Step into the Enchanted Forest: The 22nd Annual Mad Hatter Ball Casts a Spell for Arts Education
In the haunted halls and ballrooms of the historic 1886 Crescent Hotel, the Eureka Springs School of the Arts (ESSA) conjured a night of magic at the 22nd Annual Mad Hatter Ball. This year’s theme, “Enchanted Forest,” was more than an invitation; it was a doorway into a fantastical world where fairies, gnomes, and woodland spirits gathered in celebration and support of arts education.
ESSA’s Mad Hatter Ball is not just an event; it’s a call to all who believe in the transformative power of art. Funds raised from this unforgettable evening help ESSA create scholarships, workshops, and residencies that inspire the next generation of artists, ensuring that creative spark lives on in Eureka Springs and beyond.
A Whimsical Welcome at the Conservatory
From the moment guests arrived, the Crescent Hotel Conservatory brimmed with enchantment. More than 160 attendees explored over 120 curated auction items displayed in the Crescent Hotel’s Conservatory, dripping with the lights of the setting sun. Paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and local experiences tempted bidders to support ESSA’s mission while sipping enchanted cocktails from a gazebo bar glowing with the hues of the magic hour.
Dinner, Dancing, and DJ Beats
After a warm welcome from ESSA’s Executive Director, Kelly McDonough, guests ventured to the dining hall, where vibrant lights and festive hats set the mood for an enchanted feast. DJ Testube brought the ballroom to life, and with every beat, the energy surged as guests enjoyed a delectable pasta buffet and took to the dance floor, their costumes swirling in rhythm under sparkling lights.
The Hat Parade Takes Center Stage
At 7:15, ESSA Executive Director Kelly McDonough called all the participants in the Hat Parade to the main stage. Attendees lined up to showcase their unique, handcrafted hats, from towering mushrooms to radiant full moon goddesses, Ents to witches… and even a few rodents.
Once the participants introduced themselves and their creations, Kelly rounded them up and around the Crescent Hotel ballroom – forming a spectacle of a conga line that wound through the ballroom and into the Crescent Hotel lobby, delighting (and confusing) onlookers while sparking smiles, all before looping back into the ballroom.
Crowning the Hat Contest Winners
At 8 p.m., the Hat Contest winners were revealed, each crowned for their unique charm and creative flair. Morgan Ahart enchanted all with her “Enchanted Mushroom” creation, taking the top honor, while Suzanne Reed and her fellow “Full Moon Goddesses” won Best Group Hat. Bruce Greek and Bill Robertson, donning “Jolly Green Giant & the Forest King” hats, captivated as Best Themed Hat. The People’s Choice Award went to Brent & Jordan EuDaly for their fantastical “Brent the Ent & His Ent Wife” ensemble.
A Successful Auction and a Night to Remember
As the evening unfolded, guests kept their eyes on the auction, which closed at 8 PM. The bidding was intense, with items such as fine art, jewelry, and even a zombie wedding dress up for grabs. With each bid, attendees helped secure funding for ESSA’s initiatives, supporting high-quality art education that is accessible to all. Thanks to the success of the auction and the support of every attendee, ESSA can continue to spark imaginations, offer transformative scholarships, and run its Artist-in-Residence programs—keeping the arts alive and thriving in the community.
Until Next Year...
The night concluded with joyous dancing, as guests carried with them memories of a magical evening, and a renewed commitment to arts education. ESSA extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, donated, or participated in this enchanting celebration. Together, you’re making a lasting impact on the future of arts education.
To learn more about ESSA, its transformative programs, or how you can help foster creativity, visit essa-art.org, sign up for our mailing list, or follow us on social media:
Media Inquiries
For members of the media interested in learning more about the Mad Hatter Ball, the Eureka Springs School of the Arts, or the impact of our arts education programs, please contact ESSA’s communications team. We’re happy to provide additional information, images, and arrange interviews with ESSA staff or event participants.
For all media inquiries, please reach out to:
Chrissie Heavenridge
Email: marketing@essa-art.org
Phone: (479) 253-5384
Website: essa-art.org
Thank you for helping us share the story of how community support is shaping the future of the arts.
MHB Enchanted Forest Poster
