General
Regular MeetingArlington Heights, IL · May 21, 2025
Minutes
AC 5/21/25 MINUTES
APPROVED
MINUTES OF
THE VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
HELD IN THE BUECHNER CONFERENCE ROOM
OF THE VILLAGE HALL
MAY 21 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.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
COMMISSIONER WALTER MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SOUTER, TO APPROVE THE
MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 16, 2025 ARTS COMMISSION MEETING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
MURAL MOSAIC
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano introduced Ms. Mickey Mantas and explained that Ms. Mantas is going to share a concept for an
art project. Ms. Mantas shared a few options for creating a mural. Ms. Mantas explained that the program resembles Mural
Mosaic which utilizes ceramic tiles that would be painted by Arlington Heights residents and businesses, then collected and
digitized into a piece of art representative of the community. The Arts Commission thanked Ms. Mantas for her presentation.
DOWNTOWN PUBLIC ART PLAN
The Arts Commission discussed the purpose, goals and outcomes for the public art plan. Commissioner Walter shared a
draft with ideas for the public art plan and the Arts Commission discussed the following:
Purpose/Vision of the Public Art Program:
To enhance and promote public art that supports an inclusive, vibrant, and healthy community, fostering a sense of
belonging and cultural advancement within the Village of Arlington Heights, including celebrations of the past, present, and
future.
1. Goals:
● To Promote Community Engagement: Encourage participation in art-related activities across all
demographics of the Village and to have public art events act as a lever for collaboration between
commissions to ignite togetherness to achieve the Village Strategic Priorities
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AC 5/21/25 MINUTES
● To Support Village Economic Initiatives: Facilitate creative spaces to enhance life throughout the village,
build awareness of the Village as a destination for public art across the greater geographic area, and
serve as an economic driver to support development throughout the Village
● To Celebrate Diversity: Reflect the village's diverse history, cultures, and traditions through art to
embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, emphasizing the creation of a sense of belonging and
engagement within the community and the Village
● To Support the Arts Community: Provide platforms and opportunities for local and regional artists to
showcase various works and mediums
2. Outcomes:
● Community Engagement: High participation rates across all programs and positive feedback from
residents as measured through community surveys and attendance trackers.
● Village Economic Initiatives: Increase foot traffic in areas with public art as measured by business
outcomes on specific opening days around public art, and measurement of messaging engagement
when social/messaging campaigns are created around publicizing art displays and calls for proposals
● Celebrate Diversity: an increase in diverse representation of attendees in submissions, attendance, and
feedback, representing a variety of cultural, demographic, and economic groups (ie: increase in under-
represented groups, accessibility, economic, age, gender, etc).
● Support for the Arts Community: Increased visibility and opportunities for artists (regional, local, national),
measured by the number of commissioned works and exhibitions, and placement for call to artists in a
variety of arts magazines, council announcements, and state publications and listings
Part 2: Committee to Complete Guidelines
1. High-Level Guideline Suggestions
• The Downtown Art Plan is a Village of Arlington Heights program administered by the Village and the
Village’s Arts Commission. The Plan is for art in the Village’s geographic limits to be placed on property
owned by the Village or that is to be financed in whole or in part with Village funds. The Plan does not
include murals that are to be placed on private property and that are funded entirely with private funds.
An applicant for the Downtown Art Plan may apply through the Village Manager’s Office upon
announcement of the Downtown Art Plan. All needed permits will be facilitated between the Village
Manager and the artist under the umbrella of the Plan. The Village Commission will consider proposals
for art that reflects diversity in style and media from artists with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Applications for the Downtown Public Art Plan are initially reviewed by the Village Arts Commission,
which will make a recommendation to the Village Manager and Village Board, which makes an advisory
recommendation to the Village Arts Commission for a final decision. All art approved through this Plan
becomes part of the Village of Arlington Heights public art collection. All permanent or semi-permanent
installations must include the artist’s signed waiver of proprietary rights in a form provided by the Village.
• Community-Partner Applicants: A project initiated 1) by a group of people who are seeking a project that
is related to their community group; or 2) by a lead artist who creates a mural design and leads the
design and painting process with a community group.
• Artist-Focused Applicant: A project created by the lead artist with the intent of fulfilling the artist’s vision
with or without participation from the public or a community group.
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2. Funding Criteria
The Commission discussed that the funding criteria will be discussed in more detail after potential locations are
identified. The Commission also discussed grants as a potential funding option.
Commissioner McAleer and Commissioner Schwarz volunteered to evaluate potential locations for public art. Arts Chair
Seitz-Pagano explained that the Commission will continue to develop the public art plan at the next Arts Commission
meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano asked if there is any new business? The Commission discussed meeting on Wednesday, June 18
or June 25, 2025.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano asked if there are any public comments?
