Arts Commission
Regular MeetingArlington Heights, IL · August 6, 2025
Minutes
AC 8/6/25 MINUTES
APPROVED
MINUTES OF
THE VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
HELD IN THE COMMISSIONS ROOM
OF THE VILLAGE HALL
AUGUST 6, 2025 AT 6:30 P.M.
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Members Present: Mary Seitz-Pagano, Arts Chair
Kristen Walter
Erika Cutlip
Brian Wolf
Leena Joshi
Carla McAleer
Kate Schwarz
Members Absent: Gretchen Grassl
Also Present: Derek Mach, Staff Liaison
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
COMMISSIONER WALTER MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WOLF, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES
WITH REVISIONS FROM THE JUNE 18, 2025 ARTS COMMISSION MEETING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MOTION
CARRIED.
DOWNTOWN PUBLIC ART PLAN
Commissioner Walter explained that she worked with Commissioner Grassl as part of a subcommittee regarding a draft
budget and potential funding options for the art plan. The Commission discussed grants, fundraising, donations, in kind
services and the Village as potential funding options. Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano asked about charging ticket prices for various
Arts Commission programs in order to generate money for public art. Staff Liaison Derek Mach commented that staff would
need to discuss and explained that the Village is not setup like the Park District where it could efficiently collect small fees
for a program. The Commission inquired if the Village can accept a donation for artwork. Staff Liaison Derek Mach
commented that if an entity came forward with a donation that it would most likely be up to the Village Board to consider.
The Commission discussed that the art plan will be utilized to help obtain a grant. Commissioner McAleer commented that
more detailed estimates will be needed for pursuing grants and that funding sources would have to be secured. The
Commission discussed the possibility of repurposing areas or structures for art such as the Vail Avenue parking garage.
Commissioner Walter suggested that the proposed costs, RFP, plan and timeline be finalized and incorporated into the draft
plan. Commissioner Walter and staff are going to coordinate regarding a detailed draft of the art plan.
The Commission discussed narrowing down the potential art locations. The Commission discussed the following locations
as primary options for public art:
Vail Garage
Northwest Highway retaining wall
North Parking Garage
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AC 8/6/25 MINUTES
The Commission thanked Commissioner Walter and Grassl for their work on the budget portion of the art plan.
NEW BUSINESS
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano asked if there is any new business? The Commission discussed meeting on Wednesday, October
1, 2025.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ms. Mickey Mantas shared her enthusiasm for the art plan. Ms. Mantas commented on the importance that the artwork
reflect Arlington Heights. Ms. Janet McCarthy introduced herself and explained that she is the founder and president of
Glen’s Friends. Ms. McCarthy shared her support for a mural and commented that Glen’s Friends would be interested in
being part of a future art piece/project. Ms. Sarah Altieri introduced herself and offered her support with the plan and
program. Ms. Altieri shared her enthusiasm regarding the Arts Commission and the art plan.
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano thanked everyone for their comments.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMISSIONER WOLF MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOSHI TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT
7:35 P.M. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
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Agenda
AGENDA
ARTS COMMISSION
Commissions Room, 2nd Floor
Arlington Heights Village Hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd.
Arlington Heights IL 60005
August 6, 2025
6:30 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. June 18, 2025 Draft Minutes
IV. REPORTS
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Downtown Public Art Plan
1. Funding Options
2. Narrow Down Potential Locations
3. Purpose
4. Goals
5. Outcomes
6. High Level Guidelines
VI. NEW BUSINESS
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
Anyone wishing to speak on a subject not on the Agenda may speak at this time. Please limit
your comments to three minutes.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Persons with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services, such as an American Sign
Language interpreter or written materials in accessible formats, should contact the Health &
Human Services Department, at 33 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005,
healthmail@vah.com or 847/368-5760.
Packet
AGENDA
ARTS COMMISSION
Commissions Room, 2nd Floor
Arlington Heights Village Hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd.
