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The ACE (arts, culture, and education) Awards are presented annually by 40 North | 88 West and honor the work of artists, teachers, businesses, individuals, organizations, volunteers, community and government leaders. Each award highlights a different part of the cultural life of our community and celebrates those that, through hard work, dedication, and creative energy, cultivate the arts of Champaign County.All ACE Award winners embody the spirit of the local arts community with their passion, energy, and dedication to the creative culture of Champaign County. Please join us for the 2024 ACE Awards Celebration on Tuesday, December 3rd, 5:30pm at City Center in Champaign in honoring their outstanding contributions!
The winners of the 2024 ACE Awards are:
Advocate ACE Award – Kanittha Fay for uplifting the arts, culture, and educational work of other groups, organizations and artists through masterful collaborations and captivating content creation. She has spearheaded grassroots events, programs, and initiatives to highlight and celebrate various art forms, cultures, and schools within Champaign County.
Artist ACE Award – Spank Knightly for pushing boundaries, masterful artistry, and meticulous performance planning within the theater and drag communities. Spank empowers, mentors, and creates opportunities for other local artists for performance and self-expression.
Volunteer ACE Award – John Holton for setting an example for us all to give back to our organizations and communities, for driving tasks without reminder, and for taking his commitment beyond expectations. He has put in countless hours of his time and his quiet efforts have benefitted multiple organizations, a diverse community, and have brought him new friends, and satisfaction for making a difference.
Business ACE Award – Gallery Art Bar for investing time and resources into creating events and spaces that bring opportunities for different arts and cultures to thrive. This unique space fosters community and continues to host great art and music events while pushing the envelope with technology, artistic capabilities, and a rotating art gallery.
Teacher ACE Award – Allison O’Hern for her knack for finding ways to spark students’ creativity and recognize their own capabilities. She has created new arts-related courses, facilitated school murals, brought in artists to work with her students, and created opportunities for visual and written expression for all students both inside and outside of the classroom.
Lifetime ACE Award – Bob Chapman for his significant, compelling, and enduring contributions to this region’s artistic community through a combination of inspiration, experimentation, dedication, and exceptional talent. He has created a vibrant legacy of unwavering commitment to uplifting the community through art and remains a cherished figure who continues to encourage those who hope to sink into their practice as much as he does.
The winners were chosen from over 65 public nominations by an independent panel of community-based judges.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The City Center, 505 S Chestnut St,Champaign,IL,United States
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