The City of Chicago bestowed honors to some of its greatest artists at the Fifth Star Awards on August 28, 2017.  Honorees were painter Kerry James Marshall whose works depict dark black figures in American settings, architect Jeanne Gang - designer of the undulating Aqua Blu high rise, Steppenwolf Theatre Company and hip hop recording artist and actor Common.  

Poets, singers and dancers performed during the Fifth Star Awards to celebrate the honorees contribution to the arts. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs Mark Kelly introduced this arts event.

Mark Kelly, Director of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

Kerry James Marshall - Honoree

Yaw Agyeman

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel

Sam Trump

Dee Alexander