Public Arts and Culture Advisory Council

PUBLIC ARTS & CULTURE ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY June 12, 2017 5:00 p.m. Members present: Chair Lindsay Brubaker – Niles Park District Michael Crisci – Niles Historical Center Mary Dowd Demas – Artist Debi Gajewski – Artist Cory Hance – Artist Susan Lempke – Niles Public Library Carol Luc – Artist Steven Vinezeano – VFW Staff present: Staff Liaison Cathy Spadoni Members absent: Janet Spector Bishop – School District 63 Kathleen Gallegos - Artist Dr. John Kosirog – School District 71 Katie Schneider – Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ericka Stoor-Burning – Artist Staff absent: Mayor Andrew Przybylo Trustee George D. Alpogianis I. Call to Order The meeting of the Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council was called to order at 5:05 p.m. on Monday, June 12, 2017 at the Niles Administration Building, Room 218, 1000 Civic Center Drive. II. Introduction of New Council Member Kathleen Gallagos Kathleen Gallegos was absent. III. Approval of Meeting Summary Steve Vinezeano made a motion, seconded by Debi Gajewski, to approve the meeting summary of May 8, 2017. On voice vote, all concurred.  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council June 12, 2017 IV. Organization Representative Reports Niles Public Library – Susan Lempke reported that the library is hosting a Reading by Design summer program. Artist Carol Luc reported that one of her oil paintings was selected for the permanent collection of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Artist Mary Dowd Demas reported she painted three purses for the “Purse”ue Your Dreams project and designed postcards to distribute at the 4th of July parade to build awareness of upcoming Arts & Culture projects. Any leftover cards can be used at future events. Artist Debi Gajewski reported that she is planning an art exhibit about Illinois’ 200 Years. She is hoping to acquire a Village of Niles flag for the Historical Center. Niles Historical Center – Michael Crisci reported that in June and July, the Museum will host genealogy sessions; in August, there will be a Godzilla mini-fest on August 5, an ice cream social on August 27, a “Christmas in August” raffle and various other arts events. The Northeast Illinois Council of Museums will give an encore presentation on local wildlife. Niles Park District – Lindsay Brubaker reported that summer programs have started, the pool is open, and they are planning Father’s Day activities and the 4th of July celebration. VFW – Steve Vinezeano reported that there are no arts and culture-related activities to report at this time. V. Old Business a. Status of Master Plan Project with The Lakota Group Nick Kalogeresis and Jon Pounds presented the Second Draft Report of the Master Plan, which is now close to its final format. Comments on the first draft have been incorporated, as well as the findings from the second workshop. Discussion focused on the sections entitled “Key Strategies and Initiatives” (which includes case studies) and “Implementation Guide.” Council members were asked to read the report carefully and email any comments to Cathy Spadoni by June 30. Once the report is finalized and the Council votes to recommend it, The Lakota Group will present the Plan to the Niles Board of Trustees for their approval. Nick thanked the Village, the Library, the Chamber of Commerce and the Historical Museum for their input and assistance. 2  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council June 12, 2017 b. Review of “Purse-ue Your Dreams” Charity Auction Debi Gajewski reported that the project is moving along very well: all the purses have artists who will paint them; she is waiting for artist biographies; the project is well represented on social media; and the auction will be conducted by LOT 14 of Niles. c. Review of Revised Niles Arts & Culture Project Application Cathy Spadoni presented a revised application that calls for applications to be submitted after May 1 and projects to be completed before April 30 – a schedule that provides flexibility and keeps all expenditures within the Village’s fiscal year (May – April). After one final correction was made, Steve Vinezeano made a motion, seconded by Susan Lempke, to accept the application and post it on the Village’s website. d. Facebook Presence Steve Vinezeano will investigate and report back at the next meeting. VI. New Business None VII. Open Discussion None VIII. Public Comment Susanne Atanus presented ideas for projects regarding world improvement initiatives. Jacqueline Kling from Viking Gymnastics was present to familiarize herself with Niles arts and culture. Viking Gymnastics is building dance studios and is looking to develop quality programs in dance and circus arts. IX. Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on Monday, July 10, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at the Village Hall Conference Room 218. X. 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 6:20 p.m. 3