Arts Commission

AGENDA MUNDELEIN ARTS COMMISSION MEETING Village Hall - Room 101 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein, IL 60060 March 16, 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 February 16, 2026 Meeting Minutes V. BUDGET REVIEW VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. MAC 10th Anniversary B. Public Art Plan C. Lure of the Local 1. Indoor Art Program D. Stars on Parade Page |1 Page 1 of 29  E. Hand Sculpture F. Scholarship G. Summer Shakespeare Shorts H. Mundelein Grand Prix I. S’Murals J. Set Sail North / Record Fair / Music Theme Farmers Market K. Art Pantries L. Beautification Committee Updates VII. OLD BUSINESS A. Percent for the Arts B. ArtsLink North Directory VIII. NEW BUSINESS AND PROJECT UPDATES A. Mundelein Arts Festival B. Mundopoly Mundelein Arts Commission Agenda 3/16/2026 Page |2 Page 2 of 29  C. Art-O-Mat 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 3/16/2026 Page |3 Page 3 of 29 Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 16, 2026 CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Mundelein Arts Commission was held on February 16, 2026. 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 Yim, Commissioner Arp, Commissioner Lyttle ABSENT: Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Woodard Village Attendance PRESENT: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner; Erin Swanson, Recording Secretary PUBLIC COMMENTARY There was no public commentary. MINUTES APPROVAL Approval of the January 19, 2026 Minutes S. Kalmanovsky moved, seconded by S. Arp, a Motion to approve the Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting Minutes from January 19, 2026 RESULT: Passed [Yes 8, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Stacee Kalmanovsky SECONDER: Commissioner Seth Arp AYES: Aurelia Spicuzza, Sue Esson, Jeff Justman, Colleen Bayoneto, Stacee Kalmanovsky, Rachel Yim, Seth Arp, Dannielle Lyttle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None Approval of the November 17, 2025 Minutes S. Arp moved, seconded by D. Lyttle, a Motion to approve the Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting Minutes from November 17, 2025. Motion passed 8-0. RESULT: Passed [Yes 8, No 0, Abstained 0] Page 4 of 29  MOVER: Commissioner Seth Arp SECONDER: Commissioner Dannielle Lyttle AYES: Aurelia Spicuzza, Sue Esson, Jeff Justman, Colleen Bayoneto, Stacee Kalmanovsky, Rachel Yim, Seth Arp, Dannielle Lyttle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None COMMITTEE REPORTS Prior to discussing the Committee reports, the commission reviewed the current budget expenditures. The Commission also discussed the condition of a piano that was gifted to the Commission several years ago. The Commissioners did a straw pull vote to decide whether to get rid of the piano. The commission indicated (with a vote of 6-1) in favor of getting rid of the piano. The cost of maintenance and lack of are to keep it stored were discussed as reasons to get rid of the piano. Public Art Plan There were no updates. Lure of the Local RFQ discussed. Indoor Art Program - Discussed Alison Hausladen. Stars on Parade The artist is still in progress on the star. Hand Sculpture The Commission discussed the Hand Sculpture timeline for delivery and processing payment so the funds come out of the correct fiscal year. Scholarships The Commission discussed the prior year's scholarship recipients. One of the students did not return for a second semester and the College had refunded half of the scholarship. Summer Shakespeare Shorts Page 5 of 29  A. Spicuzza has been in contact with the Kirk Players regarding the Summer Shakespeare Shorts. John from Kirk Player is looking to meet with members of the Commission to discuss further. Mundelein Grand Prix The next Mundelein Grand Prix date has been chosen. The Commission will be purchasing some items and specifics will be discussed in March. S'Murals There is a S'mural discussion with a target of the wall by Nana's Rum Cakes. The Village Marketing Department has requested to use a $3,000 budgeted amount on a S'mural around that general location. The S'mural planned for Tony Cannoli's is also planned to go up in the Spring. Set Sail North / Record Fair Last meeting, S. Arp proposed a new event and record fair. It has been decided that a Record Fair will be piloted at the Mundelein Farmer's Market. C. Woodard worked with the Market Manager Bekkah, and it will be coordinated with a music-themed week. S. Arp will be looking into local records stores that may want to be involved in the record fair. The Commission discussed tentative locations and logistics for the Set Sail North music festival. Art Pantries No new updates on the Art Pantries. The Commission discussed a project by a member of the public that appeared last week regarding a repurposed cigarette machine to purchase small works of art. Beautification Committee The Beautification Committee has finalized the date of their Spring into Summer Event. It will be held on May 30th. C. Woodard requested a sandwich board with upcoming MAC events to have on display at Spring into Summer. OLD BUSINESS Percent for the Arts No updates at this time. ArtsLink North Directory The Commission discussed the annual fee to use Arts Link North. The Commission Page 6 of 29  requested that S. Esson post information about Lure of the Local for October 16, 2026. Motion to approve payment in the amount of $150 for to ArtsLink North for the annual subscription. RESULT: Passed [Yes 7, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Jeff Justman SECONDER: Commissioner Seth Arp AYES: Aurelia Spicuzza, Sue Esson, Jeff Justman, Colleen Bayoneto, Stacee Kalmanovsky, Seth Arp, Dannielle Lyttle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None Indoor Art Program S. Kalmanovsky shared images to choose for Indoor Art Program purchase from the Lure of the Local show. The