Putting the Ritz in Biarritz: The Alliance Française de Chicago’s Biannual Gala
Biarrtiz, the seaside hideaway for European royalty since the early 1800s, was captured in all its joie de vivre as only the Alliance de Française de Chicago’s Woman’s Board can conjure, thanks to the creativity of Mika Devonshire and Cheryl Sandner, Gala Co-Chairs who welcomed guests to its biennial gala recently at the Four Seasons Chicago. Attended by over 350 guests, the Ball benefitted educational opportunities including the Etoile Scholars, a two-year after school enrichment program for CPS students.
Alliance Française Executive Director Mary Ellen Connellan told us afterwards:
This year’s gala evening at the Four Seasons, Biarritz Le Bal 2026 Perle de la Côte Basque, shone with an iridescent glow like the strands of pearls nestled in the lush arrangements of yellow roses, white daisies, David Austin roses, delphiniums and hydrangeas that graced the ballroom tables. It was an extraordinary setting in which to celebrate our mission to promote French and Francophone cultures, our inspiring Etoile Scholars outreach program and to spotlight Jeffrey and Carol Horvitz’s transformative gift of French Old Masters to the Art Institute of Chicago. Magical, indeed!
The stunning success of the event is a testament to the dedication of our incredible co-chairs Cheryl Sandner and Mika Devonshire, our hardworking Woman’s Board, and a remarkable community of generous supporters. How fortunate we are! I am truly grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event a shimmering success Vive l’Alliance Française de Chicago!
The Alliance’s French connection extraordinaire shone throughout the evening with The Art Institute’s Glora Groom, Chair and Green Curator of European Painting and Sculpture, presenting on behalf of the French Government the insignia of Chevalier de l’ordre national du Merite, to Mary Ellen Connellan who began her association with the Alliance as a volunteer in 1978, going on to Chair the Woman’s Board before her present role as Executive Director.
“My mother told me that I came home from school in the third grade and said: Did you know that there are other languages? I was enthralled with French from the very first time I heard it spoken,” she said.
Alliance President Richard Shepro welcomed Guest of Honor Charlotte Montet, Consul General of France in Chicago, who said that as America observes America 250 the country should always know that France was our great ally in our very first days.
Begun in Chicago 130 years ago the Alliance is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the City. The Etoile Scholars program will soon celebrate its 30th anniversary.
David Horn, Chairman of the Board of Directors, presented the Prix de l’Alliance Française de Chicago to Jeffrey and Carol Horvitz. They were honored for their recent transformative gift to the Art Institute—the largest of its kind in the Museum’s history—which will allow visitors a 300-year panorama of French art that is wholly unique outside of France.
“The scale of their stewardship is breathtaking: a curated universe consisting of some 2000 drawings, 200 paintings and 50 sculptures. Jeffrey and Carol Horvitz are the stewards of the French spirit,” Horn said.
In receiving the award Jeffrey Horvitz said:
“I received my PhD in Psychology from UCLA and was once a modern art dealer. I switched careers and became interested in the Old Masters. Why give my collection to Chicago? I canvassed many museums and found that the Art Institute stood out as the perfect place. It would not just display the art but also offer lots of programming and the opportunity to work with people who are strongly engaged in their work. I am still buying art and I know if I had one good day it would be in France.”
Alyssa Quinlan, Head of Advisor Relationships and Strategic Partnerships at the Northern Trust who also leads its arts advisory practice, served as auctioneer for the live auction which included a vineyard getaway in the Okanagan Valley, a curated escape to the City of Light, a one-week stay at a five star eco-lodge in Biarritz and a Hogsalt dinner for 16 paired with a stay at the Four Seasons Chicago.
Felicitations to Pauline Kurtides Sheehan who created the stunning Biarritz le Bal book chronicling the evening.
For more information about the Alliance Française, visit af-chicago.org
Photo Credit: Jeff Ellis