Arts Commission
Regular MeetingMundelein, IL · January 19, 2026
Minutes
Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting Minutes Ianuary 19,2026
CAtt TO ORDER
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Mundelein Arts Commission was held on January
79,2026. Chairperson Spicuzza called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
ATTENDANCE
A. Spicuzza took attendance. lt indicated as follows
Commission Aftendance
PRESENT: Chairman Spicuzza, Commissioner Woodard, Commissioner Arp
ABSENT: Commissioner Esson, Commissioner Justman, Commissioner Bayoneto,
Commissioner Kalmanovsky, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Lyttle
A quorum was not present.
Village Attendance
PRESENT: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner; Erin Swanson, Recording Secretary
Due to the lack of a quorum, no official business could be conducted and no votes were
taken.
PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Conor and Natalie O'Brien, residents, were present. They stated that they are present to
observe and have an interest in getting more involved with the community.
Nick Gillenwater, resident, was present. Mr. Gillenwater is a local business owner in
Vernon Hills and recently moved to Mundelein. He discussed interest in getting more
involved with the community. He shared information about Art-o-mat, an art vending
machine using refurbished cigarette machines. His shop is host to a location of one of
these machines and Mr. Gillenwater shared information about how to process works.
MINUTES APPROVAT
Approvalof the Noyember 17,2025 Minutes
Approval of the minutes from the meeting on Novemb er t7 ,2025 will be done at the
next meeting scheduled for February t6,2026.
Budget Review
The budget proposal for the next fiscal year was briefly discussed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Art Plan
No updates.
Lure of the Local
C. Male shared that 2 resident artists have moved out early. As of the date of the
meeting, the remaining artist residents are planning to stay for the duration of the
agreed upon time. The commission also discussed the need to go through the supplies
room and clear items out.
A. Spicuzza shared the Fremont Library had shared their strategic plan. The Library
shared demographics, and shared a large need of exhibition space for performing arts.
The commission discussed a future purchase award, and other events that were hosted
during the duration ofthe Lure ofthe Local event.
Stars on Parade
The artist for the new Stars on Parade statue is taking a little longer than expected to
complete the star, but it is still underway. Commission briefly discussed the status of
the Star purchased by the High School. There is no new information regarding the
status ofthat star.
Hand Sculpture
The Commission discussed the status of the hand sculpture and when the Village
should be processing the payment.
Holiday Theater Production
The Commission discussed the Miracle on 34th Street production. The Kirk Players were
pleased with the attendance. There may need to be more chairs ordered for next year
to account for the ones needed for the green room. All bills are paid to date.
Scholarships
One of the students that was given a scholarship is not returning for a second semester.
The school reached out to return half of the scholarship awarded.
Summer ShakesPeare Shorts
The Commission discussed prior locations and expressed interest in supporting
the
summer shakespeare shorts. A sub-committee may be needed.
Mundelein Grand Prix
Planning for the Grand Prix will begin in late Spring.
S'Murals
Tony Cannoli S'mural is still under process and is anticipated to progress in February or
March. The Commission discussed other murals around the Village. C. Woodard
volunteered to scout potential S'mural locations.
Set Sail North / Record Fair
The Commission discussed the proposed Set Sail North / Record Fair event. C. Woodard
discussed working with the farmer's market for the first year for the record sales. The
commission further discussed tentative formats for the first year and the overall budget
of the current Set Sail event and how it would be scaled for a Mundelein event.
Art Pantries
C. Woodard will talk to the Tool Library to discuss a collaboration on creating Art
Pantries.
Beautifi cation Committee
C. Woodard gave an overview on the Beautification Committee updates. Mundelein is
now considered an official Bird City. There will be an upcoming update on community
gardens, and Spring into Summer prep will be starting. C. Woodard will be willing to
continue being the Beautification Committee liaison, but is open to sharing with
another commissioner if there is interest.
OLD BUSINESS
Piano - Keep?
There is a new tenant upstairs at Village Hall. lt is an option to move it to the ABC
building. A. Spicuzza stated she would prefer to keep it if possible.
Percent for the Arts
There are no new updates.
