If you’re looking for something to do this Friday night, Drury’s American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) chapter is hosting their annual Beaux Arts Ball and Charity Art Auction on Friday, March 23 at 425 W. Walnut St. This event is completely free to all Drury students and open to the public.

Fourth year architecture major Hannah Tongay was heavily involved in the planning of the Beaux Arts Ball and Charity Art Auction.

The official poster for the Ball           Photo via Drury AIAS

“The Beaux Arts Ball and Art Auction is a few different things. It is a long-standing tradition of AIAS. The Beaux Arts Ball is held across the country by different chapters. It holds a special place in AIAS and AIA. It is a charity ball, the money raised from the art auction goes to a local charity of our choice. This year is Convoy of Hope,” said Tongay.

The Charity Art Auction mainly consists of donated artwork from students that is auctioned off prior to the ball to raise money for a local charity.

“It is important to Drury because it gives the students an opportunity to show off their donated work and show the rest of the community what the Art and Architecture departments do as well as professionals in their fields. It’s also a great function to get all dressed up and have a fun filled and relaxed night with friends,” said Tongay.

Photo via Drury AIAS

Students in AIAS can gain real life experience in the field of architecture. Along with the Beaux Arts Ball, AIAS sets up visits with local architect firms along with several other projects throughout the year. The Beaux Arts Ball and Auction is one of the biggest events hosted by AIAS.

“AIAS is an opportunity to be involved with professionals from our area of study. It gives us connections all over the country with other schools and firms. We do firm visits, community service projects, help the freshmen get oriented to the architecture school,” said Tongay.

AIAS is also a great way for professionals and students to come together and make solid connections that can potentially lead to a job further in the future. The Ball is an amazing event with an important foundation, and is open to all students of Drury and the surrounding community.

Tongay is extremely passionate about the organization’s cause, but most of all, she is especially thankful for her opportunity to be a leader at Drury though AIAS.

“I love being involved and planning the Ball. Being involved with AIAS is a great way to meet new people and be even more involved in my field of work. Networking is the biggest factor outside of the school. It also holds an opportunity to mentor the younger students. We have all been through what they are experiencing now and student to student opinions is incredibly valuable. I wish I would have been more involved my freshman year because of how wonderful an organization it is. It has given me a support system within the HSA that I can’t find anywhere else.”

Article written by Keagan Merritt