Eight area residents were inducted into the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame at an awards banquet Friday evening, March 27, at Eagle Brook Country Club in Geneva.
Inductees are: Kelly Barr, classical music; Denise Crosby, journalism; Leslie Hunt, popular and progressive music; Stanley Konopka, classical music; Mary Beth McCarthy, choral music; Courtney Reed, theater; and Susan S. Starrett, violin and education. The late Juel Ulven (1946-2022) was honored for folk music.
Two awards debuted. In addition to her induction, Hall board president Susan S. Starrett received the Hall’s premiere Lifetime Achievement Award. Murna Hansemann, vice president, events, received the Hall’s inaugural President’s Award.
Starrett said in a message, “Our goal is to bring arts to the forefront in our communities and schools. We know that the arts increase a student’s self-esteem, self-confidence and academic achievement.”
Founded in 2001, the Hall recognizes artists associated with the Fox Valley by birth, education, residence or service, who have achieved international or national acclaim.
Candidates must have completed 20 years in their professional field and received recognition for excellence. Living or deceased artists are eligible. Classes are inducted in even-numbered years.
Visit Foxvalleyartshalloffame.org for more information.
—Al Benson