Church Church Hittle and Antrim (CCHA Law) is pleased to highlight CCHA Law attorney Doug Church, who was recognized by Nickel Plate Arts with their 2023 Arts Patron of the Year Award. The Arts Patron of the Year Award distinguishes people who publicly support and invest in the arts and was awarded this month at the Nickel Plate Arts 11th Anniversary Gala. Doug was nominated and recognized for his extensive efforts to support the arts in Hamilton County.
Nickel Plate Arts is an umbrella nonprofit organization that creates and coordinates arts and cultural experiences across communities in eastern Hamilton County and the surrounding areas to improve the quality of life for residents, strengthen local economies, and enrich experiences for visitors. Their 11th Anniversary Gaga event was held to honor individuals making an impact in the art community and to raise money to support the Nickel Plate Arts operations and staff wages. This year’s gala raised more than $65,000.
The Arts Patron of the Year Award is among a select handful of awards given to recognize individuals in the art community for their inspirational work and advocacy for artists throughout central Indiana. Nickel Plate Arts also recognized Artist of the Year, Art Entrepreneurs of the Year, Artist-Advocate of the Year, and Arts Partners of the Year at the gala event held at and sponsored by Conner Prairie.
Doug was nominated by a community member, and fellow CCHA Law attorney, Jessica Williams Schnelker, had the honor of presenting him with the award. During her announcement, Jessica leant insight into why Doug was selected for the prestigious award:
“Tonight’s winner has both publicly and privately invested in the arts for decades. He is someone who long ago decided to pointedly collect art and share his collection with his family, staff, clients, and community. He is someone who has been a mentor to many, many community leaders and emerging professionals, including me, and who regularly speaks up for and financially supports the needs of artists and arts organizations. I am so happy to announce that the 2023 Arts Patron of the Year is Doug Church.” - Jessica Williams Schnelker
CCHA Law attorneys Jessica Williams Schelker and Justin Hays are both actively involved in the Nickel Plate Arts board in leadership roles. Jessica serves as the Nickel Plate Arts Vice President of the Board, and Justin volunteers on the Nickel Plate Arts Gala Committee.
Pictured: Jessica Schnelker (CCHA Partner & Nickel Plate Arts Vice President of the Board), Doug Church (CCHA Partner & Patron of the Year Award Winner), Justin Hays (CCHA Associate & Nickel Plate Arts Gala Committee Member)
This year’s event included a fashion show celebrating Hamilton County’s fashionable heritage featuring the MELI clothing brand, a live auction, live music, dinner, and drinks. The money raised will support the Nickel Plate Arts and help develop Arts Crawls in the Noblesville Cultural Arts District in 2024.
“We are so moved by the support we received from the more than 200 people who attended our 11th Anniversary Gala,” Nickel Plate Arts Director Ailithir McGill said. “I personally want to thank everyone who has supported our 11th Anniversary campaign – your support strengthens our community by ensuring that everyone has access to arts and cultural experiences and opportunities.”
Read more about Doug and the Nickel Plate Arts Awards here.