Artslink North Directory
S. Esson was not present. There are no updates
Winter Tree Lighting Festival
No updates.
NEW BUSINESS AND PROJECT UPDATES
MCC is getting a new director and Mundelein Parks and Recreation will no longer be
sponsoring the Arts Festival. Rita Kipp, one of the MCC Board Members is in charge of the
Arts Festival. The MCC is in search of an artist volunteer to assist in the planning for the
festival.
qUESTIONS, COMMENTS, AND UPDATES
There were no further questions, comments, or updates.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 PM.
\j^,Ln WA/^eqY)
Erin Swanson, Recording Secretary
Agenda
AGENDA
MUNDELEIN ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
Village Hall - Room 101
300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein, IL 60060
January 19, 2026 - 7:00 PM
Please note that this meeting will be held in-person at the Mundelein Village Hall. The meeting will
not be streamed electronically. If you cannot attend the meeting and you wish to submit a question
or comment to be read during the public commentary portion of the meeting, please email your full
name and your question or comment to cmalec@mundelein.org. Please put "Public Commentary" in
the subject line. Comments received during the meeting, but after the public commentary portion has
ended, will be provided to the Commission Members after the meeting.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ATTENDANCE
III. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
IV. MINUTES APPROVAL
A. Approval of the November 17, 2025 Minutes
V. BUDGET REVIEW
VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Public Art Plan
B. Lure of the Local
The Artist Residencies come to a close on January 31st, when the residents will move out.
Staff will check the vacated studios, process security deposit refunds, collect keys, and do a
cleanup of the facility. The facility will stay dark until it is decided what to do with the building
and space, which is under discussion by the Village Board. There is a public Request for
Proposals (RFP) for the site open until March 15, 2026 seeking alternative proposals.
C. Stars on Parade
Page |1
D. Hand Sculpture
E. Holiday Theater Production
The MAC partnered with Kirk Players this winter on a production of Miracle on 34th Street. A.
Spicuzza will report on the experience. A total of $920 was collected in donations for the
Fremont Township Food Pantry, which was presented via giant check in December.
F. Scholarships
G. Summer Shakespeare Shorts
The Kirk Players expressed interest in collaborating with the MAC on Summer Shakespeare
Shorts in 2026. The MAC should discuss whether to move forward with the event this year
and set up a subcommittee to begin working with Kirk Players.
H. Mundelein Grand Prix
I. Set Sail North / Record Fair
J. S'Murals
Mundelein Arts Commission Agenda 1/19/2026 Page |2
K. Art Pantries
L. Beautification Committee
VII. OLD BUSINESS
A. Percent for the Arts
B. Piano - Keep?
C. ArtsLink North Directory
D. Winter Tree Lighting Festival
VIII. NEW BUSINESS AND PROJECT UPDATES
IX. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, AND UPDATES
X. ADJOURNMENT
The Village of Mundelein, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests that persons
with disabilities who require certain accommodations to allow them to observe and/or participate in
this meeting, or who have questions about the accessibility of the meeting or facilities, to contact the
ADA Coordinator at 847-949-3200 to allow the Village to arrange accommodations for those persons.
Mundelein Arts Commission Agenda 1/19/2026 Page |3
Packet
AGENDA
MUNDELEIN ARTS COMMISSION MEETING
Village Hall - Room 101
300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein, IL 60060
January 19, 2026 - 7:00 PM
Please note that this meeting will be held in-person at the Mundelein Village Hall. The meeting will
not be streamed electronically. If you cannot attend the meeting and you wish to submit a question
or comment to be read during the public commentary portion of the meeting, please email your full
name and your question or comment to cmalec@mundelein.org. Please put "Public Commentary" in
the subject line. Comments received during the meeting, but after the public commentary portion has
ended, will be provided to the Commission Members after the meeting.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ATTENDANCE
III. PUBLIC COMMENTARY
IV. MINUTES APPROVAL
A. Approval of the November 17, 2025 Minutes
V. BUDGET REVIEW
VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Public Art Plan
B. Lure of the Local
The Artist Residencies come to a close on January 31st, when the residents will move out.
