Public Arts and Culture Advisory Council

PUBLIC ARTS & CULTURE ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY Monday, September 9, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. Members Present: Alicia Bermes – Niles Chamber of Commerce Susan Lempke – Niles-Maine District Library Steve Vinezeano – Niles VFW Post 3579 Ed Eubank – School District 207 Lindsey Brubaker – Niles Park District Carol Luc – Artist Kathleen Gallegos – Artist/Art Studio Stan Gajewski – Proxy for Debi Gajewski -Artist Members Absent: John Kosirog – School District 71 Janet Spector Bishop – School District 63 Marina Samovsky – Photographer Barbara Karawacki – Niles Historical Society Village Officials/Staff Absent: Katie Schneider – Community Engagement Coordinator I. Call to Order: Chair Lindsey Brubaker called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Niles Administration Building, 2nd Floor Middle Conference Room. II. Approval of Meeting Minutes Steve Vinezeano made a motion to accept the May 13th Minutes, June 10th Summary and the July 8th Summary as presented. Kathleen Gallegos second the motion, all were in favor. None opposed. Minutes and summaries approved. III. Organization Representative Reports Alicia Bermes (Niles Chamber of Commerce) distributed materials for the Art In Business program that the Chamber is hosting in collaboration with the Niles Artisan Guild. The inaugural showcase event is Thursday night at Athletico with Debi Gajewski’s artwork being featured. All are welcome to attend. There are 10 different artists at 10 different businesses. Chase Conner, Communications Manager for the Niles Chamber, was also at the meeting, he is heading up the program and will probably attend more meetings, Lindsey welcomed him. Debi/Stan Gajewski (Artist) - Debi was absent due to health issues, her husband Stan read a report on her behalf, the report reiterated the Art in Business information Alicia announced. Edward Eubank (School District 207) - Maine East is moving forward on major renovations and the art department will be moved to the 3rd floor to a beautiful new space. Also on Thursday, the Maine East choir will be performing at Ravinia. Ed reminded everyone to follow Maine East Fine Arts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Andrew Przybylo (Mayor) – He reminded the Council of the information he sent on the NY world class graffiti art and the potential for a Niles art park on Touhy. Kathleen Gallegos (Artist/Art Studio) continues to teach art classes at Shriners Children’s hospital. The building the Art Station Studio is now up for sale so it is unclear what will happen. Carol Luc (Artist) - has resumed teaching and taking classes on printmaking. She will also participate in the Oakton Community College women’s art fair. Susan Lempke (Niles Maine District Library) – The Best Deal Ever program is going very well with 12 different businesses giving offers to those that show their library card. The Library partnered with the Village on the Community Block Party which was a huge success this year. They also participated at National Night Out for Niles and unincorporated Maine Township. A photojournalist exhibit by Cranston Sedrick Knight is running through October. Steve Vinezeano (Niles VFW Post 3579) – there was no update for the VFW. He did comment that George Alpogianis, owner of Kappys Restaurant, wants to put a fundraiser together with a group of chefs. Steve asked the Council if we would be interested in participating. The Council agreed that culinary art is a large part of culture and would be very open to exploring it. Steve will follow up with George. Lindsey Brubaker (Niles Park District) - NPD is wrapping up summer programs and the pool closed last week. The annual 5K Harvest Hustle is scheduled for October 19. Fall Ball is planned and fall sports begin. Steve Vinezeano reminded council members to use #NilesArtsCulture on social media so materials will automatically post to the Arts Feed. IV. Niles Artisan Guild Stan Gajewski read a letter from Debi in her absence. Debi is disappointed that the Festive Fronts program has not been promoted through Village media despite multiple requests. The letter stated that the Artisan Guild “felt slighted” and did not know why they were not receiving the support they need from the Village. There have been 4 homes and several landmarks nominated for Festive Front including the Leaning Tower, the Artisan Guild would like to be part of any events at the Leaning Tower. A display case has been placed at the Fitness Center with art pieces from Niles Artisan Guild members. The Fitness Center Director has heard many positive things from members on the display case and artists have been contacted on their work. Thank you to the Village for assisting with this. Steve Vinezeano commented briefly on the letter Stan read. He stated that the comment that the Village is not supporting the Niles Artisan Guild and Festive Fronts is false, but he would speak to Debi directly about that later. V. Old Business a. A Day in the Life Of - Marina and Katie were both absent, no update was given. b. Murals - Lindsey distributed the design for the firehouse mural from artist Cyd Smilie. This one should be starting in the next week or so. Artist Sandie Bacon was selected for the hair salon building and she will be submitting soon with plans to finish that mural by the end of the fall. VI. New Business a. Twinkle and Lights - there was no information on the program at this time. VII. Open Discussion There was no open discussion. VIII. Public Comment There was no public comment. IX. Next Meeting Monday, October 7, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. Lindsey reminded everyone to respond to Katie’s email about attendance so we make sure we have a quorum. X. Adjournment Susan Lempke made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:25 p.m. Alicia Bermes second the motion, all were in favor. Meeting adjourned.