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fire & ice

Local arts lovers stepped into a decidedly urban-chic environment Saturday night, February 27, when 40 North | 88 West—Champaign County’s Arts, Culture & Entertainment Council—hosted its Fire & Ice fundraiser at M2 in downtown Champaign. The event was sponsored by Busey.

M2's second floor was completely transformed for the evening by designer Taya Ross, working closely with lighting artist Sean Murphy. Chef Benjamin of Mahomet catered the event in high style and performers from U of I Assistant Professor of Dance Kirstie Simson’s contact improv class livened things up throughout the evening. Artist David Wilcoxen's popular 'paper dolls' - whimsical painted female figures standing over 5 feet tall - were on view throughout the space, while a bar and buffet set-up and additional lighting furnished by Knox Array offered the finishing touches.

Both a silent and live auction (featuring auctioneer Tom Costello) were fun additions to the program and added substantially to the event’s success as a fundraiser, the biggest ever for 40 North. Over 200 people were there, with dozens bidding on auction items and enjoying the complimentary food and beverages.

An evening of high energy fun and entertainment, Fire & Ice was the fifth gala fundraiser hosted by 40 North, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization started in 2002. All net proceeds will benefit the 40 North mission of cultivating creativity in Champaign County.

Guests at Fire & Ice were treated to an event with an “underground big city loft party” feel marked by theatrical lighting—including Taya Ross’ unique constructions of chicken wire and mesh and Sean Murphy’s cutting-edge LEDs scattered throughout the room—house music and the artful contact improvisations of dancers Sarah Hess, Chad Miller, Jess Cornish and Ysaye McKeever. The industrial space was dramatically decorated throughout with black, blue and red light - reflecting the Fire & Ice theme - and graffiti artists tagged the room’s walls and floors with their own colorful designs. The entire evening was recorded by photographer Lawrence McGown, and his pictures will soon be featured on the 40 North website at www.40north.org.

“We were thrilled to see such generous contributions at this year’s gala. With the looming threat of grant funding cuts, it’s important to have local support for our arts organizations. We’re happy to say people came out in a big way to support 40 North, proving once again the value this unique micro-urban community places on its arts and culture,” said Megan Wolf, 40 North Director of Development.

“It was an exceptional night,” added 40 North Director of Operations Steven Bentz. “People were in a celebratory mood, the remarkable space at M2 was very cosmopolitan, and everything came together to create a successful fundraising event that will allow 40 North to continue to offer programs like the Boneyard Arts Festival, the ACE Awards, Poetry Out Loud, the Eric Show, First Friday arts socials, the Open Critiques, our granting workshops and roundtables as well as our many outreach efforts and collaborations.”

Fire & Ice was planned and executed by a committee of volunteers: Mary Knight (chair and 40 North board member), Amy Randolph, Abby Hendren, Karin Ballsrud, Ellen Kirsanoff, Colleen Hatton and Taya Ross.

40 North History
Established in October 2002, 40 North | 88 West—Champaign County’s Arts, Culture and Entertainment Council reflects the diverse community it serves. It works to support the area’s artists and arts organizations, across all disciplines, promoting the rich array of cultural offerings available in Champaign County and stimulating collaborations between our arts communities, municipal and business communities and the public at large.

What differentiates 40 North from other local arts service organizations is its focus on advocacy, information and collaboration. Prior to 40 North’s inception, numerous community representatives came together to exchange ideas on what kind of arts council would best serve Champaign County. Since the area is already rich in arts, culture and entertainment, it was thought especially important that the organization not work to offer programs that competed with what was already here. Instead, 40 North would represent equally all aspects of the local arts scene by nurturing, promoting and linking together the many strands which make up Champaign County’s vibrant culture.

After eight years of operation, 40 North continues to quietly redefine the meaning of “local arts council” and is working hard to support the needs of Champaign County’s artists, foster cooperation between our community’s diverse groups, and promote Champaign County’s burgeoning arts, culture and entertainment.

40 North is a central resource for all things arts-related in Champaign County. Not only is 40 North helpful to artists, but it’s also is a valuable resource for families, concertgoers, art collectors and businesses. Visit the website at www.40north.org to get the latest community and national news, search for an artist or venue, check out the on-line community entertainment calendar, and become a member.