Public Arts and Culture Advisory Council

PUBLIC ARTS & CULTURE ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY August 14, 2017 5:00 p.m. Members present: Chair Lindsay Brubaker – Niles Park District Michael Crisci – Niles Historical Center Debi Gajewski – Artist Kathleen Gallegos - Artist Cory Hance – Artist Susan Lempke – Niles Public Library Carol Luc – Artist Steven Vinezeano – VFW Staff present: Staff Liaison Cathy Spadoni Mayor Andrew Przybylo Members absent: Janet Spector Bishop – School District 63 Dr. John Kosirog – School District 71 Katie Schneider – Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ericka Stoor-Burning – Artist Staff absent: Trustee George D. Alpogianis I. Call to Order The meeting of the Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council was called to order at 5:04 p.m. on Monday, August 14, 2017 at the Niles Administration Building, Room 218, 1000 Civic Center Drive. II. Approval of Meeting Summary Steve Vinezeano made a motion, seconded by Debi Gajewski, to approve the meeting summary of July 10, 2017. On voice vote, all concurred. III. Organization Representative Reports Artist Carol Luc reported that she will enter a painting in the Illinois Water Color Society Members’ Show in Bloomington, she has completed a purse for the “Purse”ue Your  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council August 14, 2017 Dreams project, and she accepted a position at Triton Community College teaching graphic design. VFW – Steve Vinezeano reported that the VFW space at the White Eagle is available to hold events. Niles-Maine District Library – Susan Lempke reported that the library will present Fandom Fest on August 19, featuring Svengoolie, and that there will be a Maker Fest in November. Niles Historical Center – Michael Crisci reported that the Center will host an animal (dogs) adoption event, sponsored by CPR Rescue, on August 19 and 20. Staff Liaison Cathy Spadoni reported that information about the “Purse”ue Your Dreams Auction, the Twinkle & Lights Contest and the Arts Feed webpage will appear in the fall Focus on Niles newsletter. Nick Wyatt, Staff Liaison to the Village of Skokie Fine Arts Commission will speak to the Council at the September 11 meeting about the process of securing art for public display. It was noted that last year the Council cancelled the October PACAC meeting because of the observance of Columbus Day. Artist Debi Gajewski reported that she is working on a new painting method. She told of her upcoming performing engagements and arts projects at the Historical Center, Triton Community College, Wagner Farm, the Grove and elsewhere. Artist Kathleen Gallegos reported on activities at her studio and that she conducted a fingerprint painting session at the Library. Niles Park District – Lindsay Brubaker reported that summer programs are ending and that fall programs are coming up. “The Incredibles” is being shown at Grennan Heights on August 18. Artist Cory Hance reported that he is working on a purse for the “Purse”ue Your Dreams project and that he plays in bands at block parties, aka “rock diplomacy outreach.” IV. Old Business a. Status of Proposed Master Plan The General Government/IT Committee recommended approval of the Master Plan. It will go before the Village Board of Trustees for their approval at the August 22 meeting. The Lakota Group will present the Plan to the Board at 6:30 p.m. All Council members are encouraged to attend to show support. The Lakota Group is working on final corrections and updates. When completed, the Secretary will forward the final draft to Council members. b. “Purse-ue Your Dreams” Charity Auction Update Debi Gajewski reported that she is waiting for the final seven (of 20) purses to be completed. She is looking for frames in which to display the purses at the auction, and 2  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council August 14, 2017 is working on the poster. In order to have an idea of how many people will attend the auction, she will advertise with “Space Limited – Reservations Encouraged,” followed by her email address and phone number. c. Update of Arts Feed Webpage Steve Vinezeano reported that Arts Feed is up and running (vniles.com/arts) and that it can be used to promote the work of artists and organizations who are on the Council, who live in Niles, and those who are based outside of Niles as well. V. New Business a. Discuss Master Plan Implementation In anticipation of approval of the Master Plan, Council members were given large, aerial view maps of Niles and asked to mark the locations where public art (sculptures, murals, etc.) could potentially be placed. VI. Open Discussion Kathleen Gallegos mentioned an art project – “Mount Prospect Rocks” – that involves painting, hiding, finding, etc. rocks. Debi Gajewski added information about “Kindness Rocks.” Mayor Przybylo suggested that we postpone the presentation of the Master Plan by The Lakota Group, and the approval vote by the Board, until the September 26 Board meeting. This will give more time to promote the Plan. VII. Public Comment None VIII. Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on Monday, September 11, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at the Village Hall Conference Room 218. IX. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Council, Debi Gajewski made a motion, seconded by Carol Luc, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. 3