Arts Commission

Regular Meeting

Arlington Heights, IL · December 3, 2025

Minutes

AC 12/3/25 MINUTES APPROVED MINUTES OF THE VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSIONS ROOM OF THE VILLAGE HALL DECEMBER 3, 2025 AT 6:30 P.M. Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Members Present: Mary Seitz-Pagano, Arts Chair Kristen Walter Erika Cutlip Brian Wolf Leena Joshi Carla McAleer Kate Schwarz Sara Altieri Members Absent: Gretchen Grassl Also Present: Derek Mach, Staff Liaison Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES COMMISSIONER WALTER MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WOLF, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 15, 2025 ARTS COMMISSION MEETING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED. CULTURAL ARTS AWARD Commissioner Cutlip commented that the Arts Commission received six submittals for the 2025 Cultural Arts Award. Commissioner Cutlip explained that the subcommittee graded each submittal to compare how each candidate met the criteria. Commissioner Joshi explained that the subcommittee reviewed the submittals and that they are recommending Tamaron Conseur as the winner. The Commission discussed that one of the nominations was a previous winner. Commissioner Cutlip and Joshi explained that there is nothing in the application that would prohibit someone from winning a second time. The Commission is going to evaluate the application prior to releasing again for the next award. COMMISSIONER WOLF MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MCALEER TO NOMINATE TAMARON CONSEUR FOR THE 2025 CULTURAL ARTS AWARD. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED. Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano and the Arts Commission thanked the subcommittee for their work on the 2025 Cultural Arts Award. Staff Liaison Derek Mach commented that staff will coordinate with the winner and the Village Manager’s office regarding a Village Board date for presenting the award. 1 of 2 AC 12/3/25 MINUTES DOWNTOWN PUBLIC ART PLAN Staff Liaison Derek Mach provided an update regarding the Downtown Public Art Plan. Staff Liaison Derek Mach explained that the subcommittee provided criteria for evaluating art which has been incorporated into the draft plan. The Commission reviewed the criteria. The Commission discussed the potential locations for art and asked that Harmony Park be removed from the list. Staff Liaison Derek Mach commented that the concept that a consultant developed as part of the Vail Promenade project includes artwork along the east property line which has generated excitement. Staff Liaison Derek Mach commented that per the Commission’s request, Harmony Park will be removed from the list of potential locations for artwork. The Commission discussed that there is too much artwork in Harmony Park. The Commission discussed the south elevation of the Vail parking garage as a potential location for artwork. Staff Liaison Derek Mach recommended that the Commission form a subcommittee for the mural ordinance component. Commissioner Altieri and Commissioner Wolf volunteered for a subcommittee for the draft of the mural ordinance. SIDEWALK CHALK ART Commissioner Cutlip shared an idea for a chalk art competition. Commissioner Cutlip commented that businesses could have food and possibly a live music performance. Commissioner Walter commented that the event could be a festival and families, organizations or individuals could be assigned a square and there could be categories and themes. The Commission discussed that the festival could possibly be at the end of the summer. The Commission discussed that there could be prizes as part of the event. Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano suggested that the Commission continue to discuss a sidewalk chalk art festival at the next Arts Commission meeting. Commissioner Cutlip and Commissioner Joshi volunteered for a subcommittee. The subcommittee is going to focus on a tentative date, location and guidelines. ARTWORK AT METROPOLIS Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano explained that previously there were murals on the walls on the second floor of Metropolis. The Commission discussed creating new murals on the walls. Staff Liaison Derek Mach commented that the walls are owned by the Village and staff would need to discuss. NEW BUSINESS Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano asked if there is any new business? PUBLIC COMMENTS Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano asked if there are any public comments? ADJOURNMENT COMMISSIONER WALTER MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOSHI TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:40 P.M. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED. 2 of 2