ADJOURNMENT
COMMISSIONER WALTER MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MCALEER TO ADJOURN THE
MEETING AT 7:45 P.M. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
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Agenda
AGENDA
ARTS COMMISSION
Buechner Room, 1st Floor
Arlington Heights Village Hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd.
Arlington Heights IL 60005
May 21, 2025
6:30 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Minutes 4/16/25
IV. REPORTS
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Mural Mosaic
B. Downtown Public Art Plan
1. Purpose
2. Goals
3. Outcomes
4. 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
Buechner Room, 1st Floor
Arlington Heights Village Hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd.
Arlington Heights IL 60005
May 21, 2025
6:30 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Minutes 4/16/25
IV. REPORTS
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. Mural Mosaic
B. Downtown Public Art Plan
1. Purpose
2. Goals
3. Outcomes
4. 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.
Page 1 of 3
AC 4/16/25 MINUTES
DRAFT
MINUTES OF
THE VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
HELD IN THE BUECHNER CONFERENCE ROOM
OF THE VILLAGE HALL
APRIL 16 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
Brian Wolf
Gretchen Grassl
Leena Joshi
Carla McAleer
Kate Schwarz
Members Absent: Erika Cutlip
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 JANUARY 15, 2025 ARTS COMMISSION MEETING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
FILM FESTIVAL
Commissioner Souter provided an overview of the Oscar Shorts Film Festival. Commissioner Souter commented that the
event was well attended. Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano thanked the subcommittee for there work on the program. Commissioner
Joshi commented that pictures of the event have been shared.
ARTS WALK
Commissioner Joshi suggested a subcommittee for the event. Commissioner Schwarz volunteered for the subcommittee.
Commissioner Joshi commented that the art walk would feature artwork at various locations as part of a walk. Commissioner
Souter commented that Mr. Chip Brooks has expressed interest in having a small art fair in the downtown. Commissioner
Schwarz commented that possibly the art walk could be featured as part of Harmony Fest.
LIGHT PROJECTION MAPPING
Staff Liaison Derek Mach commented that the light projection mapping should be discussed as part of the Downtown
Public Art Plan. Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano agreed.
ART GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Staff Liaison Derek Mach commented that grant opportunities should be discussed as part of the Downtown Public Art Plan.
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano agreed. Commissioner Grassl shared a few potential grant opportunities.
CULTURAL ARTS AWARD
Staff Liaison Derek Mach explained that the due date for Cultural Arts Award is April 25, 2025 and that the Commission has
not received any submittals. The Commission discussed extending the due date to August.
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AC 4/16/25 MINUTES
COMMISSIONER WOLF MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOSHI, TO EXTEND THE SUBMITTAL
DATE FOR THE CULTURAL ARTS AWARD TO AUGUST. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
DOWNTOWN PUBLIC ART PLAN
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano explained that the Village Board is interested in creating a comprehensive public art plan/program.
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano commented that the Village Board expressed interest in developing a program/ordinance to
encourage and allow murals as a form of public art (rather than being considered signage). Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano
suggested that the Commission give thought to one or two potential art projects for the next few years. Commissioner
McAleer commented that goals for the plan need to be defined. Commissioner Walter suggested having a subcommittee
that works on defining the following:
• Purpose
• Goals
• Outcomes
• High level guidelines
Commissioner Walter and Joshi volunteered to be part of a subcommittee. The Arts Commission is going to discuss the
purpose and goals at the next Arts Commission meeting. Commissioner Walter commented that another subcommittee
could also explore:
• Research
• Funding
• Potential locations
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Staff Liaison Derek Mach explained that the Village Manager is asking each Board and Commission to contribute to the
upcoming Strategic Priorities process for 2026-27. Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano explained that the Village Manager is requesting
a general idea of issues that the Arts Commission thinks are current and important for the community. Commissioner Walter
suggested the following and the Commission agreed:
• Develop a public art plan to strengthen economic development initiatives within the local economy and citizenry.
- Continue to pursue grant opportunities
- Explore options for an Art Walk
- Pursue a Light Projection program that is featured in the Downtown
• On-going Programs
- Cultural Arts Award
- Film Festival
NEW BUSINESS
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano asked if there is any new business? The Commission discussed meeting on Wednesday, May 21,
2025.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano asked if there are any public comments?
ADJOURNMENT
COMMISSIONER WOLF MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MCALEER TO ADJOURN THE MEETING
AT 7:30 P.M. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
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