Actress Kate Walsh received the Joyce Piven Artistic Excellence award for her work in theatre, television and film.
Walsh spoke about how her training affected her perspective on how she looks at everything.
"I feel like, what the Piven Theatre Workshop does is help you accept life on life's terms--and not just accept it, but embrace it and play with it. It's that spirit of play so that work is play," Walsh said.
Chicago's own Billy Dec was recognized, as well. He received the Byrne Piven Community Service Award.
ABC7's Linda Yu, who is a member of the Workshop's advisory board, served as emcee.
