Public Arts and Culture Advisory Council

PUBLIC ARTS & CULTURE ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY Monday, October 7, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. Members Present: Alicia Bermes – Niles Chamber of Commerce Steve Vinezeano – Niles VFW Post 3579 Lindsey Brubaker – Niles Park District Carol Luc – Artist Kathleen Gallegos – Artist/Art Studio Debi Gajewski – Artist Janet Spector Bishop – School District 63 Members Absent: John Kosirog – School District 71 Marina Samovsky – Photographer Susan Lempke – Niles-Maine District Library Ed Eubank – School District 207 Barbara Karawacki – Niles Historical Society Village Officials/Staff Present: Katie Schneider – Community Engagement Coordinator I. Call to Order: Chair Lindsey Brubaker called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. in the Niles Administration Building, 2nd Floor Middle Conference Room. II. Approval of Meeting Minutes Alicia Bermes made a motion to accept the September 9, 2019 Minutes as presented. Kathleen Gallegos second the motion, all were in favor. None opposed. Minutes approved. III. Organization Representative Reports Janet Spector Bishop (School District 63) – District 63 launched their 4th annual winter card contest, the winner’s design will be used as the winter card and all will be on display. She also reported that Carol Luc and her attended the Oakton Community College Art by Women: Fashioning the Self, You Are What You Wear reception. Kathleen Gallegos (Artist/Art Studio) continues to teach art classes at Shriners Children’s hospital. She will have a table at the Niles Senior Center craft fair on November 16. Lindsey Brubaker (Niles Park District) – the Park District fall events include the 5K Harvest Hustle, Monster Bash and the Halloween Parade and Party. Chase Connor / Alicia Bermes (Niles Chamber of Commerce) held their first Art in Business showcase featuring Debi Gajewski. The next opening will at Global Granite with all of the artists featured. Katie Schneider (Village of Niles) announced that the Holly Jolly Festival will be at Civic Center Plaza with the craft fair in the Senior Center rom 127 which will give us more space. She asked that everyone help spread the word, we are currently accepting applications for vendors with unique, handmade items. Steve Vinezeano (Niles VFW Post 3579) – the VFW will hold their annual Veteran’s Day ceremony on November 11 at 11:00 a.m. at the Waterfall at Touhy and Milwaukee. Debi Gajewski (Artist) - Debi received very positive feedback on the Chamber opening, she unfortunately could not attend. The third Thursday of every month, State Farm Laurie Bish hosts a pop-up art event. Debi invited all to the grand opening. IV. Niles Artisan Guild The Niles Artisan Guild has been very pleased with Art in Business program and its growth. They have a display at the Niles Fitness Center, which has also had positive responses. Looking forward they are planning on an Alice in Wonderland theme with four event fundraisers in 2020. There will be a display and opening reception at the library, recycled art fundraiser in the spring, a Niles garden walk in July and the end of September Tea Party at the Senior Center. The Guild is up to 23 members. V. Old Business a. A Day in the Life Of - Katie Schneider explained that the Village marketing campaign that is currently being developed focused on photos and stories of people in Niles. The campaign started to duplicate the A Day in the Life Of project, so Marina and she wanted to go in a different direction. The focus will be a 2020 photo project that will serve as a time capsule artistic concept. More information to following the upcoming months. The goal is to be completed by April. b. Murals – Katie was happy to report that the Firehouse 2 Mural is currently being painted by Cyd Smillie. She explained that the mural is actually painted on aluminum panels. The rain garden mural has been tabled for spring. Sandie Bacon is the selected artist for the mural at Christine Pusateri Hair Salon and she is working on developing a concept around the Niles Design District. Completion of that mural is weather dependent. VI. New Business a. Twinkle and Lights – The council discussed the results and feedback from the previous year. It was agreed that any home decorated is eligible, there is no formal application process. It was suggested that we use social media for people to promote their home or other homes in Niles. A few other towns use this informal process and Katie will see how they judge. It was also agreed that we would have a Grand Prize winner ($100 gift card) and then 2nd, 3rd and 4th place each receiving $50 gift cards. Once the winners have been selected, we will have them sign off on public promotions. At Holly Jolly, we can promote previous year winners and promote the program. Voting would end December 21st. Winners will be announced on our website, e- newsletter and social media, and of course signage for their home. b. Projects for 2020 – Debi reminded the Council that Festive Fronts has a few nominations and some ideas from artists who have rendered some pieces. They are currently looking for nominations. They are looking for a sponsor and hope to have a calendar for the Guild to sell and raise money. VII. Open Discussion There was no open discussion. VIII. Public Comment There was no public comment. IX. Next Meeting Monday, November 4, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. This has been rescheduled because of Veterans Day holiday on November 11. X. Adjournment Janet Spectator Bishop made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:44 p.m. Debi Gajewski second the motion, all were in favor. Meeting adjourned.