Art Institute Chicago Announces Annual Benefit, NIGHT HEIST, Today

The Art Institute of Chicago is pleased to announce the Evening Associates' annual benefit, "Night Heist," will take place on Friday, June 24, 2016 . With this popular event, now in its sixth year, the Evening Associates Board is focused more than ever on expanding their philanthropy while engaging Chicago's young professional demographic. Longtime Evening Associates Board members and 2016 Night Heist co-chairs Kristin Culbertson, John Reid, and Brandon Clark have focused on "building upon the success of Night Heist in part by continuing to set records, but also by trying some new elements to keep the event relevant and exciting for those who are already aware of the Art Institute's charms," shares Clark.

The evening begins with an exclusive VIP reception and dinner prepared by award-winning celebrity chef Tony Mantuano, James Beard winner and Top Chef contestant, in Terzo Piano. VIP guests will then join a museum expert on a private tour of the groundbreaking exhibition America after the Fall: Painting in the 1930s. Seminal works by Edward Hopper, Grant Wood, Thomas Hart Benton, and Georgia O'Keeffe, chronicle the turbulent economic, political, and aesthetic climate of the 1930s as the nation's artists, novelists, and critics struggled through the Great Depression in search of "Americanness."

The evening continues in Griffin Court with live music and entertainment, a raffle for coveted prizes like excursions to Art Basel in Miami and VIP tickets to Lollapalooza, and an elegant menu of hors d'oeuvres and desserts.

Specialty cocktails,* inspired by the exhibition, will be available by local celebrity mixologists including Paul McGee of Lost Lake; Danny Shapiro of Scofflaw; Wade McElroy and Jeff Donahue of Sportsman's Club; Clint Rogers, and Brian Sturgulewski of Dogma Group; John Stanton of Sable Kitchen & Bar, Laura Kelton of Bad Hunter, Nandini Khaund of Cindys, and Adam Seger.

Aside from being the best party of the year, Night Heist serves as an essential pillar of support for the Evening Associates' mission to engage Chicago's under-40 community. Last year's Night Heist was the most successful in the series' history; raising close to $90,000 and welcoming more than 1,100 guests. "The event has grown considerably in attendance, revenue, and stature within the Chicago philanthropic scene-mirroring the Evening Associates themselves," said Night Heist co-chair John Reid. Proceeds raised at this year's event will go to support exhibitions featuring contemporary, emerging artists at the museum.

Guests are invited to the official after party at the Game Room at the Chicago Athletic Association following the event.

WHAT: Night Heist, hosted by the Evening Associates Board of the Art Institute of Chicago

WHEN: Friday, June 24, 2016 | VIP 7:30 p.m.-12:00 a.m. | General 9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

WHERE: The Art Institute of Chicago's Modern Wing, 159 East Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60603

WHO: The Evening Associates' mission is to engage thousands of Chicago's young professionals, ages 21-40, to explore the arts with the Art Institute of Chicago. Evening Associates members gather throughout the year to enjoy a lively mix of arts and entertainment, including behind-the-scenes tours, exclusive access to special exhibitions, and other unique after-hours events throughout the city. Fundraising efforts for the Evening Associates support contemporary art exhibitions at the museum.

DRESS: 1930s Inspired Cocktail Attire

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Exclusive access to America after the Fall: Painting in the 1930s
• Live music and entertainment
• Chic hors d'oeuvres and desserts
• Themed cocktails by Paul McGee of Lost Lake; Danny Shapiro ofScofflaw; Wade McElroy and Jeff Donahue of Sportsman's Club; Clint Rogers and Brian Sturgulewski of Dogma Group ; John Stanton of Sable Kitchen & Bar, Laura Kelton of Bad Hunter, Nandini Khaund of Cindys,and Adam Seger.
• Raffle of sought-after prizes including a trip to Art Basel in Miami and VIP tickets to Lollapalooza
• VIP dinner by Tony Mantuano from 7:30-9:30pm
• Official after-party at the Chicago Athletic Association
• Event is 21+

TICKETS: Night Heist tickets are on sale now at artic.edu/NightHeist:

• Evening Associates: $130
• General Admission: $160**
• VIP Reception: $250

FOLLOW: @ArtInstituteEA #NightHeist

America after the Fall: Painting in the 1930s opens to the public on June 5 and runs through September 18, with Member Previews scheduled for June 3-4, 2016.

At the Art Institute of Chicago, lead funding for the exhibition is provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art.

The Lead Affiliate Sponsor is the Auxiliary Board of The Art Institute of Chicago.

*Limited to four per person

**Ticket prices will increase on June 3

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