The Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame will enter a new era with the induction of its Class of 2026, Friday, March 27, Eagle Brook Country Club, Geneva. Now more than ever, society needs artists to dream, to explore, to question and create. The Hall of Fame honors those Fox Valley artists by birth or residence who have dedicated themselves to the creative life.
Class of 2026 Inductees are:
Kelly Barr, classical music;
Denise Crosby, journalism;
Leslie Hunt, pop/progressive music;
Stanley Konopka, classical music;
Mary Beth McCarthy, choral music;
Courtney Reed, theatre;
The late Juel Ulven, folk music.
Susan S. Starrett will receive the premiere Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award.
At its inception over 25 years ago, the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame (FVAHF) focused on promoting traditional classical arts. FVAHF was a dream of area arts leaders that took form during 2000 millennium celebrations. A series of two-minute history sketches for public television put the spotlight on violinist Maud Powell, an Aurora resident who a century earlier had the musical world at her feet. This project evolved into the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame; a non-profit organization that gives public recognition to artists associated with the Fox Valley. A second objective of the FVAHF is to ensure a strong cultural legacy for future generations.
The Class of 2026 includes two of its youngest inductees ever – Leslie Hunt and Courtney Reed. And with the addition of inductees from folk and progressive music, the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame expands its definition of what “the arts” mean today in a world where they are necessary for individual and communal well-being.
Celebrate with the Class of 2026 as they accept their well-deserved places in the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame on March 27, while showing support and appreciation for the arts and artists in our communities.
The event is open to the public and tickets are $75 per person. A portion of the proceeds from the induction banquet are used to promote the arts in the Fox Valley with a free event for children and the community.
For more information, email info@fvahf.org, visit FVAHF’s Facebook, and Instagram pages, or the website at FoxValleyArtsHallofFame.org.
— Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame