The annual Illinois Arts Legend Awards' previous honorees
include:
2005 Advocate
Richard H. Driehaus
Richard H. Driehaus, a
native of Chicago, has earned a reputation within the investment management
industry as an accomplished investor. In addition to his career as
Founder, Chief Investment Officer, CEO and Chairman of Driehaus Capital
Management, Inc., he has focused his attention and energy on a variety
of philanthropic and community service projects, both individually
and through the efforts of The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation. Mr.
Driehaus' support of the arts is based on his belief that the arts
provide much-needed balance to people's busy lives. The Foundation's
major priorities are enhancing the built environment and supporting
small theatres, dance troupes and community-based cultural projects.
A sampling of the groups and projects supported by Mr. Driehaus and
The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation include Pegasus Players, Trinity
Irish Dance Company, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Poetry Society
of America, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Redmoon Theater.
2005
Artist
Bobby Short
Until his death on March 21, 2005,
Bobby Short was the nation's most celebrated cabaret performer. He
was born in Danville, Illinois, where he taught himself to play and
sing by ear. Touring Vaudeville at the age of 12, he was dubbed "the
miniature king of swing." Mr.
Short began to record in 1954 and attracted a loyal following for
his interpretations of popular songs from the 20s and 30s at nightclubs
in New York, Hollywood, Paris and London. His recordings of the
works of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Rodgers & Hart and other
important composers earned him much attention, reviving interest
in these composers' songs and cabaret performing. During his lifetime,
Mr. Short was nominated for three Grammy Awards and received an
honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Bloomfield College in New Jersey
as well as an appointment as Laureate of the Lincoln Academy in Illinois.
Mr. Short was a staple at New York City's Café Carlyle,
where he played for 35 seasons.
2004 Advocate
Norman R. Bobins
Norman R. Bobins is president and CEO of LaSalle Bank Corporation.
A staunch supporter of Chicago's internationally recognized artistic
and cultural community, Mr. Bobins currently serves on the board
of directors of the Terra Foundation for the Arts, the Board of
Education of the City of Chicago, WTTW Communications, Inc., The
Field Museum, the Illinois Business Roundtable and the University
of Chicago Hospitals. In addition, he serves on The Council on the
Graduate School of Business at The University of Chicago and is a
member of the Kellogg Graduate School of Management Advisory Board.
He is also a member of the Banker's Club of Chicago, The Financial
Services Roundtable, and the Civic Committee of The Commercial Club
of Chicago. His many honors include the Distinguished Service Award
of the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee Human
Rights Medallion, the Midtown Educational Foundation Reach for Excellence
Award, the DePaul University 1999 Business Leadership Award, the
Boys & Girls Clubs 2002 Chairman's
Award, and the 2003 University of Chicago Graduate School of Business'
Distinguished Corporate Alumnus Award.
2004 Artist
William Petersen
William Petersen is often best recognized as the star and producer
of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CBS' critically acclaimed
television show. A native of Evanston, Mr. Petersen began his career
in Chicago as one of the co-founders of Remains Theatre Ensemble where
he starred in Tooth of Crime, Moby Dick, and American
Buffalo, among many
others. He regularly won critical acclaim for his work with Steppenwolf
Theatre, Organic Theater, Remains, and Ontario's Stratford Festival
where he starred in A Street Car Named Desire. Mr.
Petersen won a Joseph Jefferson Award for his work in The
Belly of the Beast at
Wisdom Bridge and also performed with The Goodman Theatre in many productions
including The Time of Your Life, the world premiere of Glengarry
Glen Ross, and The Night of the Iguana, which later transferred
to the Roundabout Theater in New York, where he made his Broadway debut.
In addition to his work on CSI, Mr. Petersen has starred in
several television mini-series including The Kennedys
of Massachusetts, Return
to Lonesome Dove, and The Beast, and his versatile and
acclaimed work can be seen in films such as To
Live and Die in L.A., Manhunter, Cousins,
and The
Contender.
