LA SALLE – North Central Illinois (NCI) ARTworks has announced the names of seven area high school students who will be recognized for their outstanding performing and visual artistic talents during the third annual Mad Hatter Ball. The event will take place on Friday, Sept. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Celebrations 150, 740 East U.S. Route 6, LaSalle.

“We’re celebrating the talent, drive and commitment to their art that each of these young artists expresses so well,” said Sue Gillio, chair of the Mad Hatter Ball and owner of Music Suite 408, Fine Arts Factory and Paintbox Gallery.

"And, we invite everyone to join us to applaud their performances and presentations and to learn more about their inspiration, training and awards – and – what’s ahead for their art, school and career plans,” she said. “This event is also all about celebrating the arts and having fun with friends and family.”

The 2019 honorees include:

• Teghan Tillman, Visual Artist, Mendota High School - Teghan, a junior at Mendota High School, is the daughter of Joseph Tillman and Candy Bonnell. She will present and discuss several works of her art.
• Emma Anderson, Piano, LaSalle-Peru High School - Emma, a senior at LaSalle-Peru High School, is the daughter of Todd and Doreen Anderson of Oglesby. She will play “Scotch Poem” by American composer Edward MacDowell.
• Erin Daniel, Vocalist, Ottawa High School - Erin, a junior at Ottawa Township High School, is the daughter of David and Laurie Daniel of Ottawa. She will sing “Ah! Je veux vivre,” the first aria Juliet sings in Roméo et Juliette by Charles Francois Gounod.
• Alaina Gallion, Dance, Ottawa High School - Alaina, a senior at Ottawa Township High School, is the daughter of Cyndy Gallion of Marseilles. She will perform a tap dance number.
• Victor Heredia, Piano, Hall High School - Victor, a junior at Hall High School and home-school, is the son of Hugo and Jen Heredia of Spring Valley. He will perform “Polonaise in A major, Opus 40, No. 1,” nicknamed the “Military” Polonaise and the first of twin compositions by Frederic Chopin.
• Mia Mautino, Visual Art, Hall High School - Mia, a sophomore at Hall High School, is the daughter of Mark and Heather Mautino of Spring Valley. She will present and discuss several of her works of art.
• Reid Rynke, Vocalist, LaSalle-Peru High School - Reid, a senior at LaSalle-Peru High School, is the son of Roger and Lori Rynke of Peru. He will perform “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan.

Tickets are $35 apiece at the door or in advance at www.nciartworks.com or www.eventbrite.com or in Peru at the NCI ARTworks Westclox ARTS Center or Music Suite 408 in the west wing of the Westclox building on Fifth St.; or by calling Sue Gillio at (815) 228-8204.

The evening includes a light buffet with “unbirthday cake” for dessert (cash bar) with performances by dancers from The Dance Center in LaSalle, Al and Jeannie Brown, and Guys on the Radio.

The reigning Queen of ‘ARTs Kathy Casstevens will crown the new Queen of ‘ARTs from among three queen candidates vying for the crown. Voting is open through Sept. 19 at www.nciartworks.com.

Guests are invited to wear a favorite “mad” or fancy hat, with prizes awarded. Fancy dress is not required.

There will be whimsical games, a silent auction for experience packages, raffle items and a Balloon Burst with a $500 prize in one of the balloons.

Table sponsorships are available from $200 to $1,000, including eight to 10 tickets for $300 and higher sponsorships. E-mail nciartworks@nciartworks.com for information about sponsored tables.

Mad Hatter Ball proceeds benefit NCI ARTworks programs and activities, including the new Westclox ARTworks Center that contains a comfortable, multi-purpose room to showcase art, for meetings and performances, and as a lounge and waiting area for families with students attending lessons. The space also includes a service kitchen and the organization’s business office. NCI ARTworks is a 501c3, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and expanding the arts community in LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam Counties through three initiatives: artistic collaboration, educational outreach, and art space development.