Know artists worthy of hall of fame status?
Nominations are sought for the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame. Previous inductees include a violinist, a ballerina, an opera singer, an illustrator, a composer and television producers.
Actors, writers, sculptors, oboist, journalists and photographers have been honored, as have music arrangers, conductors and watercolorists.
Since its inception in 2001, the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame has inducted some 22 people who are connected to the local communities in the Fox Valley through birth, education, residence or service.
And now it is time to gather nominations for the next induction which will take place April 24, 2008 at Eagle Brook Country Club in Geneva.
"The Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame began as a way to honor people in the Fox Valley," said Susan Starrett, president. "Such recognition ensures a strong cultural legacy for future generations."
The Arts Hall of Fame honors and showcases the work and performances of artists of the valley who have achieved extraordinary national and/or international distinction. They can be honored living or posthumously and are inducted every two years.
Nominations are due Nov. 1. Forms are now available from Aurora University, c/o Trudy Taylor, 347 S. Gladstone Ave., Aurora, IL 60605-4892. Or call (630) 527-1858 or visit the Arts Hall of Fame Web site at www.foxvalleyarts.org. There are no costs or fees.
Names of inductees will be announced Jan. 18, 2008. A gala awards ceremony will honor the inductees who will receive medallions; and permanent plaques will hang in the Arts Hall of Fame Walkway in the Paramount Theatre, Aurora.
The Arts Hall of Fame began as a way to honor virtuoso violinist Maud Powell, who moved to Aurora at age 3. As part of that induction, violinist Rachel Barton Pine responded, as perhaps Maud herself might have done, by playing some of her transcriptions.
In odd-numbered years, Founders' Series arts events, are offered to the community. The world-recognized Pacifica String Quartet will be the Founders' Series feature concert for 2009.
Each inductee must have completed 20 years in his or her chosen field. Categories included, but not limited to -- literary, media, performing and visual arts. Only information listed on the nomination form will be considered. If a candidate was previously nominated, a new and updated application form will need to be submitted with a 2008 form.
Board members include: Susan Starrett of North Aurora, president; Joyce Dlugopolski of Batavia, Christine Simonson of Naperville, Meredith Lindgren of Aurora, vice presidents; James Mamminga of Aurora, treasurer; and members at-large Vincent Franco of Naperville, Murna Hansemann of Elgin, Nancy Hopp of Aurora, Kathy Matthews of St. Charles and Roger Parolini of Aurora.