[image: Staff Email Signature BFL 2026 Save the Date #2.png] <https://www.hilltopartists.org/betterfutures/> *Get your tickets to the Hilltop Artists Better Futures Luncheon <https://www.hilltopartists.org/betterfutures/>* *Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM <https://www.hilltopartists.org/betterfutures/>* We’re delighted to announce that our 2026 Better Futures Luncheon will be held October 6th, 2026 at the Bicentennial Pavilion at Hotel Murano <https://www.hilltopartists.org/betterfutures/>. This event promises to be a celebration of our community's commitment to nurturing young artists and fostering creativity. Need to grab your luncheon tickets or purchase your table? Tickets to this year's celebration are available now! Visit our website <https://www.hilltopartists.org/betterfutures/> to get started with your registration. Every ticket, every donation, and every moment you share with us helps build brighter futures for our young artists. Let's keep the momentum going!⁠ Thank you to our incredible sponsors! Because of their support, the cost of the event is fully covered and all proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go directly back to our programs and students! Check out our sponsor partners here <https://www.hilltopartists.org/betterfutures/>. *MEET OUR SPEAKERS!* *Keynote Speaker, Leslie Jackson ChihulyLeslie Jackson Chihuly* is an arts executive, philanthropist, and cultural leader dedicated to expanding access to the arts and supporting creative communities. As President and CEO of Chihuly Studio, she oversees the global studio operations of artist Dale Chihuly, guiding the strategic vision behind a body of work that spans museums, exhibitions, public installations, and cultural partnerships around the world. Leslie is the co-founder of The Dale and Leslie Chihuly Foundation, which supports access, equity, and innovation in the arts. She is the Chair of Seattle’s Benaroya Hall Music Center, serves on the boards of Vassar College and Pilchuck Glass School, and is Chair Emeritus of the Seattle Symphony. Across all her work, Leslie is deeply committed to supporting artists, fostering community, and ensuring that the arts remain a vital part of public life. *Student Speakers, Jaleeza and Sky* *Jaleeza *is a senior at Washington High School and has been part of Hilltop Artists’ Arts Connect program for the past two and a half years. She first joined Arts Connect in the summer of 2024 and has returned every session since. Through her dedication, leadership, and kindness, she was invited to become a teaching assistant in the summer of 2025, a role she continues to serve today. Through Arts Connect, Jaleeza discovered a passion for glassblowing and gained the confidence to use her voice. *Sky *is a glass artist from Tacoma who likes to make what he calls “Saturn Bottles,” “Resting Vases,” tie-dye cups and friends. He puts his feelings and colorful imagination onto the pipe to create pieces that capture a futuristic look whilst keeping the nostalgic feel in the things he views in his everyday life and from the people that influence him. He is currently working on recreating elixir bottles from the film “Ponyo” by Hayao Miyazaki while also trying to grow his platform on social media and in his community. *Charlotte Berry* Engagement & Communications Manager *HILLTOP ARTISTS <https://www.hilltopartists.org/>* she/her/hers | charli@hilltopartists.org | set a meeting <https://calendly.com/charli_hta/30min> | c: 253-571-7692 <(253)%20571-7692> On spuyaləpabš/Puyallup and Coast Salish <http://www.puyallup-tribe.com/ourtribe/Land%20Acknowledgement.php> land [image: https://www.hilltopartists.org/betterfutures/] <https://www.hilltopartists.org/betterfutures/> <https://hilltopartists.org/email-sign-up/> <https://hilltopartists.org/> <https://www.facebook.com/hilltopartists> <https://www.instagram.com/hilltopartists> <https://www.tiktok.com/@hilltopartists> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/hilltop-artists/> <https://www.youtube.com/user/HilltopArtists> [image: https://hilltopartists.org/donate] <https://hilltopartists.org/donate> *Using glass art to connect young people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds to better futures.*