2003 Advocate
Henry Fogel
As President of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, Henry Fogel
oversees the operations of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony
Center Presents (the organization’s independent presenting series of classical
and jazz attractions), the Civic Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Chorus,
and the Symphony Center facility. In addition, he is involved in a number
of local and national arts organizations, and serves as a consultant to
many orchestras on management and labor issues. Mr. Fogel is a record
reviewer whose writings regularly appear in Fanfare, and has contributed
articles and essays about American orchestras to many publications. A
longtime radio enthusiast, he also produces the nationally syndicated
series Collector’s Corner for Chicago Fine Arts Station WFMT.
2003 Artist
Mike Nussbaum
Mike Nussbaum has worked as an actor and director in Chicagoland theaters
for more than 40 years. Honored on several occasions by the Joseph Jefferson
Committee, he received a New York Drama Desk Award for his performance
in Glengarry Glen Ross on Broadway. Long associated with David Mamet,
Mike originated roles in American Buffalo, A Life in the Theatre, Glengarry,
and others. He recently returned to Glengarry in the acclaimed Steppenwolf
production of the Mamet classic. Mike has appeared in numerous films and
television shows, including the mini-series Separate But Equal, and received
an Emmy Award for his appearance in Shoeless Joe Jackson.
2002 Advocate
Rich Franke
Rich Franke spent his entire business career as an investment banker with
John Nuveen and Co. In 1974 he became CEO and served until his retirement
in 1996. His passion for the arts and humanities began as an undergraduate
at Yale University and has fueled his advocacy ever since. In 1990, as
chairman of the Illinois Humanities Council, Mr. Franke spearheaded the
development of the Chicago Humanities Festival, now an annual event that
brings together Chicago’s premier cultural institutions in a literary
and artistic celebration of the humanities. His broad support and commitment
to dozens of cultural institutions and initiatives are testament to his
conviction that the arts and humanities are necessary for a healthy democracy.
2002 Artist
Koko Taylor
Koko Taylor began life as the daughter of an Arkansas sharecropper and
has grown to be acknowledged worldwide as the Queen of the Blues. Grammy
Award winner Koko Taylor launched her career on Chicago’s southwest
side with the 1966 hit, “Wang Dang Doodle.” Her tenacity,
talent and larger-than-life personality has since put Chicago on the blues
map. The Chicago Tribune raves, “There may be no living artist who
more palpably embodies the jolting, live-wire feel of Chicago Blues.”
2001 Artist
Bernie Sahlins
Bernie Sahlins is legendary for his roles as creator of Second City,
co-founder of the International Theater Festival, creative adapter for
the Humanities Festival, writer and producer. For more than 25 years,
he has been tireless in advancing and promoting the arts in our state.
As a mentor, Mr. Sahlins has influenced artists from all corners of
Illinois.
2001 Advocate
Lewis Manilow
Lewis Manilow has made extraordinary contributions to the cultural
life of Illinois through his philanthropic support, dedication and
leadership. His commitment to the arts in Illinois includes his tenure
as past President and Trustee of the Museum of Contemporary Art, and
his visionary role in the revitalization of the North Loop theater
district, new home of The Goodman Theatre.
2000 Artist
Steppenwolf Theatre Co.
For its 25 years of excellence and innovation and its watershed impact
on the landscape of American theater and culture. Founded on a commitment
to the principles of ensemble collaboration and artistic risk, Steppenwolf
and its ensemble members continue to stay true to their roots and
artists home in Illinois.
2000 Advocate
William Graham
For his wisdom, guidance and activism on behalf of the arts and cultural
enrichment across the state of Illinois. Mr. Graham's contributions
and commitment to the arts over the last half century have left an
indelible mark on the culture and quality of life in our state.
1999 Artist
William Warfield
For his more than half-century of excellence as a singer, actor, and
educator, his commitment to improving the arts in Illinois communities,
and his support of young and emerging artists in our state.
1999 Advocate
John Bryan
For his contributions-both personally and as Chairman and CEO of Sara
Lee- which benefit the arts in Illinois and worldwide, and his advocacy
on behalf of increased private-sector support of the arts in our state.
Back to Top
IAA Home
Illinois Arts Alliance/Foundation
203 North Wabash
Suite 1920
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone: 312.855.3105 Fax: 312.855.1565
info@artsalliance.org
|
