THANK YOU FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENING!

We are deeply grateful to the 200+ guests who came together to celebrate and raise critical funds for Arts @ Large's youth arts education programs. Whether you purchased a ticket, volunteered, bid in the silent auction, participated in the Heads or Tails raffle, raised your paddle, or supported as a sponsor - thank you.

Thanks to your generosity, we raised a record-breaking $110,000 - including full funding for 20 young artists to attend our free summer arts camp this year!

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible arts and chefs whose creativiy, talent, and heart made the night unforgettable - you brought this experience to life.

We could not have pulled off the night without the helping hands of our incredible volunteers. From set-up to clean-up, your time and talent made it all possible -thank you!

Keep an eye out for the full event photo gallery coming soon!

We hope you'll join us for our 3rd Annual Art vs. Food - date to be announced soon - as we kick off Arts @ Large's 25th Anniversary celebration in 2026!

Dinner Chefs

Chef Kyle Knall

Kyle Knall is the Culinary Director at Stone Bank Farms and Chef and Co-Owner of Birch, which spotlights ingredients sourced exclusively from the region in an open-hearth setting while prioritizing delicious, honest cooking and sustainability. Kyle is a 2025 semi-finalist for the second year in a row for Best Chef: Midwest by the James Beard Foundation.

Chef Dane Baldwin

Dane Baldwin is the Chef/Owner of The Diplomat, which brings craveable dishes driven by local produce vehicled in the spirit of the neighborhood restaurant. Dane is a 2022 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Midwest.

Chef Adam Siegel

Adam Siegel is the Chef/Owner of Lupi & Iris, which embodies Adam’s vision for excellence in fine cuisine, exceptional service, and elevated design. Adam is a 2008 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Midwest.

Featured Artists

Karlies Kelley

Karlies Kelley is a multidisciplinary movement artist. She founded Panadanza Dance Company in 2008 as a way to stay connected with her roots, to build a community around music and dance, and to create safe, healing spaces for women and young people. Karlies believes “dance belongs to all, in all spaces, dance is key to living a more colorful, connected, and meaningful life!”

Nehemiah “Nemo” R. Edwards

Nehemiah “Nemo” R. Edwards is a contemporary artist. Nemo is self-taught in painting and digital art. Committed to using art as a tool for connection and empowerment, he actively engages in community-based projects and workshops that inspire creativity and self-exploration. Nemo believes that art has the power to transform lives and seeks to use his talent to make a positive impact in the world.

Ava Hager

Ava Hager is a sculptor and 3-dimensional artist whose work investigates the body’s response to emotional, mental, and physical stressors. Her artwork often incorporates a range of recycled materials, wood, and textiles, resulting in surreal, immersive installations that reflect both personal and universal themes of healing, femininity, and the human experience.

VIP Cocktail Hour:

Kevin & Angela Green

Kevin and Angela Green are the owners of Green Baked Goods.  Offering both café dining and catering services, the duo creates a wide variety of baked goods from scratch using only the freshest seasonal ingredients.  Driven by a passion for delicious, wholesome food, they proudly support the community by sourcing produce from local farms and continually introduce new, irresistible creations to their menu.

Jeff Zimpel

Jeff Zimpel is an interdisciplinary artist, curator, and educator who composes site-specific installations, inviting creative participation from those who encounter his Living Studio.  Jeff balances his art and work with a life in dialogue with the other-than-human world.  His studio practice is focused on the curious nature of color, on a deep exploration of the world of mark-making, and on encouraging an ecological approach to living and making.

Citlali Mendieta-Ramos and Chef Nicolás Ramos

Citlai Mendieta-Ramos and Chef Nicolás Ramos own Antigua Catering & Events, Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen, Lola’s Empanadas, and Celebration Helpers Events Conierges.  They proudly represent their Mexican Culture in Milwaukee, providing exquisite traditional Latin American dishes made with fresh ingredients and Antigua’s special contemporary touch.

Sponsors:

Underwriting: