The Silent Rivers team is proud to announce that our leader and founder Chaden Halfhill was honored with the G. David Hurd Innovator in the Arts award on May 25 at the Des Moines Arts Festival® Preview Celebration.
This annual event is the Festival’s kick-off celebration and included the unveiling of the 2017 commemorative poster as well as a celebration of the Des Moines Arts Festival’s 20th year anniversary.
Chaden named G. David Hurd Innovator in the Arts
Trudy Holman Hurd, wife of the late G. David Hurd, poses with Chaden and his son Cedar after presentation of the G. David Hurd Innovator of the Arts award.
As the recipient of this year’s G. David Hurd Innovator of the Arts award, Chaden was presented with the award by Stephen King, Executive Director of the Des Moines Arts Festival.
Named for the late G. David Hurd, this annual award recognizes an individual or organization that demonstrates the pursuit of innovation in the arts.
“David Hurd was an extraordinary man with an extraordinary heart. He was passionate about Des Moines and its success,” said Stephen King, Executive Director of the Des Moines Arts Festival. “It was David’s passion and vision that made our community a better place to live, and that drives us each day to think outside the box to create opportunity.”
This is a special honor for Chaden as Dave Hurd was an important figure in his life from his childhood. Growing up just doors away from Dave, Chaden stayed connected with him until Dave’s death in 2016. The pair had many things in common, including their love of Des Moines and the arts.
“Chaden is a visionary leader who exemplifies David’s spirit of building community,” said King. “In more ways than I can count, Chaden is always thinking forward. Whether it’s in his business or volunteer leadership roles, or being a dad. He embraces life and lives his passions.”
It’s very fitting and personal that Chaden is the recipient of this year’s G. David Hurd Innovator of the Year award presented by the Des Moines Arts Festival. This award also represents the Silent Rivers’ pursuit of “the art of building, the building of art.” Read the full release by the Des Moines Arts Festival here.
Festival’s 20th year Preview Celebration brings surprises and big news!
2017 Des Moines Arts Festival commemorative poster by artist Chris Vance
This year marks 20 years since the Arts Festival splashed onto the downtown scene to celebrate the arts in our community. In addition to unveiling this year’s commemorative poster “The Dream” by Chris Vance, the Des Moines Arts Festival also announced that a mural of this poster will be painted on the east-facing side of the Ford & Garland Audio Radio Inc building near 13th and Locust Streets. This is the first time a permanent installation of Vance’s work will reside as part of the Festival site. Vance will begin painting the mural in the coming weeks, completing it in time for the Festival.
Attend the Festival like a VIP: Special discount code courtesy of Silent Rivers!
Attend the Festival like a VIP: Special discount code courtesy of Silent Rivers!As sponsors for the Silent River Design+Build VIP Club and Hospitality Suites we’re excited to once again offer a special discount to our friends and clients who wish to become members of the Arts Festival through their Patron Program.
Get access to the VIP Club, right across from the mainstage by becoming a Patron today!
By becoming a Patron of the Festival, you’ll receive exclusive access to the Patron-only Silent Rivers VIP Club. Some of the other benefits of membership include:
- Access to terrace seating across from the Hy-Vee Main Stage
- VIP receptions during the Festival.
- Access to complimentary and discounted beverages.
- Discounts on Des Moines Arts Festival merchandise.
Here’s how to get our exclusive discount offer:
- Visit the Des Moines Arts Festival Patron page to learn about ALL the benefits of becoming a Patron.
- Select a membership level.
- Enter discount code SR2017 during the last step of the checkout process.
Your Pre-Festival Fix: Get a sneak peek at selected Festival works at the #DMAFcurated gallery
Silent Rivers’ Chaden Halfhill interacts with attendees at the “Recalling Place” gallery opening event on May 19.
#DMAFcurated, a prequel exhibition to the Des Moines Arts Festival, presented by Silent Rivers Design+Build and Mars Café, featuring a curated sneak peek at Festival artists is on display now at Mars Café. The show, titled “Recalling Place,” includes selected works by artists Benjamin Frey, Kristen Greteman, Clifton Henri, John Leben, Igor Menaker, Larry Simon, Marina Terauds, Nha Vuu, Timothy White and R. Michael Wommack. The exhibition opened at Mars Café May 12 and will be showcased there until June 21, at which time it will be transported to The Festival Salon located inside the Silent Rivers VIP Club, where it will be set up in preparation for Festival weekend.
Everyone at Silent Rivers hopes you’ll take advantage of the many ways to experience the Des Moines Arts Festival this summer. We look forward to seeing you June 23-25.
In the meantime, follow us on Facebook to see our progress as we prepare for the event and get a sneak peek at some special items we’re creating for the Silent Rivers Design+Build VIP Club and Hospitality Suites this year!
