On Feb. 4, 2016, the Museum of Broadcast Communications hosted 400 guests at the sold out Steppenwolf Salutes Women in the Arts fundraiser. The event honored award-winning actress Claire Danes and welcomed other VIP guests including Steppenwolf’s artistic director Anna D. Shapiro, Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts (who also appeared with Danes in tv series Homeland), Steppenwolf Board chair Nora Daley, First Lady of Chicago Amy Rule and First Lady of Illinois Diana Rauner. The successful event raised $200,000 to benefit Steppenwolf’s educational programs that teach and empower young artists to be leaders in the arts. The luncheon also held a conversation led by Letts with Danes about her incredible career and impact as a leading woman in the arts.
Shapiro explained that “the Women in the Arts luncheon provides an exciting platform to celebrate the accomplishments of important female artists while engaging in a meaningful dialogue about the value of art-making in all of our lives. Claire Danes is one of the strongest women working in theater, television, and film and her work is held in high esteem by many, including our ensemble. It was an honor to welcome her into our home.” Pervious honorees include Juliette Lewis, Juliana Margulies, Margo Martindale and Mary-Louise Parker.
More from Make It Better: