Nearly $500k Raised at 40th Anniversary Gala for The Chicago Academy for the Arts

CHICAGO - MAY 18, 2022 - For four decades, The Chicago Academy for the Arts (The Academy) has provided world-class education for aspiring young artists in the fields of music, dance, theatre, media arts, musical theatre, and visual arts. As one of Chicago's leading arts and culture high schools, and one of the most diverse schools in Illinois, The Academy created an unmatched and transformative educational model. Students are inspired to expand their potential through rigorous arts training paired with an esteemed academic curriculum.

Notable alumni include Cecily Strong (Saturday Night Live actor, author, comedian - 2002, Theatre), Lara Flynn Boyle (award-winning actress - 1988, Theatre), Justin Trantner (award-winning musician and music producer - 1998, Music and Musical Theatre), Lalah Hathaway (award-winning singer - 1986, Music), Tom Gold (award-winning choreographer - 1986, Dance), and Kevin Mimms (actor and current "Jake from State Farm" - 2008, Theatre)

It feels like much more than just a school. The things I learn here are more than an education.
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​- Asim Baraka, student ​ (2023 expected, Musical Theatre)

The Academy celebrated this milestone with a gala at Chicago's Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on Saturday May 14, 2022. 300 distinguished guests, including alumni and current and former students were in attendance. Nearly $500,000 was raised, with an astonishing $268,000 during the 90-minute event.

Graduates of The Academy earned nearly $39 million in college scholarships over the past five years and gained admission to the nation’s best universities and conservatories. Most students go on to pursue competitive careers in the arts, as well as the sciences, humanities, business, and more. Alumni exemplify the powerful effect of art and arts education as Broadway stars, Grammy winners, engineers, and entrepreneurs. This special evening highlighted students, alumni, and all those that call The Academy “home.”

The Chicago Academy for the Arts has been ‘home’ to thousands of incredible young artists, inspired teachers, and relentless arts advocates for 40 years.
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​As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we honor the legacy of those who built our special community, those who used this education to transform themselves, and those who used this education to make their mark on the world. And, as we look to our future, we are excited to set the standard for what a school community can be and do in the decades ahead.
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​- Jason Patera, Chicago Academy for the Arts Head of School

The Academy would like to thank the Gala Co-Chairs Mara Georges and Rusty Hernandez-Sanfilippo, as well as the gala's sponsors: 

The Academy needs your assistance to support its students in awarding over $1 million in annual scholarships to nearly 50% of its student body. For more information on donor opportunities, please contact Event Director Tanya Pietrkowski at 312.421.0202 or email.

Chicago Academy for the Arts | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.org

Chicago Academy for the Arts | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.org

Chicago Academy for the Arts Dance department performs “As One,” an original piece choreographed by Dance department chair Randy Duncan at The Chicago Academy for the Arts 40th Anniversary Gala. | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.orgChicago Academy for the Arts Music department students perform “Looking Back,” an original piece by The Academy Electronic Ensemble. | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.orgChicago Academy for the Arts alum Justin Tranter (they/them/their) addresses 40th Anniversary Gala guests from their home in Los Angeles. | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.org

Chicago Academy for the Arts Head of School Jason Patera thanks 40th Anniversary Gala guests for their continued support. Mr. Patera is recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumor. | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.orgChicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot welcomes Chicago Academy for the Arts 40th Anniversary Gala guests and announces Saturday May 14, 2022, as THE CHICAGO ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS DAY in the City of Chicago. | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.org

Chicago restauranteur Rick Bayless surprises 40th Anniversary Gala guests by offering, for charity auction, a private dinner at his home. | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.orgChicago Academy for the Arts alum and 40th Anniversary Gala emcee DeMone Seraphin. | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.orgChicago Academy for the Arts Music department students share their experiences at The Academy with 40th Anniversary Gala emcee DeMone Seraphin. | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.org

Chicago Academy for the Arts Music department students perform “Looking Back,” an original piece by The Academy Electronic Ensemble. | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.orgChicago Academy for the Arts alum Justin Tranter (they/them/their) shares photographs from their career since graduating The Academy in 1998. Pictured here with Elton John . | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.org

Chicago Academy for the Arts Music department students perform “Looking Back,” an original piece by The Academy Electronic Ensemble. | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.orgChicago Academy for the Arts Dance department performs “As One,” an original piece choreographed by Dance department chair Randy Duncan at The Chicago Academy for the Arts 40th Anniversary Gala. | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.org

Chicago Academy for the Arts Dance department performs “As One,” an original piece choreographed by Dance department chair Randy Duncan at The Chicago Academy for the Arts 40th Anniversary Gala. | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.orgChicago Academy for the Arts Dance department performs “As One,” an original piece choreographed by Dance department chair Randy Duncan at The Chicago Academy for the Arts 40th Anniversary Gala. | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.orgChicago Academy for the Arts Dance department performs “As One,” an original piece choreographed by Dance department chair Randy Duncan at The Chicago Academy for the Arts 40th Anniversary Gala. | ChicagoAcademyForTheArts.org

Ryan Arnold

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DeSoto & State Communications

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