Public Arts and Culture Advisory Council

PUBLIC ARTS & CULTURE ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY July 11, 2016 5:00 p.m. Members present: Chair Lindsay Brubaker – Niles Park District Janet Spector Bishop – School District 63 Michael Crisci – Niles Historical Society Mary Dowd Demas – Artist Debi Gajewski – Artist James Kozak – VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Susan Lempke – Niles Public Library Carol Luc – Artist Staff present: Village Manager and Project Manager Steven Vinezeano Mayor Andrew Przybylo Staff Liaison Cathy Spadoni Members absent: Dr. John Kosirog – School District 71 Rossana Macejak – Niles Sister Cities Katie Schneider – Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ericka Stoor-Burning – Artist Staff absent: Trustee George D. Alpogianis I. Call to Order Chair Lindsay Brubaker called the meeting of the Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council to order at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 2016 at the Niles Historical and Cultural Center, 8970 N. Milwaukee Avenue. II. Approval of Meeting Summary Steve Vinezeano made a motion, seconded by Janet Spector Bishop, to approve the meeting summary of May 9, 2016. On voice vote, all concurred. III. Organization Representative Reports School District 63 - Janet Spector Bishop reported that a new reading program, which will begin in September, will include guest readers and a visit from an author.  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council July 11, 2016 Artist Mary Dowd Demas is trying to build awareness of the Historical Museum and Cultural Center. Niles Public Library - Susan Lempke reported on the current watercolor exhibit by artist Carol Luc, the Summer Reading Program and an upcoming photograph exhibit. The library will host a Maker’s Fest in the fall and is looking for people to demonstrate the making of handmade goods. Niles Historical Museum and Cultural Center - Mike Crisci reported on upcoming events at the Historical Center: the Life of Debbie Reynolds presented by artist Debi Gajewski; Godzilla mini- fest; and painting, cartooning, drumming and handbell programs. Artist Carol Luc reported that the Niles Public Library is currently exhibiting a collection of her watercolors entitled Rural Influences. Artist Debi Gajewski reported on her upcoming presentations as the Niles Historical Museum and Cultural Center including the Life of Debbie Reynolds in July, a Hawaiian luau in January, and a vintage hat fashion show in the spring. Village Manager Steve Vinezeano announced that Mitchell Johnson is the new Communications Coordinator at the Village of Niles. He will implement Arts Buzz to promote artistic and cultural activities in Niles. Niles Park District - Lindsay Brubaker reported that the Park District and the Village of Niles are sponsoring Concerts in the Park every Friday evening through August 12. IV. Old Business Discussion of Logo Requirements with Lisa Sallwasser of LS+Team Ms. Sallwasser of LS+Team, the firm that will create a logo for the Council, was present. She shared the official logo and departmental logos that the firm designed for the Village of Niles. The Council shared the slogans, symbols and sketches that were discussed at the May meeting. The four categories to be considered in the logo design are Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Literary Arts and Cultural Arts. It was suggested that the logo be clean, simple, compact, bold and possibly abstract. It should reflect community and creativity, as well as the Council’s initiative to highlight public arts and culture in Niles. Ms. Sallwasser will have some concepts ready in two to three weeks. They will be emailed to all Council members to review before the next meeting. V. New Business Review of Master Plan Proposals An RFP yielded five Master Plan proposals. Chair Brubaker and Village Manager Vinezeano selected two for further consideration based on price and delivery time. A subcommittee made up of Lindsay Brubaker, Michael Crisci, Mary Dowd Demas, Debi Gajewski, Carol Luc 2  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council July 11, 2016 and Steve Vinezeano will interview these two candidates on Wednesday, August 3 at 5:00 p.m. at Village Hall and will report back to the Council at the next regular meeting. At that time, the Council will vote on which firm to recommend for approval to the Village Board of Trustees. In the meantime, the two proposals will be sent via email to the Council members for their review. Upcoming Projects: Snow Plow Art, Back-to-School Supply Drive, Community Garden Grant A snow plow has been delivered to Gemini School for District 63 participation in the program. All are invited to contribute to the Back-to-School Supply Drive on August 13. The “Farm on Franks” Community Garden received an $8,000 grant. VI. Open Discussion It was brought to the Council’s attention that the Niles Arts and Culture Project application has not yet been made public. The cover letter and application will be updated to show an application due date of August 31, 2016, and will be posted on the website and sent to the press before the end of the week. VII. Public Comment None VIII. Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on Monday, August 8, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at the Niles Historical & Cultural Center. Agenda items will include discussion of the logo and the master plan. IX. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Council, Debi Gajewski made a motion, seconded by Steve Vinezeano, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. 3