On March 22nd, the AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students) organized the annual Beaux Arts Ball as a celebration of arts and a socializing opportunities for students and artists. The event was a great success with over two hundred guests and several art donations from local artists, professionals, and students. Located at 425 Downtown Events and Catering on Walnut St, the venue was carefully decorated by AIAS team members and friends.

Following tradition, the Beaux Arts Ball featured both a live and silent art auction, with all funds going to a selected partner. This year, AIAS collaborated with Mosaic Arts Collective, a nonprofit organization in Springfield, MO, dedicated to providing individuals with many opportunities to engage with arts in various ways. After two hours of both silent and live art auctions, AIAS accomplished raising over $3,700 for Mosaic Arts Collective.

“Beaux Arts Ball has been a great tradition for over a century, and it’s amazing that the architecture students at Drury University carry it forward”, Panos Leventis, an architecture professor, proudly shared. “This year’s Beaux Arts Ball was one of the most successful Beaux Arts Ball that I’ve been to. The students’ hard work and preparation for the event made that happen.” 

Beaux Arts Ball 2025 was planned by five AIAS Executive Council Members: Dain Wood, Nina Tsolakis, Julianna Ryan, Greg Andert, and Ethan Farrar. Nina, the Vice President of AIAS, stated, “The goal of the event is for students to celebrate and enjoy arts while having the opportunities to be involved and connected with local communities and artists.”

 Nina shared that having student organizations actively engage and make a positive impact in the local Springfield community through events like this is an amazing experience and learning opportunity.

“It was our first time planning an event on this scale, and while it was stressful, I’m grateful for the support of all attendees and artists, especially the members of Mosaic Arts Collective,” said Nina.

Besides art donations from artists, professionals, and students, Beaux Arts Ball also received sponsorships from local architecture firms, N-Form and Vecino Group. The immense support showed the value and importance of the arts and art community in Springfield. The event was truly a celebration of the arts, bringing people together in a shared appreciation of creativity.

Images by Rori Stone