Commissioners reviewed several series of three pieces to choose from. S. Kalmanovsky moved, seconded by D. Lyttle, a Motion to approve a purchase up to $1,300 for a selection of art pieces, including labeling and signage, for the Lure of the Local Indoor Art Program. Motion passed 6-1. RESULT: Passed [Yes 6, No 1, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Stacee Kalmanovsky SECONDER: Commissioner Dannielle Lyttle AYES: Aurelia Spicuzza, Jeff Justman, Colleen Bayoneto, Stacee Kalmanovsky, Seth Arp, Dannielle Lyttle NAYS: Sue Esson ABSTAIN: None S. Esson requested that the Mundelein Days Parade be added to the next agenda. The Commission also discussed a future purchase of banners or signage celebrating the Arts Commission's 10 year anniversary. NEW BUSINESS AND PROJECT UPDATES Mundelein Arts Festival The Park District has backed off from the Arts Festival. They are no longer hosting it. Page 7 of 29  Libertyville has traditionally held an art fair in July, and are no longer hosting it, but would like to combine with ours. Stacee has been selected to Jury the Art Festival to decide what pieces will make the show from all the submissions. Mundopoly A local resident is creating a Mundelein themed version of Monopoly and would like the Arts Commission to be involved. The fee would be $150 and the Commission would need to approve a tagline for the card. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, AND UPDATES No further questions or comments. ADJOURNMENT S. Arp moved, seconded by S. Esson, a Motion to adjourn the Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of February 16, 2026. Motion passed 7-0. RESULT: Passed [Yes 7, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Seth Arp SECONDER: Commissioner Sue Esson AYES: Aurelia Spicuzza, Sue Esson, Jeff Justman, Colleen Bayoneto, Stacee Kalmanovsky, Seth Arp, Dannielle Lyttle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None Page 8 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 2026 Subject: MAC 10th Anniversary Financial Impact: Attachments: None Background: The MAC’s 10th anniversary is this year! The actual establishment date was May 23, 2016, and the first meeting was on August 16, 2016. There was some discussion about doing something to celebrate or honor the milestone. Commissioners should discuss, or keep this in mind while planning other annual programming. Recommendation: Page 9 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 2026 Subject: Public Art Plan Financial Impact: Attachments: None Background: No updates at this time. Recommendation: Page 10 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 2026 Subject: Lure of the Local Financial Impact: Attachments: None Background: Stacee is developing the theme for Lure of the Local 2026 and will report if there are any updates. One other update – Allison Hausladen asked whether the MAC would be open to hosting a repeat of her mobile workshop Watercolors at Courtland Commons. It was an outdoor watercolor painting workshop of the wildlife at Courtland Commons, featuring a guest speaker (Amanda Orenchuk) who spoke about the development of the stormwater basin and park. The original workshop was sparsely attended due to weather and late notice planning. If the MAC is interested in hosting Allison again (outside of the structure of Lure of the Local), it would be helpful to have one commissioner assigned to liaising with Allison. She is self-sufficient, but will need assistance choosing a date and developing messaging for social media. Recommendation: Page 11 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 2026 Subject: Indoor Art Program Financial Impact: Attachments: None Background: At the previous meeting, the MAC approved a purchase of the 3-piece collection Big Impact by Allison Hausladen, who was an artist resident and also the winner of the Critic’s Choice Award. We intend to order a stainless steel plaque (<$100) before May 1st with the title, artist, and description. The piece is proposed to be displayed at the Village Hall on the “blue wall” running along the staircase to the 2nd floor. Staff recommends that Stacee or a representative visit Village Hall to select a precise placement. Recommendation: Page 12 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 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. The pad is installed at the Pollinator Garden. Remaining costs will be paid for by the Beautification Committee. They have requested that the costs come out of the current fiscal year, if possible, as they budgeted for it in FY26. Recommendation: Page 13 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 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. NOTE: Staff could use assistance from a Commissioner with drumming up some hype for the sculpture as we approach installation in April. Is anyone interested? Staff can prepare images and do the posting, but we could use help with the messaging itself. Page 14 of 29 The concrete footer is installed for a price of $2,500 (excuse the pedestrian bridge construction): View of Sculpture Straight-On: Page 15 of 29 Recommendation: Page 16 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 2026 Subject: Scholarship Financial Impact: Attachments: None Background: The scholarship subcommittee will report on any updates. Applicants were interviewed on March 9th. In the meantime, staff was contacted on January 8th by the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, who returned 1/2 of the scholarship check for Matteo Bonilla, who did not return for their spring semester. The returned $500 will be returned to the MAC budget. Recommendation: Page 17 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 2026 Subject: Summer Shakespeare Shorts Financial Impact: Attachments: None Background: Aurelia, Dannielle, and Sue are working with The Kirk Players on logistics for this year’s Summer Shakespeare