Staff will check the vacated studios, process security deposit refunds, collect keys, and do a
cleanup of the facility. The facility will stay dark until it is decided what to do with the building
and space, which is under discussion by the Village Board. There is a public Request for
Proposals (RFP) for the site open until March 15, 2026 seeking alternative proposals.
C. Stars on Parade
Page |1
Page 1 of 28
D. Hand Sculpture
E. Holiday Theater Production
The MAC partnered with Kirk Players this winter on a production of Miracle on 34th Street. A.
Spicuzza will report on the experience. A total of $920 was collected in donations for the
Fremont Township Food Pantry, which was presented via giant check in December.
F. Scholarships
G. Summer Shakespeare Shorts
The Kirk Players expressed interest in collaborating with the MAC on Summer Shakespeare
Shorts in 2026. The MAC should discuss whether to move forward with the event this year
and set up a subcommittee to begin working with Kirk Players.
H. Mundelein Grand Prix
I. Set Sail North / Record Fair
J. S'Murals
Mundelein Arts Commission Agenda 1/19/2026 Page |2
Page 2 of 28
K. Art Pantries
L. Beautification Committee
VII. OLD BUSINESS
A. Percent for the Arts
B. Piano - Keep?
C. ArtsLink North Directory
D. Winter Tree Lighting Festival
VIII. NEW BUSINESS AND PROJECT UPDATES
IX. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, AND UPDATES
X. ADJOURNMENT
The Village of Mundelein, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests that persons
with disabilities who require certain accommodations to allow them to observe and/or participate in
this meeting, or who have questions about the accessibility of the meeting or facilities, to contact the
ADA Coordinator at 847-949-3200 to allow the Village to arrange accommodations for those persons.
Mundelein Arts Commission Agenda 1/19/2026 Page |3
Page 3 of 28
Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting Minutes November 17, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Mundelein Arts Commission was held on
November 17, 2025. Chairperson Spicuzza called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
ATTENDANCE
A. Spicuzza took attendance. It indicated as follows:
Commission Attendance
PRESENT: Chairman Spicuzza, Commissioner Esson, Commissioner Justman,
Commissioner Bayoneto, Commissioner Kalmanovsky, Commissioner Smith,
Commissioner Woodard, Commissioner Arp, Commissioner Lyttle
ABSENT: Commissioner Yim
Village Attendance
PRESENT: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner; Erin Swanson, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENTARY
There was no public commentary.
MINUTES APPROVAL
Approval of the October 20, 2025 Minutes
Motion to to approve the Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting Minutes of October 20,
2025.
RESULT: Passed [Yes 9, No 0, Abstained 0]
MOVER: Commissioner Seth Arp
SECONDER: Commissioner Gail Smith
AYES: Aurelia Spicuzza, Sue Esson, Jeff Justman, Colleen Bayoneto, Stacee
Kalmanovsky, Gail Smith, Chris Woodard, Seth Arp, Dannielle Lyttle
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
BUDGET REVIEW
Budget and Expenditures as of November 13, 2025
The Commission reviewed the remaining budget for the remaining of the fiscal year.
Page 4 of 28
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Art Plan
There are no updates.
Lure of the Local
The Commission discussed the Lure of the Local event, as well as the Village extended
the no-cost artist residencies. The Commission reviewed the success of opening night
and the overall artist residency program.
Indoor Art Program
The commission discussed the intent of the indoor art program to purchase art pieces
from the Lure of the Local show to install in the Village. S. Kalmanovski will be choosing
10 options for the Commission to choose from for the Indoor Art Program.
Stars on Parade
Xitlally Garcia is still in progress with her star.
S'Murals
No updates.
Hand Sculpture
The Commission discussed the Hand Sculpture progress and what dates they would find
acceptable for delivery by the artist.
Holiday Theater Production
The Kirk Players are using the Lure of the Local space for theater rehearsals.The
commission discussed the sponsorship costs of the production. The production will be
held December 5th, 6th, and 7th.
Scholarship
The scholarship committee will be scheduling a meeting to go over questions to ask
applicants.
Beautification Committee Updates
C. Woodard did not attend the last Beautification Meeting and has no updates for the
Commission.
