Join Institute for Therapy through the Arts for an unforgettable evening celebrating creativity, community, and the healing power of the arts.
Healing Arts Celebration brings together friends, supporters, and partners of ITA to honor the transformative role of creative arts therapy in the lives of individuals and families across our communities. Your attendance and generosity help expand access to services that foster expression, connection, and growth.
Event Details at a Glance
- Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Location: Woman’s Club of Evanston
- Questions? Contact Toni Goehring, Director of Development at development@itachicago.org
Why This Celebration Matters
Healing Arts Celebration is more than a special evening – it is a vital fundraiser in support of ITA’s mission. Through art, dance/movement, drama, and music therapy, ITA empowers individuals, families and communities to grow and heal through creative expression.
Funds raised through this event help sustain and expand access to creative arts therapy for people of all ages and abilities.
What to expect:
- Inspiring performances and stories
- A joyful evening of community and celebration
- Opportunities to support ITA through giving, sponsorship, and auction participation
- Meaningful moments that showcase the impact of creative arts therapy
Award Honorees
Each year, ITA honors individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment reflect the heart of our mission: empowering individuals, families, and communities to grow and heal through advanced approaches in Creative Arts Therapy. At the 2026 Healing Arts Celebration, we are proud to recognize Lisa Altenbernd and Stephen Hagerty with the Lamplighter Award and Susan Imus with the Marilyn “Toddy” Richman Legacy Award
2026 Lamplighter Award:
Lisa Altenbernd & Stephen Hagerty
The Lamplighter Award Recognizes individuals or organizations who shine a light on the impact of Creative Arts Therapy through the artful wielding of their own flame. Lamplighter Award recipients use their fire to fuel the lights of others, serving as beacons of generosity, leadership, and community care.
2026 Marilyn “Toddy” Richman Legacy Award:
Susan Imus, LCPC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA
The Marilyn “Toddy” Richman Legacy Award honors a practitioner whose career reflects the spirit, vision, and tireless dedication of Marilyn “Toddy” Richman, a pioneer in creative arts therapy and the beloved founder of ITA. This award recognizes a creative arts therapist whose work has made a lasting impact through leadership, scholarship, teaching, services, and a deep commitment to education, embodiment, and community wellbeing.
Sponsor the Celebration
Healing Arts Celebration sponsorship offers a meaningful way to align your name or organization with creativity, community, and compassionate care. Sponsors help make this event possible while supporting ITA’s mission to expand access to creative arts therapy.
Silent Auction Donations
Donations to the silent auction help create an engaging guest experience while directly supporting ITA’s work. We welcome unique items, experiences, services, and gift packages from businesses and community partners.
Questions? Contact Toni Goehring, Director of Development at development@itachicago.org.
About Institute for Therapy through the Arts
For more than 50 years, Institute for Therapy through the Arts (ITA) has helped individuals of all ages and abilities connect, grow, and heal through the power of the creative arts. ITA’s mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities through advanced approaches in creative arts therapy, setting the standard for treatment, practice, and training within the field.
Be Part of the Light
When you support Healing Arts Celebration, you help bring creativity, care, and connection to more people through the arts.