Left: Amanda Williams. Right: Esther Grimm. Photo by Z Marciniak for Bob.

Left: Amanda Williams and Nora Daley. Right: Esther Grimm and Norman Teague. Photo by Z Marciniak for Bob.

By GINNY VAN ALYEA

In the busy lead up to the holidays, Hyde Park Art Center hosted its 86th annual gala at the Center on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

The lively event honored arts leader Esther Grimm and artist Amanda Williams, and was co-chaired by Mirja Spooner Haffner, Founder of The Laksmi Project, and Christy MacLear, President of Good Chaos. 

More than 300 attendees wore “creative cocktail” attire and mingled with collectors, curators, arts supporters and of course artists. Cocktail hour was a chance to peek into resident artist open studios and explore various spaces on both floors of HPAC. At a packed, seated dinner in the Art Center’s main space, and amidst a buzzy, celebratory atmosphere Art Center leadership shared remarks about HPAC’s storied history of supporting artists at key moments in their career and how they have come to be one of the most significant creative incubators on the South Side and throughout the city. The large crowd was accommodated with seating in a large white tent that temporarily expanded HPAC's main gallery 1 space.

When it came time to honor Grimm and Williams, both women were equally excited to be in each other’s company, with Grimm sharing how deeply humbled but also giddy she felt to be on stage with Williams. Williams emphasized just how important it is to watch what happens at Hyde Park Art Center. "Supporting artists makes this city great,” she said. “I can imagine no other pairing of organizations that have been as important 3arts and Hyde Park Art Center. We are so spoiled in Chicago. This is where it happens before it’s cute.”

Williams pointed out that she got her first big award from HPAC in 2015, and that she hasn’t slept since. She said she’s not the only one, pointing to other artists like Edra Soto, Sabina Ott, Turtel Onli, Joyce Owens and Kerry James Marshall, all of whom were championed and invested in locally before gaining national reputations. “Things happen here,” Williams said. 

Aaron Rodgers and Jeannette Tremblay Chambers. Photo by Z Marciniak for Bob.

During the event, the Art Center’s co-Executive Directors Jeannette Tremblay Chambers and Aaron Rodgers announced a partnership with 3Arts on a new residency program at the Art Center. Beyond Bodies of Work, a six-month residency for artists with disabilities who have previously completed a 3Arts/Bodies of Work Residency, will be held at the Art Center starting in 2026. Its first resident, Pooja Pittie, is a self-taught painter and fiber artist based in Chicago. Living with a progressive form of muscular dystrophy, Pittie’s work draws on the dynamics of a slowing body and an active, curious mind.

The event saw its largest attendance since before the pandemic and also raised $515,000. According to the Hyde Park Herald, this significant number is particularly notable and needed, considering HPAC's decision in 2025 not to apply for funding from the National Endowment for the Arts because of federal guidelines that prohibit funding organizations that offer diversity, equity and inclusion programs. As a result HPAC knew they would grapple with a $100,000 funding deficit.

The gala has a reputation as one of the city’s most “hands-on” art parties, and though I didn’t stay for the after-party in collaboration with Lumpen Radio, many others did, continuing the revelry and participating in Interactive Artist Interventions, enjoying performances, DJs, and late-night bites. The chance to be together was a night to celebrate artists as well as this special South Side institution and its impact for years to come. 

Artists in a HPAC studio space. Photo by Z Marciniak for Bob.

Photo by CGN