Public Arts and Culture Advisory Council

PUBLIC ARTS & CULTURE ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, May 14, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. Members Present: Chair Lindsay Brubaker – Niles Park District Edward Eubank – School District 207 Debi Gajewski – Artist Cory Hance - Musician Susan Lempke – Niles Public Library Carol Luc - Artist Kim Wasilewski - Artist Members Absent: Michael Crisci – Niles Historical Society Steven Vinezeano – VFW Post 3579 Kathleen Gallegos – Artist / The Artist Studio Janet Spector Bishop – School District 63 John Kosirog – School District 71 Village Officials/Staff Present: Katie Schneider – Community Engagement Coordinator Village Officials/Staff Absent: Mayor Andrew Przybylo Trustee George Alpogianis I. Call to Order Chair Lindsay Brubaker called the meeting of the Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council to order at 5:05 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2018 at the Niles Administration Building, Room 218, 1000 Civic Center Drive. II. Approval of Meeting Summary Susan Lempke moved to approve the March 12, 2018 minutes as presented. Carol Luc second the motion, all were in favor. None opposed. Minutes approved. Kim Wasilewski moved to approve the April 1, 2018 minutes as presented. Carol Luc second the motion, all were in favor. None opposed. Minutes approved. III. Organization Representative Reports Kim Wasilewski had no updates. Carol Luc was excited her bench design was accepted. She also distributed a flyer for Faces Not Forgotten, a national travel exhibit where artists volunteer to paint portraits of children who  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council, May 14, 2018 have died from gun violence. The original painting is given to the parents and a digital image is created on a handkerchief and strung together as a quilt for display. There is a show in Evanston this fall. Susan Lempke reported that the library is getting ready to launch two different reading programs: the kids summer program is “Reading Takes You Everywhere” which ties in with their passport services and for adults they are piggy backing on the PBS show the Great American Read, where people can vote for the one they liked. There are 100 books. Debi Gajewski stated that her jewelry is doing very well at the gallery. She was asked to be part of the Multi-Cultural Festival (June 23 and 24) in Bartlett with her artwork and performing folk stories from different countries. She will perform next month at Presence Hospital “A Woman and a Story of Her Purses.” She recently did a program on Katherine Hepburn and is now working on Audrey Hepburn. She was also accepted for the bench program. Katie Schneider reported that the Village is working on the 4 th of July Parade if anyone was interested in having an entry or sponsorship please talk to her later. Ed Eubank announced that seniors will graduate this Sunday and then school concludes a week from Friday. They had a lot of success with their AP studio art program with 42 portfolios planned for next year. The senior level art program at Maine East developed an art therapy program in partnership with Advocate Lutheran General for dementia patients and art students. They have been able to sustain the program for next year despite scheduling changes with the school. Niles Park District is busy with summer and warmer weather, kids using the parks and facilities. The pools open next week. Corey H stated that he was busy with music and voice over work. IV. Old Business a. Art Stop Bench Program Katie Schneider reported that we had 41 applications with 21 artists. A sub-committee of Lindsey Brubaker, Janet Spector-Bishop, Kim Wasilewski and Steve Vinezeano (Katie Schneider as a non- voting staff member) met to review and select the applications and the designs. Lindsey noted the difference concepts of each submission. All 18 artists accepted our invitation to participate. The benches are supposed to be secured in their locations before the 4 th of July festivities. Katie explained the logistics for Public Works to install each one. Kim asked if we are going to have an entry in the parade to promote the Arts and Culture Council and the benches. The committee discussed the parade using a flatbed with a bench on them or possibly a slideshow. Later in the meeting, the committee agreed to pass out a postcard at the parade and Kim and Carol volunteered to walk. Kim and Lindsey would like to have a few benches available to sit on at the post-parade party. Katie was concerned about moving the benches and would ask Public Works for guidance. Page 2  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council, May 14, 2018 Susan suggested having a scavenger hunt so that people could find them around town. We could give prizes for people that visited them and took pictures for social media. Debi mentioned that postcards were handed out promoting our programs last year. Kim showed a tri-fold brochure sample from another town. We will continue to work on marketing materials including social media. The committee also discussed an event for the artists. The committee agreed to tentatively schedule an event for Wednesday, August 1st for cocktails and appetizers. We would determine a location and details at the next meeting. The committee discussed the budget amount for the bench program and a party. The purpose of the party is to promote the artist and show appreciation for giving their time and talents. Kim suggested making a video clip of each bench that could be aired on the Niles cable channel or posted on YouTube and Facebook. The committee was concerned about the logistics of coordinating, filming, editing and who would take the time to do it. We will continue to discuss. b. Recycled Art Program Debi stated that she has not moved forward with the program because the committee has not determined a budget, timeframe and direction. Debi did speak with WINGS and they are very happy to partner with us again and would be willing to donate any materials for the program and auction (furniture, etc.). The committee agreed that it would be a similar format to last year, and items would be auctioned off. However, the artist would get part of the money raised on their piece and then the rest be donated. The committee also discussed raising money for the council. Katie Schneider stated that the council needs to review our budget and goals to establish an overall plan. This way we can better plan the recycled art event or any event. Lindsey stated that we would hold off on any plans until we determine the budget and plan. Additional ideas for events were discussed including: using the Lot 14 (Ian Kasper) space and having drinks and food in the mall lobby. Lindsey also was concerned about who would attend and that we want to be cognoscente of our audience. We do not want everyone to put in so much effort and then only 20 people show up. We should aim for large attendance like 100-200 people and be ready to market appropriately. The committee also discussed combining the event with another community event like the Night of Roses or a library event. We tabled the conversation for the next meeting. The committee also discussed what the role of the council is and asked for guidance on how to plan events or programs. Lindsey and Katie will provide information at the next meeting and reminders of the master plan, our purpose and a budget. Art Guild Katie Schneider has the list from our Call to Artist event of people that would be interested in creating an art guild. Katie suggested that someone from the Council be a liaison, so we have strong communication between the guild and the Council. Susan Lempke offered the library as a meeting place for the art guild and Library staff member, Victoria, will be assisting with the art guild Page 3  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council, May 14, 2018 V. New Business a. Council Member Update Cory Hance announced that due to work and family schedules, he will be resigning from the council. He has really enjoyed being part of the Council, and encouraged us to replace his position with another non-visual artist (music). The committee agreed to recommend Marina Samovsky. She is a photographer and Niles resident. Her background is in journalism and photography and she does a lot of work with Culver school. They will also ask the new Executive Director of the Niles Chamber of Commerce to participate. Lindsey will make the recommendation to the Mayor for the May Board meeting. VI. Open Discussion There were no discussions. VII. Public Comment There were no comments from the public. VIII. Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on Monday, June 11, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. at the Village Hall Conference Room 218. IX. Adjournment Debi Gajeski made a motion, seconded by Susan Lempke, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. Page 4