Page 5 of 28
OLD BUSINESS
Percent for the Arts
To be discussed at the January 19, 2026 meeting.
ArtsLink North Directory
Annual subscription is $75 per year. The Commission will revisit at the next meeting.
Winter Tree Lighting Festival
Winter Tree Lighting Festival will be on Thursday, November 20th. D. Lyttle and E.
Swanson will meet at 3:00 PM for setup.
NEW BUSINESS AND PROJECT UPDATES
Writing Contest
The Commission discussed the writing contest. The Library has taken over the initiative
so there is no reason to resurrect this project at this point in time.
December Meeting
The Commission discussed cancelling the planned meeting in December.
Motion to to Cancel the Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting scheduled for December
15, 2025.
RESULT: Passed [Yes 9, No 0, Abstained 0]
MOVER: Commissioner Chris Woodard
SECONDER: Commissioner Stacee Kalmanovsky
AYES: Aurelia Spicuzza, Sue Esson, Jeff Justman, Colleen Bayoneto, Stacee
Kalmanovsky, Gail Smith, Chris Woodard, Seth Arp, Dannielle Lyttle
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, AND UPDATES
The Commission reviewed the proposed budget for the next fiscal year and any upcoming
projects to budget for. S. Arp suggested a proposed Music Festival and Vinyl Records sale
event called Set Sail North for the next fiscal year. It would be a one day event with 3-4
performances. Also discussed was a proposed initiative by C. Woodard for "Art Libraries".
Page 6 of 28
It would be similar to the little libraries posted, but instead of books it would have art
supplies available.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to Adjourn the Mundelein Arts Commission meeting.
RESULT: Passed [Yes 9, No 0, Abstained 0]
MOVER: Commissioner Jeff Justman
SECONDER: Commissioner Sue Esson
AYES: Aurelia Spicuzza, Sue Esson, Jeff Justman, Colleen Bayoneto, Stacee
Kalmanovsky, Gail Smith, Chris Woodard, Seth Arp, Dannielle Lyttle
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
The meeting adjourned at 9:26 PM.
Page 7 of 28
To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner
For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of January 19, 2026
Subject: Public Art Plan
Financial Impact:
Attachments:
None
Background:
No updates at this time.
Recommendation:
Page 8 of 28
To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner
For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of January 19, 2026
Subject: Lure of the Local
Financial Impact:
Attachments:
None
Background:
Recommendation:
The Artist Residencies come to a close on January 31st, when the residents will move out. Staff will
check the vacated studios, process security deposit refunds, collect keys, and do a cleanup of the
facility. The facility will stay dark until it is decided what to do with the building and space, which is
under discussion by the Village Board. There is a public Request for Proposals (RFP) for the site open
until March 15, 2026 seeking alternative proposals.
Page 9 of 28
To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner
For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of January 19, 2026
Subject: Stars on Parade
Financial Impact:
Attachments:
None
Background:
The artist, Xitlally Garcia, is working on her star. She said it’s moving a little slower than anticipated
because she is busy with school (but we wouldn’t install it until after winter anyway). The pad is
installed at the Pollinator Garden.
Recommendation:
Page 10 of 28
To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner
For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of January 19, 2026
Subject: Hand Sculpture
Financial Impact:
Attachments:
None
Background:
The artist, Meg White, is still midway through working on the hand sculpture. Staff requested an
update from her on her delivery date expectation and expressed a hard installation deadline of mid-
April. She requested a mid-April installation to provide her with maximum time to refine the details
(“More time will make a better piece.”)
She continues to share regular YouTube videos from her channel about its making, found
at www.youtube.com/@possmom8. The MAC should consider sharing an update with the public
with some video clips. Video as of January 15th:
Page 11 of 28
The concrete footer is installed for a price of $2,500 (excuse the pedestrian bridge construction
mess):
Page 12 of 28
View of Sculpture Straight-On:
>
Recommendation:
Page 13 of 28
To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner
For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of January 19, 2026
Subject: Holiday Theater Production
Financial Impact:
Attachments:
None
Background:
Recommendation:
The MAC partnered with Kirk Players this winter on a production of Miracle on 34th Street. A.
