, arts organizations, business leaders, students, educators, legislators, and city staff, among others. It was a unique opportunity to meet others in the community invested in the arts, to discover what 40 North has accomplished and plans to take on, and to strengthen the relationship between the arts community and University leadership and recognize their investment in 40 North.
photo credit: Yu (Ian) Wang
B. Joseph White, University of Illinois President, speaks at the 40 North members-only event early Friday evening, November 4.
Richard and Susan Herman have been strong supporters of 40 North, and Susan played an integral role in the initial stages of the organization's development. In his remarks, Chancellor Herman made it clear that he firmly believes in bringing the University and community together, especially through the arts, in order to attract and retain talent, tourists, students and business. President White, a new member of the community, shared his enthusiasm for the arts and his delight in experiencing some of our cultural treasures already. He also invited 40 North to create a multi discipline community arts event on the lawn of the President's house in the spring...a challenge the board and staff have eagerly accepted.
40 North board president Heather Smith, in her comments to the crowd, recognized the substantial support received from the University of Illinois and Cody Sokolski, as well as the Champaign County Alliance, Champaign County Convention & Visitors Bureau, City of Champaign, Illinois Arts Council, corporate sponsors and the members of 40 North. She also shared an extensive list of successful events, programs and resources 40 North provided the community over the last year.
Jennifer Armstrong, 40 North Executive Director, provided a sneak peek at what the organization will be working on in the coming months. She also took a moment to recognize the board, staff, volunteers, community partners and the membership, all of whom make the work possible. Jennifer closed by saying, "All the work that we do together makes it possible for us to proudly proclaim that Art does in fact live here."
photo credit: Yu (Ian) Wang
40 North members visit during the reception at the President's home in Urbana.
The evening included creative conversation, exquisite art, live music and fine food - complete with beautifully decorated birthday cupcakes. This event was provided to the members of 40 North as a benefit of membership. For more information on how to become a member, visit http://www.40north.org/membership/membership.html.
photo credit: Yu (Ian) Wang
40 North/88 West Board Member Susan Herman shares a laugh with artist and 40 North committee member Patrick Harness.