Fine Arts Commission

Skokie Fine Arts Commission November 9, 2022 Meeting Notes I. Call to Order – 7:02 p.m. by Chairperson Pam Garbarini; those present included Vice-Chairperson Jeff Rhodes and Commissioners Michelle Beatrice, Judy Levan, Doris Liberman, Sonya Osseny, Mitch Thomas, Vassi Vasevski, and Ellen Waxberg as well as staff liaison Ann Tennes. II. 2022 Artistic Excellence Awards Nomination Review and Discussion – Garbarini reviewed the award criteria. The commission then discussed all nominations and determined that Niles North Orchestra Director Jennifer Page would receive the individual award and that Robin Horwitz and the Devonshire Cultural Center would receive the group award at the December 5, 2022 Village Board meeting. Tennes suggested seeing if the awards could be presented again before both the District 219 and Skokie Park District Boards for additional publicity. Tennes also advised the commission that long-time North Shore Center for the Performing Arts General Manager Michael Pauken was leaving his position in early December, and the commissioners agreed to present Pauken with an honorary award for his contributions to the arts in Skokie. III. Other Upcoming Projects a. Storytelling – February 16, 2023, 7:30 p.m. – Tennes advised that Commissioner James VanOsdol made arrangements with the owners of Take Flight Spirits for the event, and that Skokie resident, author/storyteller and former Artistic Excellence Award recipient Ellen Blum Barish has agreed to be the event special guest storyteller. Publicity will begin soon, with prospective storytellers asked to submit a 750-word story for consideration by early January. The event will be free but will be ticketed to control attendance due to limited seating. Storytellers will receive a small, Skokie- related gift as a token of appreciation for participating. b. March 2023 SOAR Exhibit – information has been sent to teachers with several responses already received; additional follow up will occur before the winter holiday break. The commission expressed interest in holding an informal open house reception inviting teachers and Mayor Van Dusen to attend. Tennes agreed to follow up with Oakton Community College staff. Page Two #604524 November 9, 2022 Fine Arts Commission Meeting Notes c. October 2023 National Arts and Humanities Month Programming – the Commission agreed that further discussion on this would occur early in 2023. d. Other – Osseny mentioned the long-standing commission aspiration of displaying artwork in vacant storefronts in and around Downtown Skokie, and Garbarini agreed that the commission would discuss the matter in spring 2023. Several commissioners indicated they planned to attend the November 12 opening of the new WHO Modern furniture and art gallery on Lincoln Avenue. IV. Adjournment – 8:30 p.m. Upcoming meeting: December 14, 2022, conference rooms D/E at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street, Skokie, Illinois 60077. #604524