Spicuzza will report on the experience. A total of $920 was collected in donations for the Fremont
Township Food Pantry, which was presented via giant check in December.
Page 14 of 28
Page 15 of 28
To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner
For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of January 19, 2026
Subject: Scholarships
Financial Impact:
Attachments:
None
Background:
The scholarship subcommittee will report on any updates. In the meantime, staff was contacted on
January 8th by the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, who is returning 1/2 of the scholarship
check for Matteo Bonilla, who did not return for their spring semester. The amount will be returned
to the MAC budget.
Recommendation:
Page 16 of 28
To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner
For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of January 19, 2026
Subject: Summer Shakespeare Shorts
Financial Impact:
Attachments:
None
Background:
Recommendation:
The Kirk Players expressed interest in collaborating with the MAC on Summer Shakespeare Shorts in
2026. The MAC should discuss whether to move forward with the event this year and set up a
subcommittee to begin working with Kirk Players.
Page 17 of 28
To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner
For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of January 19, 2026
Subject: Mundelein Grand Prix
Financial Impact:
Attachments:
None
Background:
The Mundelein Grand Prix is scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2026.
Recommendation:
Page 18 of 28
To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner
For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of January 19, 2026
Subject: Set Sail North / Record Fair
Financial Impact:
Attachments:
None
Background:
At the previous meeting, Seth introduced an idea for a live music event and vinyl record sale. The
MAC should continue to explore this idea.
Recommendation:
Page 19 of 28
To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner
For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of January 19, 2026
Subject: S'Murals
Financial Impact:
Attachments:
None
Background:
An artist has been selected for the S’Mural at Tony Cannoli. Next steps include:
• Contacting the artist (Ava McQuain) to confirm that she is still interested and available.
• Connecting Tony Cannoli with the artist so they can discuss the artwork.
• Apply for a building permit for the mural.
• Prime the wall (paint has already been purchased).
Coordinate payment, timing, schedule with artist.
Recommendation:
Page 20 of 28
To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner
For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of January 19, 2026
Subject: Art Pantries
Financial Impact:
Attachments:
None
Background:
At the previous meeting, Chris introduced the idea for “Art Pantries”, similar to the “Free Little
Libraries” concept (take artwork, leave artwork). The MAC should continue to explore this idea
further.
Recommendation:
Page 21 of 28
To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner
For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of January 19, 2026
Subject: Beautification Committee
Financial Impact:
Attachments:
None
Background:
C. Woodard will report on any updates.
Recommendation:
Page 22 of 28
To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner
For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of January 19, 2026
Subject: Percent for the Arts
Financial Impact:
Attachments:
None
Background:
The subcommittee will report on any updates, if applicable. S. Arp has volunteered to help S.
Kalmanovsky. They have conducted some research and are working on developing a
recommendation letter to the Village Board. A meeting was held with the Community Development
Director and Village Administrator.
Recommendation:
Page 23 of 28
To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner
For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of January 19, 2026
Subject: Piano - Keep?
Financial Impact:
Attachments:
None
Background:
An upright piano was donated to the MAC approximately 5 years ago, which is in medium condition
and requires significant tuning. Tuning should be expected to cost approximately $300. It is currently
stored upstairs at the Village Hall, and has been moved around as new tenants have entered the
space.
The MAC should discuss whether to keep the piano.
Recommendation:
Page 24 of 28
Page 25 of 28
To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner
For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of January 19, 2026
Subject: ArtsLink North Directory
Financial Impact:
Attachments:
None
Background:
S. Esson found the ArtsLink North Directory, which is a directory of northern Illinois arts events,
attractions, businesses, and organizations: https://artslinknorth.com. She offered to add the MAC to
the directory and manage that listing. She will report on any updates.
Recommendation:
Page 26 of 28
To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner
For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of January 19, 2026
Subject: Winter Tree Lighting Festival
Financial Impact:
Attachments:
None
Background:
D. Lyttle volunteered to organize the MAC’s craft booth at the Winter Tree Lighting Festival on
December 6th, and prepared a DIY gingerbread house craft for kids. She will report on the
experience.
Page 27 of 28
Recommendation:
Page 28 of 28