Prairie Center Arts Foundation Celebrates the Arts and Education
On February 10, the Prairie Center Arts Foundation hosted an event to raise awareness of the importance of arts in education, specifically as part of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). "Building STEAM" was an exciting event, held in conjunction with title sponsor Amada America, with a competition and live auction featuring sculptures created by teams of local artists and students. All of the sculptures were created using parts from area manufacturing companies. Parts for all of the sculptures were donated by: Innovative Components, Inc., Illinois Pulley & Gear, Inc., INTEC Group, PM Mold Company, Dexter Magnetic Technologies, Weber-Stephen Products, Komet USA and Harper College. Student teams from Conant, Fremd, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, and Schaumburg High Schools and Harper College each submitted sculptures. Additional support was provided by Harper College, GCAMP, Technology & Manufacturing Association, and Gladwin Machinery & Supply Co.
"This is event was a wonderful mix of the pillars of our community: education, manufacturing, restaurants; and all with a focus on arts and education. We were thrilled with this event and the relationships that were formed, and look forward to expanding it in the coming years," said Theresa Olvera, Executive Director of the Prairie Center Arts Foundation.
Event attendee, George Vroustouris, Vice President of Undo Identity Theft, Inc. said, "We struggle to engage young people into our new economy, and try to raise awareness of the amazing opportunities awaiting them in the manufacturing world. It's well developed programs like the Building STEAM event that can excite millennials and their families, and make them aware of the amazing career opportunities available today in modern high tech manufacturing, and may inspire some brilliant young minds to innovate and discover the 'Next Big Thing!'"
The awards were given as follows:
1st Place - Conant High School - Sculpture Title: "Humphrey"
Parts donated by Weber-Stephen Products
2nd Place - Hoffman Estates High School - Sculpture Title: "Inspired Progress"
Parts donated by PM Mold Company
3rd Place - Harper College - Sculpture Title: "Cloudburst"
Parts donated by Illinois Pulley & Gear
To round out the evening, local restaurants provided delicious and diverse fare. Partner restaurants included: Bonefish Grill, Chandler's Chophouse, Pita House Restaurant, Seasons 52, Sam & Harry's, and Tasty Catering.
The Prairie Center Arts Foundation's next event is coming April 7, Spirits of the Prairie, featuring samplings of the best in craft beers, locally made spirits and delicious bites from area restaurants. A chaser of live entertainment, raffle prizes and the opportunity to buy and take home your favorite beverages add to the fun. Proceeds from the event benefit the foundation, dedicated to the growth and excellence of cultural arts in Schaumburg. Tickets for Spirits of the Prairie are $35 per person in advance ($40 at the door) and can be ordered online at www.prairiecenter.org or by calling (847) 895-3600.
For more information about the Prairie Center Arts Foundation, their mission, events and ways to support the arts, visit www.pcafoundation.org.