Friday, January 25, saw the second Friends of the Arts’ Hot Jazz on a Cool Night social event at University Galleries.

More than 150 guests enjoyed music from Glenn Wilson and the Jazzmaniacs along with food provided by Friends of the Arts board members and a wine and beer bar provided by A Renée Wine Café of Bloomington. The free event coincided with the School of Art’s 2013 MFA Biennial Exhibit.

Hot Jazz on a Cool Night is an opportunity for the arts community to come together and enjoy some great art and music in the midst of a dreary winter.

This event also featured a small gallery of posters featuring information about students who were recently awarded Friends of the Arts project grants. Many of the featured grant recipients were in attendance and shared their stories with party attendees. Board member Ariel Swift created the grant recipient posters.

The event is the brainchild of Board Member Peg Schickendanz ’78. Schickendanz is a School of Art alum, accomplished jazz singer, and longtime supporter of the arts in Bloomington-Normal.

Friends of the Arts’ next event is the musical comedy Down Home Divas to be held 8 p.m. Saturday, February 16, at Illinois State University’s Alumni Center. Tickets are available by calling the Illinois State’s Center for the Performing Arts Box Office at (309) 438-2535.