With torrential rain and howling wind as a backdrop, the classes of 2020 and 2022 were inducted into the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame Friday, March 31 at Villa Olivia in Bartlett. The weather did not deter attendees, who came to celebrate the 10 influential and talented artists all connected to the Fox Valley area. Elgin mayor David Kaptain spoke at the event and emphasized the importance of arts advocacy at a time when artistic freedom in this country is threatened by censorship. He promised that the Hall of Fame will continue to have a dedicated location at the Hemmens Cultural Center, which is slated for renovation. Pianist Huntley Brown and the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO) Hanson String Quartet provided entertainment. Each Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame honoree was introduced and received a gold medallion and engraved plaque.
Members of the 2020 class are Patrick F. Beckman, Elgin, Kevin Braheny Fortune, Elgin and, St. Charles, all in the performing arts; and visual artists Vincent S. Chiaramonte, Cortland and Joel C. Sheesley, Wheaton.
The 2022 class includes Lucille and Sten Halfvarson, performing arts, represented by their daughter Mary Covelli; Charles Pierce Burton, literary arts, whose award was accepted by Kelly Quinn, director, Three Fires Council, Boy Scouts of America; and Olive Beaupré Miller, literary arts, represented by Aurora Historical Society executive director John Jaros. These inductees, who are all deceased, resided in Aurora. Joseph Morton (Mort) Luby, Carpentersville was unable to attend and his wife, Patricia, accepted the award on his behalf.
— Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame