- This event has passed.
CELEBRATION 2025
2025 CELEBRATION
Join us for an evening of celebration featuring the presentation of juried awards,
a cocktail hour and post-reception.
Thursday, September 04, 2025
The Bridgeport Art Center
1200 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
View images from the 2024 Celebration
Our Host for the evening – Shermann “Dilla” Thomas
Shermann “Dilla” Thomas is a Chicago historian, cultural worker, and public employee who has gained recognition as a social media influencer, particularly on TikTok, for his engaging short videos about Chicago history. A lifelong resident of Chicago’s South Side, he has been recognized with awards such as the 2022 Tourism Ambassador of the Year by Choose Chicago and the Chicago Public Library Foundation’s 21st Century Award. He also co-founded the Chicago Mahogany Foundation, dedicated to preserving and sharing the city’s history and culture.
Registration will remain open until the event begins. If you register after 12:00 pm on Wednesday, September 3rd, you will need to show proof of registration at the door.
Ticket Pricing:
$130.00 ILASLA Member / $115.00 Earlybird rate before August 8
$165.00 Non-ILASLA Member / $155.00 Earlybird rate before August 8
$40.00 ILASLA Student Member / $35.00 Earlybird rate before August 8
$115.00 Awardee Additional Ticket – No Early Bird Pricing
$115.00 Sponsor Additional Ticket – No Early Bird Pricing
Would you like to purchase your raffle tickets in advance? Click below and show your receipt to our raffle volunteers at the event! Scroll to the bottom to see prizes and prices.
Our Partners
Premier Sponsor
Representative Brad Swanson, ASLA
Lead Sponsor
Representative Jennifer Woods
Cocktail Hour Sponsor Reception Sponsor Emcee Sponsor
Bar Sponsor Bar Sponsor Venue Sponsor
Floral Sponsor Photo Sponsor Slide Sponsor
Ticket Sponsors 
Student Sponsor 
RAFFLE
Get ready to win amazing prizes while donating to our Advocacy Fund!!
On-site cash or Venmo accepted for raffle tickets. If paying by credit card, please purchase online.
Would you like to purchase your raffle tickets in advance? Click below and show your receipt to our raffle volunteers at the event! You get to choose what prize you hope to win.
Raffle Sponsors and Prizes
Backyard BBQ Store – Pizza Oven
Bark Happy – Bark Box
Bartlett Tree Experts – Tree Care & Shrub Services
Blick Art Supplies – $100 Gift Cards
Campania – $100 Amazon Gift Card
County Materials – Fire Pit
Kompan – Gift Basket
Longshadow – Vintage Chesapeake Planters
The Morton Arboretum – Tickets
Techo-Bloc –Old Fashion Cocktail gift basket from Williams Sonoma
Walters Gardens – Plants!
2 TICKETS FOR $10
5 TICKETS FOR $20
10 TICKETS FOR $30
50/WINGSPAN $100