Arlington Heights IL 60005
August 6, 2025
6:30 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. June 18, 2025 Draft Minutes
IV. REPORTS
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Downtown Public Art Plan
1. Funding Options
2. Narrow Down Potential Locations
3. Purpose
4. Goals
5. Outcomes
6. High Level Guidelines
VI. NEW BUSINESS
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT
Anyone wishing to speak on a subject not on the Agenda may speak at this time. Please limit
your comments to three minutes.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Persons with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services, such as an American Sign
Language interpreter or written materials in accessible formats, should contact the Health &
Human Services Department, at 33 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005,
healthmail@vah.com or 847/368-5760.
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AC 6/18/25 MINUTES
DRAFT
MINUTES OF
THE VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
HELD IN THE PERKINS ROOM
OF THE VILLAGE HALL
JUNE 18, 2025 AT 6:30 P.M.
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Members Present: Mary Seitz-Pagano, Arts Chair
Janet Souter
Kristen Walter
Erika Cutlip
Brian Wolf
Gretchen Grassl
Leena Joshi
Carla McAleer
Kate Schwarz
Also Present: Derek Mach, Staff Liaison
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano and the arts
Commission welcomed Commissioner McAleer and Commissioner Schwarz.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
COMMISSIONER WALTER MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOSHI, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES
FROM THE MAY 21, 2025 ARTS COMMISSION MEETING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
DOWNTOWN PUBLIC ART PLAN
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano explained that at the last meeting the Arts Commission discussed the purpose, goals and outcomes
for the public art plan. Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano commented that Schwarz and Commissioner McAleer have identified potential
locations for public art. Commissioner Schwarz and Commissioner McAleer shared potential locations throughout the Village.
The Commission discussed the following potential locations:
Potential Art Opportunities
• Nichol Knoll
• Lake Arlington
• AH Memorial Library
• Downtown Train Station
• Vail Parking Garage
• Harmony Park
• Downtown Crosswalks
• Street Art during Arlington Alfresco
• Vail Pedestrian Sky Bridge
• Retaining Wall on NW Hwy. near AH Rd.
• Sunset Meadows
• Recreation Park
• Arlington Ridge Center
• Historic Museum
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AC 6/18/25 MINUTES
• Rand Road Corridor (Uptown Area)
• Pioneer Park
• Senior Center
• Village Hall
Existing Art Examples
• Lake Arlington Sign
• DtA
• Arlington Heights Sign
• Library statues
• Sunset Meadows statue
• Memorial Park
The Commission discussed the potential locations. Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano suggested that the Commission narrow the list
down to approximately 6 locations. The Commission is going to give thought to potential locations and continue to discuss
at a future meeting. Arts Cahir Seitz-Pagano commented that a subcommittee to determine approximate budget for each
category and potential funding sources. Commissioner Grassl and Commissioner Walter volunteered for the budget
subcommittee.
Staff Liaison Derek Mach commented that the locations discussed are conceptual and some of the locations would require
approval by the various entities including the Park District, Library or the Village. Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano and the Arts
Commission thanked the subcommittee. Commissioner Walter commented that thought should be given to a call for artist.
Commissioner Walter commented that the call could include multiple locations. Commissioner Seitz-Pagano commented
that the location list could be paired down. Commissioner Walter suggested a subcommittee that evaluates potential funding
opportunities. Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano explained that the next item is financing and then concept. can we proceed with
budget subcommittee and
Staff Liaison Derek Mach recommended that the list be paired down and then staff can discuss how to proceed with the
various locations and different entities.
NEW BUSINESS
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano asked if there is any new business? The Commission discussed meeting on Wednesday, August
6, 2025.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano asked if there are any public comments? Ms. Sarah Altieri introduced herself and shared her
background/experience. Ms. Altieri shared her enthusiasm regarding the Arts Commission and the art plan. Ms. Danuta
Malczewska shared her background information and support for the arts. Ms. Malczewska suggested that the Commission
consider exploring options for art at the schools. Ms. Malczewska also suggested having competitions for art. Arts Chair
Seitz-Pagano thanked Ms. Altieri and Ms. Malczewska for their comments.
ADJOURNMENT
COMMISSIONER WALTER MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SOUTER TO ADJOURN THE
MEETING AT 7:35 P.M. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
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