2026 MAD HATTER BALL HONORS
|
|
Get your Mad HAtter Ball Raffle tickets HEre!
NCI ARTworks announces the 2026 top talent of the Illinois Valley Mad Hatter Ball Honorees.
NCI ARTworks is delighted to announce this year's cream of the creative crop in the tri-county area.
Student honorees representing LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties will perform and present their work at the 9th Annual Mad Hatter Ball on Friday, January 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30pm) at the Westclox Event Center in the west wing of the historic Westclox building in Peru.
To see and hear their amazing performances, join us at the 2026 Mad Hatter Ball in the beautiful, historic Westclox Event Center on Friday, January16th.
“The Mad Hatter Ball is the regional equivalent of a state championship of the arts, where topnotch local talent is honored, great food is eaten, and prizes and music and fun fill up the evening,” said Julia Messina, executive director of NCI ARTworks. “This event showcases top local student performers in ALL of the arts: visual, music, performing, literary, etc. The event is open to the public, and all are welcome. By attending the event, you support the arts and the creative community in the Illinois Valley.”
This year’s Mad Hatter Ball Student Honorees include:
Claire Boudreau is a senior at LaSalle-Peru Township High School, and the daughter of Nathan and Rebecca Boudreau, with siblings Brendan, Bryson, and Maggie. She has been studying dance at The Dance Center since the age of three, including nine years as a member of the competition team under the direction of her current instructors, Shannon Argubright and Jessica Spear. Currently, Ms. Boudreau serves as co-captain of the Cavalettes dance team at LP for the second consecutive year, coached by Guylene Strange. Next year, she intends to pursue both dance and a major in Special Education at a four-year university. Since childhood, Ms. Boudreau has demonstrated a keen interest in the arts, participating not only in dance but also in musical theater productions at Stage 212 and River Valley Players, playing the clarinet, and enrolling in painting classes in Spring Valley. She considers engagement with the arts essential, citing the creative opportunities and unique experiences they provide. Ms. Boudreau expresses gratitude for her continued journey in dance and aspires to inspire others through her performances. Her experience extends beyond recitals and performances at athletic events, including appearances in productions such as "The Nutcracker." She has a particular passion for competitive dance, describing it as a significant aspect of her development as a dancer. Ms. Boudreau appreciates the growth and fulfillment that participation in competitions has afforded her, regarding them as both enjoyable and highly rewarding.
Jackson Delhotal, a senior at Putnam County High School, has played guitar for a decade under instructors Kevin Kramer and Darrell Data. He is active in AP Art and Journalism. Inspired by the Back To The Future movies, Jackson values the arts, emphasizing the importance of genuine human creativity amid the rise of AI-generated art and music. He is the son of Aaron and Allison Delhotal of Hennepin.
Spencer Kain, a senior at Mendota High School and son of Krysten and Casey Kain, has sung for four years under Mr. James Younger and Mrs. Paula Baker. He is active in choir, band, theater, cross country, track, and scholastic bowl. Spencer discovered his passion for singing in his freshman year and values its emotional impact and cultural significance. He plans to double major in Theater Arts and Digital Arts at a four-year university. He was selected to represent Mendota High School at the ILMEA All-State for choir in January 2026.
Christian Limberg, a senior at LaSalle-Peru Township High School, is the son of Reynaldo and Juliet Limberg and sibling to Rinajoy Stehle and Nikki Cortes. He studies voice with Jeni Roether at Music Suite 408. Last year, Christian earned selection to both the District 2 Senior Chorus and the All-State Honors Senior Chorus. With four years in band and two in choir, he has also studied percussion with Kevin Kramer for six years. Christian believes the arts are vital because they allow students to express themselves beyond words; through visual art or music, individuals can share their dedication and be acknowledged by their community. At LP, Christian is active in Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and Wind Ensemble, playing bassoon, piano, and percussion. He is involved with Student Council, Renaissance, Scholastic Bowl, Drama Club, Concert Choir, Interact Club, ACES, Math Team, Bowling, and the Spring Musical. Academically, he has qualified for state-level ACES and ICTM math competitions.
Vivian Lopez, a senior at DePue High School, is a distinguished scholar and community role model. She currently serves as President of the National Honor Society, where she exemplifies academic excellence, integrity of character, and dedicated service. Her leadership extends far beyond the classroom. Vivian is deeply respected by peers and faculty alike for her humility, initiative, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Vivian is also a remarkably talented visual artist, whose work reflects both technical skill and an expressive emotional depth well beyond her years. Her portfolio spans imaginative character design, narrative-driven illustration, and experimental mixed media, making her a natural fit for the Mad Hatter’s Ball’s theme of whimsical transformation and creative exploration. Her featured pieces for this year’s event invite viewers into worlds where storytelling, symbolism, and personal identity intersect. Vivian is an accomplished volleyball athlete, known for her discipline, teamwork, and competitive spirit. Her ability to balance athletics, leadership, and artistic excellence speaks to her exceptional drive and character. According to her art educator, Cory Willet, “Her work is inspiring, and her leadership sets a powerful example for young artists across our region.”
