Friday, May 31st at 8:00 PM AT The Columbus Museum of art
Awarded annually, The Thurber Prize for American Humor is one of the highest recognitions of humor writing in the United States. Past winners and finalists include Steven Rowley, James McBride, Patricia Lockwood, Trevor Noah, David Sedaris, Patricia Marx, Mike Birbiglia, Alan Zweibel, and Dave Barry.
Join us for The 23rd Thurber Prize for American Humor award show! Celebrate humor, art, and literary brilliance in Columbus, OH as we honor James Thurber's legacy and mark Thurber House's 40th anniversary. We're excited to introduce the first Thurber Prize in Cartoon Art alongside the esteemed Thurber Prize for American Humor in Writing, blending tradition with a new era of excellence. The winners of both awards will be announced live at the show.
Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter and artistic excellence. Secure your tickets to be part of this milestone celebration!
MEET THE THURBER PRIZE FINALISTS
Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou
A Taiwanese American woman’s coming-of-consciousness ignites eye-opening revelations and chaos on a college campus in this outrageously hilarious and startlingly tender debut novel. Elaine Hsieh Chou asks who gets to tell our stories—and how the story changes when we finally tell it ourselves.
Ms. Demeanor by Elinor Lipman
When a neighbor’s complaint about consensual al fresco sex turns into house arrest and a suspended legal license, Jane’s recipe for survival involves cooking for another home-arrested tenant (could this be a match made in confinement?) while trying to figure out the whys and hows of her mysterious accuser.
The Lemon by S.E. Boyd
John Doe, the adored host of a culinary travel show, is found dead in a hotel room in an apparent suicide. As the news of his untimely demise breaks, a group of friends, fixers, hustlers, and opportunists vie to seize control of the narrative. A darkly hilarious story about the underside of success and fame, and our ongoing complicity in devouring our heroes.
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‣ VIP Cartoon Art Reception* – 6:30 pm
Kick off the evening with a laugh and a sketch at our host and sponsor-exclusive celebration of Thurber House's 40th anniversary and the inaugural Thurber Prize in Cartoon Art. Mingle with the artistic genius of James Thurber's work and take a look at never-before-seen gems from the Thurber House archives.
*The reception is for hosts and sponsors only. Red carpet photos and valet will be available.
‣ General Admission Check In: Red Carpet, Valet, Cash Bar Open – 7:15 pm
Roll out the red carpet and kick off the evening in style—check in upon arrival and strike a pose on our glamorous red carpet. Then, head over to the cash bar to toast the night ahead with one of our signature drinks!
‣ Showtime: The 23rd Thurber Prize for American Humor – 8:00 pm
The highlight of the evening begins: we present The Thurber Prize awards. Witness the pinnacle of creativity and humor as we honor the luminaries who have elevated the art of storytelling through cartoons and writing.
‣ After Party – 9:00 pm
Ready to party? So are we! Dance, mingle, and revel in the night's excitement. This is your chance to unwind, drink, eat, and laugh over the evening's highlights. Don't miss out on the grand finale of our evening. Join us for an after party for the books!
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‣ General Admission | $250
This ticket includes:
Admission to the 8:00 pm show
Admission to the 9:00 pm after party
‣ Add On: Book Bundle | $83
Get signed copies of all three finalist books!
‣ Host Committee Sponsorship | $1000
Host Committee sponsorship comes with four premier tickets to:
The VIP Cartoon Art Reception at 6:30 pm
The show at 8:00 pm
The after party at 9:00 pm
As well as recognition in the event program
‣ Corporate Sponsorship | Variable
Corporate sponsorship comes with various perks—at minimum, four premier ickets to:
The VIP Cartoon Art Reception at 6:30 pm
The show at 8:00 pm
The after party at 9:00 pm
As well as an ad in the event program
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This event will be held at the Columbus Museum of Art. Parking is free. Valet parking will also be available.
For more information about location and parking at the Museum, click here.
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This event will take place at the Columbus Museum of Art.
For information about accessibility, click here.
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Thurber House strives to be a welcoming environment for everyone, and we ask that all attendees respect the health and safety of others at all times.
Masks are encouraged but not mandatory. If you are sick, please do not attend the event (you will have the opportunity to pick up any pre-purchased books in the weeks following the event).
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For any questions that are not answered here, please email Jess Cox at jcox@thurberhouse.org or call 614-412-5955.
‣ Who is presenting this event? This is a Thurber House event that is being held at the Columbus Museum of Art.
‣ How will I receive my tickets? You will receive an email order confirmation containing your ticket(s). You can print or show your ticket(s) on your phone. If you are unable to do so, we will manually check you in.
‣ How do I get the books that come with my ticket bundle? Ticket-bundled books will be available for pick up when you arrive at the event. Additional books will be for sale at the event.
‣ Where do I park? Click the “Location & Parking” tab above for more information.
‣ What’s your refund policy? All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
‣ What is the Columbus Arts and Culture Fee? The total ticket price includes the Columbus Arts and Culture Fee as required by the City of Columbus. The Arts and Culture Fee provides public funds to support artists and arts/cultural organizations like Thurber House that educate and engage audiences of all ages. Click here for more information.
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Disclaimer: Views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by event and program speakers in all mediums are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Thurber House, its affiliates, or its staff/board.