10th Anniversary Women in the Arts Luncheon honoring Danai Gurira
Monday, December 10, 2018
Steppenwolf’s 10th Anniversary Women in the Arts Luncheon on December 10, 2018 was a beautiful afternoon with OBIE, Helen Hayes and NAACP Award-winning actor and playwright Danai Gurira. Guests enjoyed lunch while Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Education Manager Jared Bellot joined Danai in a candid conversation about her impactful work as an artist and activist, including personal reflections on the Steppenwolf production of her play Familiar.
Three hundred leaders from Chicago’s civic, corporate and artistic communities came together for the afternoon to raise meaningful funds for Steppenwolf’s education and professional development programs, including Steppenwolf for Young Adults, our nationally recognized education program, the School at Steppenwolf, and the Professional Leadership Programs. Steppenwolf extends sincere thanks to all who contributed to the success of this anniversary occasion.
The Women in the Arts Luncheon began as a way to bring together Chicago’s business and civic communities in celebration of innovators across the performing arts. By uplifting these voices, we explore their unique careers in a personal and intimate way. Previous honorees include ensemble members Joan Allen, Laurie Metcalf and Martha Plimpton, along with Claire Danes, Juliette Lewis, Julianna Margulies, Margo Martindale, Julianne Nicholson, Mary-Louise Parker, Sarah Paulson and Phylicia Rashad.
Co-Chairs
Stephanie B. Smith Helen Zell
Anniversary Sponsors & Host Committee
Amy Bluhm Meredith Bluhm-Wolf Caroline and Keating Crown Donna La Pietra Deborah Quazzo CARI B. SACKS
Mentor Tables hosted by
Boeing Marlene Breslow-Blitstein Mary A. Dempsey and Amy Eshleman Exelon and MARY LUDFORD Illinois Tool Works Foundation John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Mesirow Financial Lynn and Amelia Murphy THe Orlebeke Foundation Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom United Airlines Winston & Strawn, LLP and Paul & Lisa McGrady
Women in the Arts Photo Gallery
10th Anniversary Women in the Arts
10th Anniversary Honoree Danai Gurira with Steppenwolf cast members from her play Familiar, Steppenwolf ensemble member Celeste M. Cooper and Cheryl Lynn Bruce
credit: Kyle Flubacker
10th Anniversary Women in the Arts
The 10th Anniversary Women in the Arts Luncheon honored world-renowned actor and playwright Danai Gurira for her excellence as an artist and activist. Steppenwolf Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Steppenwolf Education Manager Jared Bellot led a conversation with Danai about her work on the stage and screen, as well as her humanitarian efforts, giving guests an exclusive look into the life of this leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young arts leaders.
Date: December 14, 2018
10th Anniversary Honoree Danai Gurira with members of Steppenwolf’s Professional Leadership Program
credit: Kyle Flubacker
10th Anniversary Women in the Arts
The 10th Anniversary Women in the Arts Luncheon honored world-renowned actor and playwright Danai Gurira for her excellence as an artist and activist. Steppenwolf Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Steppenwolf Education Manager Jared Bellot led a conversation with Danai about her work on the stage and screen, as well as her humanitarian efforts, giving guests an exclusive look into the life of this leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young arts leaders.
Date: December 14, 2018
Julie Sacks, First Lady of Chicago Amy Rule, 10th Anniversary Honoree Danai
Gurira, Steppenwolf Trustee Cari B. Sacks, Sally Garon
credit: Kyle Flubacker
10th Anniversary Women in the Arts
The 10th Anniversary Women in the Arts Luncheon honored world-renowned actor and playwright Danai Gurira for her excellence as an artist and activist. Steppenwolf Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Steppenwolf Education Manager Jared Bellot led a conversation with Danai about her work on the stage and screen, as well as her humanitarian efforts, giving guests an exclusive look into the life of this leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young arts leaders.
The 10th Anniversary Women in the Arts Luncheon honored world-renowned actor and playwright Danai Gurira for her excellence as an artist and activist. Steppenwolf Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Steppenwolf Education Manager Jared Bellot led a conversation with Danai about her work on the stage and screen, as well as her humanitarian efforts, giving guests an exclusive look into the life of this leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young arts leaders.
Date: December 14, 2018
Steppenwolf collaborator Danya Taymor, Steppenwolf Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro, 10th Anniversary Honoree Danai Gurira
credit: Kyle Flubacker
10th Anniversary Women in the Arts
The 10th Anniversary Women in the Arts Luncheon honored world-renowned actor and playwright Danai Gurira for her excellence as an artist and activist. Steppenwolf Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Steppenwolf Education Manager Jared Bellot led a conversation with Danai about her work on the stage and screen, as well as her humanitarian efforts, giving guests an exclusive look into the life of this leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young arts leaders.
Date: December 14, 2018
10th Anniversary Co-Chair and Steppenwolf Trustee Stephanie Smith welcomes guests
credit: Kyle Flubacker
10th Anniversary Women in the Arts
The 10th Anniversary Women in the Arts Luncheon honored world-renowned actor and playwright Danai Gurira for her excellence as an artist and activist. Steppenwolf Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Steppenwolf Education Manager Jared Bellot led a conversation with Danai about her work on the stage and screen, as well as her humanitarian efforts, giving guests an exclusive look into the life of this leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young arts leaders.
Date: December 14, 2018
10th Anniversary Women in the Arts Luncheon at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
credit: Kyle Flubacker
10th Anniversary Women in the Arts
The 10th Anniversary Women in the Arts Luncheon honored world-renowned actor and playwright Danai Gurira for her excellence as an artist and activist. Steppenwolf Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Steppenwolf Education Manager Jared Bellot led a conversation with Danai about her work on the stage and screen, as well as her humanitarian efforts, giving guests an exclusive look into the life of this leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young arts leaders.
Date: December 14, 2018
10th Anniversary Honoree Danai Gurira during the conversation led by
Steppenwolf Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Steppenwolf Education Manager
Jared Bellot
credit: Kyle Flubacker
10th Anniversary Women in the Arts
The 10th Anniversary Women in the Arts Luncheon honored world-renowned actor and playwright Danai Gurira for her excellence as an artist and activist. Steppenwolf Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Steppenwolf Education Manager Jared Bellot led a conversation with Danai about her work on the stage and screen, as well as her humanitarian efforts, giving guests an exclusive look into the life of this leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young arts leaders.
Date: December 14, 2018
Cathy Iverson and Steppenwolf ensemble member Jon Michael Hill enjoying the conversation. Flowers donated by Revel Décor
credit: Tony Favarula
10th Anniversary Women in the Arts
The 10th Anniversary Women in the Arts Luncheon honored world-renowned actor and playwright Danai Gurira for her excellence as an artist and activist. Steppenwolf Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Steppenwolf Education Manager Jared Bellot led a conversation with Danai about her work on the stage and screen, as well as her humanitarian efforts, giving guests an exclusive look into the life of this leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young arts leaders.
Date: December 14, 2018
10th Anniversary Honoree Danai Gurira with guests including Amrit Singh and Steppenwolf Trustee Verett Mims
credit: Kyle Flubacker
10th Anniversary Women in the Arts
The 10th Anniversary Women in the Arts Luncheon honored world-renowned actor and playwright Danai Gurira for her excellence as an artist and activist. Steppenwolf Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Steppenwolf Education Manager Jared Bellot led a conversation with Danai about her work on the stage and screen, as well as her humanitarian efforts, giving guests an exclusive look into the life of this leading woman in the arts. Proceeds from the Women in the Arts Luncheon support training for the next generation of young arts leaders.