The Big Event 2026: An Evening in Bloom for the Arts

Saturday, June 6, 2026 • 4:30pm

The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts welcomes arts advocates, friends, and partners to an evening of connection, inspiration, and generosity.

2026 Honorees

We are proud to recognize Andy Nunemaker and Pink Umbrella Theater Company as this year’s recipients of the EDDY Award and Educational Excellence Award (respectively). In addition, we will recognize Deanna Tillisch with the Impact Award for her enduring commitment to advancing the arts in Southeast Wisconsin.

ABOUT THE BIG EVENT

On June 6th, join us at the Wilson Center for a lively garden party atmosphere with an open bar, gourmet tasting stations, live entertainment and auction, an inspiring paddle raise, and our highly anticipated awards presentation. Together we’ll raise $350,000 to grow visual arts spaces, educational partnerships, performances, classes, and community programming.

SPONSORSHIPS AND TICKETS

Every RSVP, sponsorship, and gift creates opportunities for performances, galleries, field trips, classes, and community gatherings that bring people together through the arts.

For more information on sponsorship and tickets please reach out to Bridget Munson at 262.373.5022 or email bmunson@wilson-center.com

For more details, please download the press release.

21st Annual EDDY Award Honoree

ANDY NUNEMAKER

THE EDDY AWARD – Endowed by Wilson Center supporters Kathryn Murphy Burke and John Burke, the EDDY is presented annually by the Wilson Center’s Bridge Committee to an arts organization, corporation, or individual(s) whose philanthropic commitment to regional collaboration has created a higher standard of excellence in arts and arts education. In presenting the 2026 EDDY Award, the Wilson Center honors Andy Nunemaker for his extraordinary generosity and lifelong commitment to the arts in the Milwaukee region. A passionate champion of both performing and visual arts, Andy’s personal connection to music and early inspiration from visual art have shaped a philanthropic legacy rooted in access, excellence, and sustainability. His leadership includes more than two decades with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra—culminating in the creation of the Bradley Symphony Center—and current service as Board Chair of the Milwaukee Art Museum. Through board leadership, major fundraising efforts, and steadfast support of countless arts organizations, Andy’s impact continues to strengthen and elevate the cultural life of our community.

11th Annual Educational Excellence Award

THE PINK UMBRELLA THEATER COMPANY

The 2026 Big Event will mark the eleventh year of the Educational Excellence Award, which recognizes organizational achievement by a nonprofit that exemplifies collaboration in the arts. The Wilson Center Bridge Committee has selected Pink Umbrella Theater Company as this year’s recipient of the award, in recognition of their dedication to providing a platform to amplify voices of disabled artists.

Founded in September 2018, Pink Umbrella Theater Company is a fully inclusive theater company working alongside 70+ actors ages four through adult.Through professional productions, classes, and community partnerships, the company creates space for disabled artists to lead, create, and share their stories.

1st Annual Impact Award

The Wilson Center is also proud to honor Deanna L. Tillisch with the Impact Award, recognizing her enduring commitment to advancing the arts in Southeast Wisconsin. Her enduring commitment has earned widespread recognition and leaves a lasting legacy on the cultural vitality of the region.

About the Bridge Committee and Awards

the Wilson Center Bridge Committee

The Bridge Committee, comprised of regional arts and community leaders, is committed to supporting the Wilson Center’s efforts to strengthen the impact of regional collaboration for the long-term viability of the arts in Southeastern Wisconsin. The history of the Bridge Committee was envisioned by Kate Wilson. “Kate Wilson’s original vision for the Bridge Committee was to bring supporters of the arts together from Waukesha County and Milwaukee County - to form a ‘bridge’ so to speak. Her boundless energy has helped the committee grow into a thriving group of community leaders, volunteers and friends,” said Andy Nunemaker, previous co-chair of the Bridge Committee. Andy goes on to say, “We all share in a passion for the arts and for our region. It’s such a pleasure to get together with these like-minded friends to showcase leadership in the arts, philanthropy and education! See the entire list of Bridge Committee members here.

EDDY Award

Endowed by Wilson Center supporters Kathryn Murphy Burke and John Burke, the EDDY is presented annually at the Big Event by the Wilson Center’s Bridge Committee to an arts organization, corporation, or individual(s) whose philanthropic commitment to regional collaboration has created a higher standard of excellence in arts and arts education. Recent EDDY Award recipients include, Andrea and Tony Bryant & Judy and Gary Jorgensen (2024), Keith Mardak and Mary Vendenberg (2023), Kathryn Murphy Burke (2022), Baird and Mary Ellen & Scott Stanek (2020/21), Kate and Don Wilson (2019), and Bud and Sue Selig (2018). Scroll down to see the entire list of EDDY Awardees.

Education Excellence Award

The 2024 Big Event will mark the ninth year of the Educational Excellence Award, which recognizes organizational achievement of a nonprofit that exemplifies collaboration in the arts. Past recipients of the Educational Excellence Award have included The Milwaukee Rep (2024), Latino Arts, Inc. (2023), Next Act Theater and Producing Artistic Director David Cecsarini (2022), Milwaukee Film (2020/21), Milwaukee Ballet and Artistic Director Michael Pink (2019), Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Arts in Community Education/ACE (2018), Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (2017), First Stage (2016), and the Florentine Opera Company (2015).