Agenda

Packet

AGENDA ARTS COMMISSION Commissions Room, 2nd Floor Arlington Heights Village Hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd. Arlington Heights IL 60005 December 3, 2025 6:30 PM I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. October 15, 2025 IV. REPORTS V. OLD BUSINESS A. Cultural Arts Award B. Downtown Public Art Plan C. Sidewalk Chalk Art D. Artwork at Metropolis VI. NEW BUSINESS VII. OTHER BUSINESS VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT Anyone wishing to speak on a subject not on the Agenda may speak at this time. Please limit your comments to three minutes. IX. ADJOURNMENT Persons with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services, such as an American Sign Language interpreter or written materials in accessible formats, should contact the Health & Human Services Department, at 33 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, healthmail@vah.com or 847/368-5760. Page 1 of 3 AC 10/15/25 MINUTES DRAFT MINUTES OF THE VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION MEETING HELD IN THE BUECHNER ROOM OF THE VILLAGE HALL OCTOBER 15, 2025 AT 6:30 P.M. Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Members Present: Mary Seitz-Pagano, Arts Chair Kristen Walter Erika Cutlip Brian Wolf Leena Joshi Gretchen Grassl Sara Altieri Members Absent: Carla McAleer Kate Schwarz Also Present: Derek Mach, Staff Liaison Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano led the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES COMMISSIONER WOLF MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOSHI, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 6, 2025 ARTS COMMISSION MEETING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED. DOWNTOWN PUBLIC ART PLAN Staff Liaison Derek Mach recommended that the Commission begin to review and develop a draft mural ordinance. For the Downtown Art Plan, Staff Liaison Derek Mach recommended that thought be given to the following: • Guidelines be developed for how the art will be evaluated • Thought given as to how will the art program be implemented • Community involvement and how to engage the community should be considered (public should be part of review process) o Survey o Rank locations o Gather basic data o Type of art (mural or sculpture etc.) • Thought should be given to funding options Commissioner Walter suggested for ‘public input’ that the Commission and staff narrow down the options prior to seeking input. Commissioner Altieri explained that the artist is often responsible for the public art component/community outreach as part of the proposal. Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano suggested utilizing the website and social media. 1 of 2 Page 2 of 3 AC 10/15/25 MINUTES The Commission discussed potential funding options. Commissioner Altieri inquired if thought has been given to a ‘percent for art’ ordinance for new commercial development. Staff Liaison Derek Mach commented that a ‘percent for art’ ordinance is something that could possibly be explored. Staff Liaison Derek Mach explained that other funding options will need to be researched. The Commission discussed expanding the page in the draft plan that includes ‘potential locations’. Arts Chair Seitz- Pagano commented that the Commission will continue to work on the plan and explore options for a draft mural ordinance. Commissioner Walter suggested having a statement in the plan regarding copyright. Commissioner Joshi inquired about the timeline. The Commission discussed the order of items. Commissioner Walter commented that the order of items should be as follows: • Finalize draft of art plan • Share plan for input and revise accordingly • Develop a draft budget • Obtain various approvals • Release the call for artists • Pursue funding Commissioner Altieri explained that she has a list of communities with mural ordinances which she will forward to staff. Commissioner Walter suggested a subcommittee for creating guidelines for evaluating art. Commissioner Altieri and Wolf volunteered for the subcommittee. Staff Liaison Derek Mach commented that one of the 2026 Strategic Priorities includes supporting and enhancing the Village’s efforts related to arts, entertainment, and community identity which relates to the public art plan. CULTURAL ARTS AWARD Staff Liaison Derek Mach commented that the Commission received seven submittals for the Cultural Arts Award. Commissioner Joshi and Cutlip volunteered for the subcommittee. The subcommittee is going to review the nominations and share a recommendation at the next Arts Commission meeting. NEW BUSINESS Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano asked if there is any new business? Commissioner Walter suggested that ‘sidewalk chalk art’ be placed on the next agenda and the Commission agreed. The Commission discussed meeting on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 6:30 pm. PUBLIC COMMENTS Arts Chair Seitz-Pagano asked if there are any public comments? ADJOURNMENT COMMISSIONER WALTER MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CUTLIP TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:35 P.M. ALL WERE IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED. 2 of 2 Page 3 of 3