Zulee Moreland, a senior at Ottawa Township High School, is the daughter of Ratree and Ben Moreland. Zulee has played the alto saxophone for 9 years, with her instructors including Guy Chamberlin, Justin Marxman, Martin Czernicki, Emily Gallagher, Brandon Czubachowski, and Andrew Jacobi. She participates in her school’s wind ensemble and jazz band, along with the Spring Valley and Peru Municipal bands, and the Streator Jazz bad during the summer. As of October of her senior year, Zulee is a four-time participant of jazz ILMEA on bari sax, and she is two time all-stater for concert band on alto. Zulee has maintained a passion for music ever since her first stay at EMC, a music camp at Eastern Illinois University, and is now looking into music education. “I believe that through playing, listening, or dancing to music, music allows individuals to express themselves in ways deeper than surface level, proving to be essential to everyday life.”
Lydia Steinbach is a senior at LaSalle-Peru High School, active in softball, Cavalettes, student council, senior board, and several leadership clubs. She plans to study at IVCC and pursue a career as an orthodontist. Lydia has danced at the Dance Center in LaSalle since age three and competed for eight years. “I have grown to love lyrical dances and pointe pieces, but every moment that I’m dancing is truly amazing. Dance has brought me some of my closest friendships, strong relationships with my teachers and the ability to express myself.” She lives in Utica with parents Chad and Mary Steinbach, her chocolate lab, River, and her frog, Fred.
Yijing (Larissa) Zhang, a senior at St. Bede Academy and is the daughter of Yahai Zhang and Yanzhen Mao and sister to Ningyi Zhang. She comes from Zhengzhou, Henan, China. She has pursued art since the age of four and currently is a student of Richard Cummings at St. Bede Academy. “What motivates me to pursue art is the sheer joy of creating itself, combined with the encouragement from the people around me. I love to capture and preserve the beauty and inspiration I find in daily life by putting it into my artwork. I believe art is vital because it resonates with people emotionally. It has the power to touch hearts, help people express their feelings, and offer a sense of release and relief”. Additionally, she enjoys photography and playing the pipa (a traditional Chinese musical instrument).
This year’s Mad Hatter is Starved Rock Media's own radio personality Jaimie London, who will emcee the event and crown the Queen of the Arts. Tickets are $45 and are available online at nciartworks.com or by calling (815) 866-5167 or emailing [email protected].
--end--
NCI ARTworks is a regional arts agency, a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and expanding the arts community in LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties through artistic collaboration, educational outreach, and art space development. Its mission also is to create venues that support public and private education, community events, economic development, and cultural tourism. NCI ARTworks Gallery is located at 400 5th Street in Peru, in the west wing of the Westclox building. The organization is supported, in part, by the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For more information visit www.nciartworks.com.
NCI ARTworks is delighted to announce this year's cream of the creative crop in the tri-county area.
Student honorees representing LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties will perform and present their work at the 9th Annual Mad Hatter Ball on Friday, January 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30pm) at the Westclox Event Center in the west wing of the historic Westclox building in Peru.
To see and hear their amazing performances, join us at the 2026 Mad Hatter Ball in the beautiful, historic Westclox Event Center on Friday, January16th.
“The Mad Hatter Ball is the regional equivalent of a state championship of the arts, where topnotch local talent is honored, great food is eaten, and prizes and music and fun fill up the evening,” said Julia Messina, executive director of NCI ARTworks. “This event showcases top local student performers in ALL of the arts: visual, music, performing, literary, etc. The event is open to the public, and all are welcome. By attending the event, you support the arts and the creative community in the Illinois Valley.”
This year’s Mad Hatter Ball Student Honorees include:
Claire Boudreau is a senior at LaSalle-Peru Township High School, and the daughter of Nathan and Rebecca Boudreau, with siblings Brendan, Bryson, and Maggie. She has been studying dance at The Dance Center since the age of three, including nine years as a member of the competition team under the direction of her current instructors, Shannon Argubright and Jessica Spear. Currently, Ms. Boudreau serves as co-captain of the Cavalettes dance team at LP for the second consecutive year, coached by Guylene Strange. Next year, she intends to pursue both dance and a major in Special Education at a four-year university. Since childhood, Ms. Boudreau has demonstrated a keen interest in the arts, participating not only in dance but also in musical theater productions at Stage 212 and River Valley Players, playing the clarinet, and enrolling in painting classes in Spring Valley. She considers engagement with the arts essential, citing the creative opportunities and unique experiences they provide. Ms. Boudreau expresses gratitude for her continued journey in dance and aspires to inspire others through her performances. Her experience extends beyond recitals and performances at athletic events, including appearances in productions such as "The Nutcracker." She has a particular passion for competitive dance, describing it as a significant aspect of her development as a dancer. Ms. Boudreau appreciates the growth and fulfillment that participation in competitions has afforded her, regarding them as both enjoyable and highly rewarding.
Jackson Delhotal, a senior at Putnam County High School, has played guitar for a decade under instructors Kevin Kramer and Darrell Data. He is active in AP Art and Journalism. Inspired by the Back To The Future movies, Jackson values the arts, emphasizing the importance of genuine human creativity amid the rise of AI-generated art and music. He is the son of Aaron and Allison Delhotal of Hennepin.