Shorts collaboration. Currently, the group is working out the location and dates. There was some interest in hosting a performance as one of the Summer Concert Series events at Kracklauer Park, which would provide additional visibility. Other location options include Courtland Commons and Park Street. Recommendation: Page 18 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 2026 Subject: Mundelein Grand Prix Financial Impact: Attachments: None Background: The Mundelein Grand Prix is scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2026. The MAC should discuss at this meeting whether to use any remaining FY26 funds to purchase stick chalk, spray chalk, and/or cowbells (typically ~$1,500 total). Recommendation: Page 19 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 2026 Subject: S’Murals Financial Impact: Attachments: None Background: Three s’murals will proceed this spring under the FY2026 budget (ends May 1, 2026): • Tony Cannoli (Artist: Ava McQuain) • Two S’Murals in the East Hawley Street area* *Staff was contacted by Freedom, the Communications and Marketing Manager, about a surplus in his FY2026 budget. He has received comments from the public about a need for aesthetic/placemaking enhancements on East Hawley Street (between the Post Office and Fairhaven Lanes). He has proposed to fund two S’Murals, with the condition that they are completed and paid for by the end of FY2026. Property owners have been contacted, and we are awaiting approval. Ideally, all three of the S’Murals could be installed around the same time to create efficiencies and market them simultaneously as one project. 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). Page 20 of 29  • Coordinate payment, timing, schedule with artist. The MAC does not need to fund nor approve the artwork for the two S’Murals on East Hawley Street, as they are being funded fully by the Communications & Marketing Department. As these two murals are under 100 SF, they also do not require a Special Use Permit. We suggest that the MAC authorize at least $1,100 in expenses for the S’Mural at Tony Cannoli, as timing is tight and we will be contacting them shortly to get things going. Recommendation: Page 21 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 2026 Subject: Set Sail North / Record Fair / Music Theme Farmers Market Financial Impact: Attachments: None Background: At the January meeting, Seth brought background details provided by the organizers of the Set Sail North festival and the record sale fair. He has contacted Fenton Brewing (which is set to open this year) to gauge interest in partnering on the Set Sail North (name TBD) live music event. Seth may also reach out to additional businesses to gauge interest, such as Bill’s Pizza and Smokin Jack’s BBQ. Seth and Chris have also been coordinating a new music-themed Farmers Market week, involving vinyl record sale booths. They will report on any updates. Recommendation: Page 22 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 2026 Subject: Art Pantries Financial Impact: Attachments: None Background: At a 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 23 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 2026 Subject: Beautification Committee Updates Financial Impact: Attachments: None Background: C. Woodard will report on any updates. Recommendation: Page 24 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 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 25 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 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. The $150 invoice for annual ArtsLink North dues has been paid. Recommendation: Page 26 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 2026 Subject: Mundelein Arts Festival Financial Impact: Attachments: None Background: There have been a number of organizational changes to the Mundelein Arts Festival – Chris and Stacee can report on more details. In summary: • The Mundelein Park and Recreation District will no longer be involved in the Arts Festival. • Mundelein Community Connection (MCC) is taking over organization. • Adler Arts Center is taking over artist outreach and organization. • The MAC (Stacee) will take on artwork jurying in partnership with the Adler Arts Center. Recommendation: Page 27 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 2026 Subject: Mundopoly Financial Impact: Attachments: None Background: Audrey Balman of Walela Garden & Farms is creating a “Mundopoly” board game, a Mundelein version of Monopoly. The spaces, cards, etc. will all be inspired by Mundelein businesses, organizations, and landmarks. Audrey is seeking financial contributions from the included partners to fund the production of the game. The MAC was offered to be a part of Mundopoly for $150 in the form of a community chest card. The MAC authorized the expense in February. Recommendation: Page 28 of 29 To: Mayor and Board of Trustees From: Colleen Malec, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Arts Commission Meeting of March 16, 2026 Subject: Art-O-Mat Financial Impact: Attachments: None Background: In January, a local business owner attended the meeting, who was interested in Arts Commission activities. He owns a print shop in Vernon Hills. He told the MAC about a program called ArT-o-MaT® (https://www.artomat.org/), as he has one in his shop. The program repurposes vintage cigarette vending machines into art vending machines. There are over 200 active machines throughout the country. Each machine is unique and filled with small works of art from artists around the country. The MAC expressed some interest in learning more, as such a thing could be a cool installation if there is ever a permanent arts facility in the future. The individual in Vernon Hills also said he is willing to lend his machine to the MAC temporarily for Lure of the Local to test it out. Recommendation: Page 29 of 29