Springfield Area Arts Council

𝓛𝓪𝓭𝔂 𝓟𝓪𝓼𝓯𝓲𝓮𝓵𝓭'𝓼 𝓢𝓸𝓬𝓲𝓮𝓽𝔂 𝓟𝓪𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓼

Dearest Gentle Reader,

This author is curious...have you secured your place at the Diamond Ball? Your presence ensures that this most anticipated evening will indeed be worthy of the season.

It must be noted that the ball is now less than one month away. The preparations are well underway, whispers are circulating among the Ton, and all signs suggest it shall be an evening one will not soon forget.

This author cannot discuss the festivities without mentioning the matter on everyone’s mind: the Diamond of the Ball. Should you wish to be considered for this most distinguished honor, you are encouraged to secure your raffle tickets without delay. One most fortunate guest will be presented before Her Majesty the Queen and celebrated as the evening’s Diamond.

And tell me, dear reader… have you settled upon your attire? I can only imagine the splendid gowns, refined coats, and dazzling ensembles that will soon grace the ballroom. The Ton awaits with great anticipation to see how each guest will arrive in their Regency finest.

Until the evening of enchantment arrives, I remain most eager for the grand reveal.

Yours in the most fashionable anticipation,
Lady Pasfield

--

Secure your tickets and enter for a chance to become the Diamond of the Ball:
🔗springfieldartsco.org/2026/02/diamond-ball/

📷 Victoria Hudspeth Photography

📣 We are proud to announce the winners of the Illinois State Poetry Out Loud competition.

State Champion: Jaden Conley, Niles West High School
Runner-up: Elliana Sheehan, Wheaton-Warrenville South High School

They were the best of fourteen students from around the state who competed on Monday, March 2, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.

Conley now will advance to the Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest in D.C. in late April.

🏆 Awards by Star Graphics and Media
📷 Photos by William Richards Photography

Dearest Gentle Reader… 💐✨

The Springfield Area Arts Council is celebrating 50 years of championing the arts, and you’re invited to the social event of the season.

Join us for our spring fundraiser, the Diamond Ball, filled with music, dancing, signature cocktails, and the crowning of our Diamond of the Ball. 👑💎

This enchanting evening supports our community arts programming and re-granting efforts — ensuring the arts continue to flourish for the next 50 years.

Tickets are limited. The season awaits.

Yours Truly,
Lady Pasfield

🔗 springfieldartsco.org/2026/02/diamond-ball/

📷 Victoria Hudspeth

🎉 Congratulations to Jillian Garcia of Decatur Eisenhower High School for earning first place at the Central Illinois Poetry Out Loud Regional Contest!

👏 Shoutout as well to Ace O’Malley of Springfield Southeast High School for taking second place!

Now these two talented students advance to the Illinois State Competition for a chance to represent the Prairie State at nationals.

📅 Monday, March 2
⏰ 10:00 a.m.
📍 LRS Theatre, Hoogland Center for the Arts

📸 Photography by William Richards Photography
🏆 Awards from Star Graphics and Media