Spencer Kain, a senior at Mendota High School and son of Krysten and Casey Kain, has sung for four years under Mr. James Younger and Mrs. Paula Baker. He is active in choir, band, theater, cross country, track, and scholastic bowl. Spencer discovered his passion for singing in his freshman year and values its emotional impact and cultural significance. He plans to double major in Theater Arts and Digital Arts at a four-year university. He was selected to represent Mendota High School at the ILMEA All-State for choir in January 2026.
Christian Limberg, a senior at LaSalle-Peru Township High School, is the son of Reynaldo and Juliet Limberg and sibling to Rinajoy Stehle and Nikki Cortes. He studies voice with Jeni Roether at Music Suite 408. Last year, Christian earned selection to both the District 2 Senior Chorus and the All-State Honors Senior Chorus. With four years in band and two in choir, he has also studied percussion with Kevin Kramer for six years. Christian believes the arts are vital because they allow students to express themselves beyond words; through visual art or music, individuals can share their dedication and be acknowledged by their community. At LP, Christian is active in Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and Wind Ensemble, playing bassoon, piano, and percussion. He is involved with Student Council, Renaissance, Scholastic Bowl, Drama Club, Concert Choir, Interact Club, ACES, Math Team, Bowling, and the Spring Musical. Academically, he has qualified for state-level ACES and ICTM math competitions.
Vivian Lopez, a senior at DePue High School, is a distinguished scholar and community role model. She currently serves as President of the National Honor Society, where she exemplifies academic excellence, integrity of character, and dedicated service. Her leadership extends far beyond the classroom. Vivian is deeply respected by peers and faculty alike for her humility, initiative, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Vivian is also a remarkably talented visual artist, whose work reflects both technical skill and an expressive emotional depth well beyond her years. Her portfolio spans imaginative character design, narrative-driven illustration, and experimental mixed media, making her a natural fit for the Mad Hatter’s Ball’s theme of whimsical transformation and creative exploration. Her featured pieces for this year’s event invite viewers into worlds where storytelling, symbolism, and personal identity intersect. Vivian is an accomplished volleyball athlete, known for her discipline, teamwork, and competitive spirit. Her ability to balance athletics, leadership, and artistic excellence speaks to her exceptional drive and character. According to her art educator, Cory Willet, “Her work is inspiring, and her leadership sets a powerful example for young artists across our region.”
Zulee Moreland, a senior at Ottawa Township High School, is the daughter of Ratree and Ben Moreland. Zulee has played the alto saxophone for 9 years, with her instructors including Guy Chamberlin, Justin Marxman, Martin Czernicki, Emily Gallagher, Brandon Czubachowski, and Andrew Jacobi. She participates in her school’s wind ensemble and jazz band, along with the Spring Valley and Peru Municipal bands, and the Streator Jazz bad during the summer. As of October of her senior year, Zulee is a four-time participant of jazz ILMEA on bari sax, and she is two time all-stater for concert band on alto. Zulee has maintained a passion for music ever since her first stay at EMC, a music camp at Eastern Illinois University, and is now looking into music education. “I believe that through playing, listening, or dancing to music, music allows individuals to express themselves in ways deeper than surface level, proving to be essential to everyday life.”
Lydia Steinbach is a senior at LaSalle-Peru High School, active in softball, Cavalettes, student council, senior board, and several leadership clubs. She plans to study at IVCC and pursue a career as an orthodontist. Lydia has danced at the Dance Center in LaSalle since age three and competed for eight years. “I have grown to love lyrical dances and pointe pieces, but every moment that I’m dancing is truly amazing. Dance has brought me some of my closest friendships, strong relationships with my teachers and the ability to express myself.” She lives in Utica with parents Chad and Mary Steinbach, her chocolate lab, River, and her frog, Fred.
Yijing (Larissa) Zhang, a senior at St. Bede Academy and is the daughter of Yahai Zhang and Yanzhen Mao and sister to Ningyi Zhang. She comes from Zhengzhou, Henan, China. She has pursued art since the age of four and currently is a student of Richard Cummings at St. Bede Academy. “What motivates me to pursue art is the sheer joy of creating itself, combined with the encouragement from the people around me. I love to capture and preserve the beauty and inspiration I find in daily life by putting it into my artwork. I believe art is vital because it resonates with people emotionally. It has the power to touch hearts, help people express their feelings, and offer a sense of release and relief”. Additionally, she enjoys photography and playing the pipa (a traditional Chinese musical instrument).
This year’s Mad Hatter is Starved Rock Media's own radio personality Jaimie London, who will emcee the event and crown the Queen of the Arts. Tickets are $45 and are available online at nciartworks.com or by calling (815) 866-5167 or emailing [email protected].
--end--
NCI ARTworks is a regional arts agency, a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and expanding the arts community in LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties through artistic collaboration, educational outreach, and art space development. Its mission also is to create venues that support public and private education, community events, economic development, and cultural tourism. NCI ARTworks Gallery is located at 400 5th Street in Peru, in the west wing of the Westclox building. The organization is supported, in part, by the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For more information visit www.nciartworks.com.