Fine Arts Commission

Minutes Skokie Fine Arts Commission January 8, 2025 | 7 p.m. 4051 Main Street Skokie, Illinois I. Call to Order ​ Meeting called to order at 7:04pm II. Artistic Excellence Awards Nomination Review ​ Each individual nomination was reviewed: ●​ Nikki O’Neill ●​ Keena Shah Salwan ●​ Jay Ryan ●​ Joe Felice (sp?) considered as an additional candidate ​ With a unanimous vote, Jay Ryan was selected as the individual AEA recipient. ​ ​ Group nominations: ●​ Music Theater Works was the only nomination ​ With a unanimous vote, Music Theater Works was selected as the group AEA recipient. Awards will be ordered with the Village logo and the awards presentation will be scheduled for an available Village Board meeting. New perpetual plaques will be ordered to hang in North Shore Center for the Performing Arts once the new Village Seal is finalized/ III. Artist Networking Event Update ●​ Michelle joined the subcommittee ●​ Subcommittee lead, Ellen, proposed delaying the event ●​ It was decided that we will proceed with a date in late February, either 2/24 or 2/25, so we can show the new space to the community and provide an opportunity for artists within the community to take ownership of the space. ​ Proposals for the event: ●​ Venue is “Space on Main” ●​ Beverage: Take Flight or Soul Good ●​ Snacks: Kneads & Wants ●​ Tables ●​ Questions/Posters & Post-its ●​ Introduction of Artist Directory ​ Action items: ​ Mitch collected emails of the subcommittee to proceed with planning ​ Meredith will connect with Zeldas regarding their parking lot ​ Meredith will provide budget ​ Meredith will connect with Take Flight regarding potential cocktail  ​ Meredith will obtain a one day liquor license if necessary ​ Meredith will potentially connect with Soul Good IV. Arts Space on Main Update ●​ Theme: Make It On Main ●​ Winter Market (Community Development) ●​ Opportunity to serve community and bring arts together Event Space: ●​ Front area: Pop-up/Retail space ●​ Main Room: Gallery space for all arts--even culinary possibilities! ●​ Back room: Classes and Workshops Questions surrounding stipulations for the space: ●​ What will the application process for booking space look like? ○​ % of ticket sales for events rather than rental fee ○​ Ticketing will be completed through Village ●​ Will the FAC need to generate money towards the space? ○​ No ●​ What is the official name? ○​ Still deciding ○​ Space will have it’s own branding/socials ●​ What will programming look like? ○​ Goal is at least 1 program / month for the first year ●​ What are some potential ideas? ○​ Workshops ○​ Classes ○​ Popup/Retail Space ○​ Community mural ○​ Partnerships with others Action items: ​ Form Subcommittee post Artist Networking Event (April meeting) V. SOAR Update ●​ Letter to Art Teachers being emailed on 1/9/2025 ●​ Fairview and possibly Lincoln Jr. High will perform Action items: ​ Create a sign-up sheet for teachers to select a time for group pictures with Mayor ​ Confirm commissioners volunteering for Set-Up and Take-down ​ Assemble certificates/materials at (Feb meeting) ​ Ensure we have Velcro and Push Pins VI. Other upcoming projects A. Artist Directory--Launching at Artist Networking Event B. October 2024 Arts & Humanities Month  C. Farmers’ Market D. Photo Exhibit--Potential for comeback at “the space”! E. Grant Applications VII. New Business ​ None VIII. Adjournment ​ Jeff moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mitch. ​ Meeting adjourned at 8:24 pm Upcoming meetings and important dates: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 February Meeting (SOAR Packages) Thursday, February 27, 2025 SOAR Set-up Wednesday, March 5, 2025 SOAR Reception Wednesday March 12, 2025 Boards & Commissions Dinner Tuesday April 1, 2025 SOAR take-down Wednesday April 9, 2025 April Meeting