March 30, 2026
ArtCenter 2026 Gala Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Its Iconic Hillside Building Designed By Craig Ellwood
The Gala Pays Tribute to the Historic Building and Recognizes ArtCenter Icons and Milestones Impacting Culture and Society
The Event Also Honors the 40th Anniversary of ArtCenter100, the 25th Anniversary of Designmatters and Features a Special Tribute to the Late Alyce de Roulet Williamson, Trustee Emeritus, Presenting Sponsor and ArtCenter Icon
Pasadena, CA – ArtCenter College of Design is pleased to announce the ArtCenter 2026 Gala on Saturday, April 18, 2026, a landmark evening celebrating 50 years of creativity, innovation, and impact at the College. The first in over a decade, the Gala marks the 50th anniversary of the Hillside Building (also known as the Craig Ellwood Building, which opened in 1976), an iconic symbol of ArtCenter’s legacy and a cornerstone of its world-class art and design education. As the College looks ahead to its centennial celebration in 2030, the 2026 Gala celebrates the icons, programs, supporters and defining moments that have shaped ArtCenter’s last five decades.
The evening also commemorates other significant milestones, including the 40th anniversary of ArtCenter100, the 25th anniversary of Designmatters, and the 20th anniversary of the College’s Color, Materials and Trends Exploration Laboratory (CMTEL). The Gala highlights ArtCenter icons, visionary individuals whose work has shaped the world around us and defined the College’s reputation for excellence.
Among the Gala’s powerful moments is a special tribute to the late Alyce de Roulet Williamson, Trustee Emeritus, founder of ArtCenter100, and presenting sponsor of the event, who recently passed away. Alyce was a steadfast supporter of ArtCenter and a true believer in the power of a creative education. An icon in her own right, her legacy and generosity will continue to inspire and empower future generations of artists and designers.
“The 2026 Gala is a celebration of our past milestones and achievements, and a commitment to the future,” said ArtCenter President Karen Hofmann. “The critical support of our community, alumni, corporate partners and individual champions ensures that ArtCenter will remain a pillar of society and a vibrant place where creativity and responsibility converge to positively impact culture, industry, art and design.”
ArtCenter 2026 Gala attendees can look forward to an evening of inspiration, recognition, and forward momentum, as the Gala honors ArtCenter’s history, celebrates its community, and invests in the next generation of creative leaders.
Registration for the ArtCenter 2026 Gala is now open. For more information and to reserve your place, visit: ArtCenter 2026 Gala.
The ArtCenter 2026 Gala is made possible through the extraordinary generosity of its sponsors.
Presenting Sponsor
Alyce de Roulet Williamson
Gold Sponsor
Terri and Jerry Kohl
Silver Sponsors
Adams/Boshnaick Charitable Fund
Ann Dobson Barrett
Steve Hitter
Supporting Sponsors
Lorne Buchman and Rochelle Shapell
Bruce Heavin and Lynda Weinman
Karen Hofmann and Lisa Blair
Lockton
Merle Mullin
Prajna Murdaya
Mariana Prieto and Danny Alexander
Elisabeth A. Price
Rusnak Auto Group
Joe and Rebecca Tseng
Genesis Design California
About ArtCenter College of Design
Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter College of Design is a global leader in art and design education. With a mission to educate, inspire and empower creative and design leadership, the College is renowned for its undergraduate and graduate degree programs spanning industrial design, media and technology, as well as visual and applied arts. With deep industry relationships, state-of-the-art facilities and a strong faculty roster, ArtCenter provides real-world experience aligned with industry needs. Through rigorous, hands-on, practitioner-led instruction, the College prepares students for meaningful creative careers. For nearly 100 years, ArtCenter alumni and faculty have shaped many of the world’s most iconic products, vehicles, campaigns and creative works, leaving a lasting impact across art, design and culture.
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