Seven young men and women are preparing to participate in the 2023 Beaux Arts Ball, “Beauty Grace & Elegance,” on Saturday, April 29, as senior maids and gentlemen. The 66th annual fundraiser for The Art Association of Jacksonville is a derivative of the traditional debutante ball at which young men and ladies are formally presented to society. As is tradition, the senior maid will perform a full bow to the floor after being presented by her father.
This year’s senior maids and gentlemen include:
Benjamin Thomas Jackson
Parents: Edward and Amy Jackson, Jacksonville
Grandparents: Mary Jackson, Jacksonville; the late Jerry and Sharon Symons and Ned Jackson, formerly of Jacksonville
School: Jacksonville High School
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Blake Lloyd Patterson
Parents: Gigi Patterson, Jacksonville; Jim Patterson, Port Charlotte, Florida
Grandparents: Marcia Ward, Jacksonville
School: Routt Catholic High School and Jacksonville High School
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Lilly Ruth Geirnaeirt
Parents: Terry Geirnaeirt, Jacksonville, and the late Jenny Stremlau Geirnaeirt, Jacksonville
Grandparents: Sandra Fisher and the late Bob Fisher, Jacksonville; Janice Geirnaeirt and the late Gary Geirnaeirt, Milledgeville, Illinois
School: Routt Catholic High School
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Grace Elizabeth Geirnaeirt
Parents: Terry Geirnaeirt, Jacksonville, and the late Jenny Stremlau Geirnaeirt, Jacksonville
Grandparents: Sandra Fisher and the late Bob Fisher, Jacksonville; Janice Geirnaeirt and the late Gary Geirnaeirt, Milledgeville, Illinois
School: Routt Catholic High School
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Leah Joy Hoffman
Parents: Kristanne Becker Hoffman, Jacksonville, and the late Robert Dicksen Hoffman
Grandparents: Joy French Becker, Jacksonville, and the late Loren R. Becker; Ann Dicksen Hoffman, Jacksonville, and the late Robert M. Hoffman
School: Jacksonville High School
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Tate Louise Morrisey
Parents: Richard Patrick and Rachelle Morrisey, Jacksonville
Grandparents: James Thomas Morrisey and the late Mary Ann Morrisey, Paris, Illinois; Rodney and Judith Kurfman, Mt. Sterling, Illinois and Diane Richardson, Jacksonville
School: Jacksonville High School
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Grace Elizabeth Newman
Parents: Andrea Newman, Jacksonville and Jeff Newman, Jacksonville
Grandparents: Patti Kirkpatrick, Jacksonville and Danny Kirkpatrick, Jacksonville; Jim and Susi Newman, previously of Jacksonville, currently of Naples, Florida
School: Jacksonville High School
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The Beaux Arts Ball 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 as well as provide upkeep and beautification of the gallery itself.
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 29, where the coronation will begin at 7 p.m. Immediately following the coronation at Annie Merner Chapel, will be entertainment by Kapital Sound and hors d’oeuvres at McClelland Hall. Patron tickets are $40 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 d/Deaf; there will also be accessible seating. Call The David Strawn Art Gallery office at 217-243-9390 or visit strawnartgallery.org for more information.
Follow “The Art Association of Jacksonville” on Facebook for more information about The David Strawn Art Gallery and Beaux Arts Ball.
