The Art Association of Jacksonville annual fundraiser to be held April 26
The Art Association of Jacksonville is pleased to announce the theme of this year’s Beaux Arts Ball, “A Stroll Through the English Countryside,” in honor of the 68th Annual Beaux Arts Ball. The annual event, planned for Saturday, April 26, serves as the primary fundraiser for The Art Association of Jacksonville, with proceeds used to promote art appreciation and education for all ages at The David Strawn Art Gallery. The theme was introduced February 1 at the gallery’s monthly opening by the general co-chairs, Heather English and Jeni Rajaguru.
Focusing on art appreciation and education, The Art Association of Jacksonville brings awareness of all art — old and new — through The David Strawn Art Gallery’s permanent exhibits and monthly gallery showings, which are free to the public. The association also provides children and adults in the area with the opportunity to explore different forms of art through its art class offerings.
Proceeds from the ball are also used for those exhibits and classes, as well as the funding of renovations and upkeep of the historic gallery building.
The lead-up to the ball includes the anticipation of the crowning of the king and queen along with honoring last year’s royalty from 2024. This year, the festivities will be held at Annie Merner Chapel on the old MacMurray College grounds.
“As the chairs of the premiere fundraiser for The Art Association, Jeni [Rajaguru] and I were eager to announce this year’s theme,” said English.
“This year’s ball,” continued English, “was inspired by the timeless elegance of the English countryside. We envisioned a setting of rolling hills, charming gardens with grand estates, infused with the rich hues of navy and lilac to capture both tradition and refinement.”
“The theme brings to life the romance and tranquility of the countryside while offering a sophisticated and enchanting atmosphere for this cherished event,” Rajaguru added.
Erica Melcher will design this year’s set that will tie the rolling fields and meadows together with peaceful country lanes. The co-chairs designed the logo with this year’s “A Stroll Through the English Countryside” theme in mind.
This year, The Art Association will celebrate their 150th anniversary, with events throughout the year to commemorate the occasion.
Prior to coronation of this year’s April 26 Beaux Arts Ball, there will be a champagne reception from 5-6:30 p.m. at The David Strawn Art Gallery. All ball attendees and guests are invited to attend this portion of the festivities before going to Annie Merner Chapel for the coronation.
Patron and general tickets will be available online at strawnartgallery.org and at Annie Merner Chapel prior to the Beaux Arts Ball on Saturday, April 26, where the coronation will begin at 7 p.m. Immediately following the coronation at Annie Merner Chapel, there will be entertainment by Trio De Groove and hors d’oeuvres at Jacksonville Country Club. Patron tickets are $50 and include admission to the reception, coronation and dance, while general tickets are $10 and include the coronation and champagne reception. An interpreter will be available upon request at the coronation for persons who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing; there will also be accessible seating available. Call The David Strawn Art Gallery office at 217-243-9390 or visit strawnartgallery.org for more information.
Follow the “The Art Association of Jacksonville” on Facebook for more information about The David Strawn Art Gallery and Beaux Arts Ball.
