Public Arts and Culture Advisory Council

PUBLIC ARTS & CULTURE ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY March 13, 2017 5:00 p.m. Members present: Chair Lindsay Brubaker – Niles Park District Janet Spector Bishop – School District 63 Debi Gajewski – Artist Susan Lempke – Niles Public Library Carol Luc – Artist Katie Schneider – Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Steven Vinezeano – VFW Staff present: Mayor Andrew Przybylo Staff Liaison Cathy Spadoni Members absent: Michael Crisci – Niles Historical Society Mary Dowd Demas – Artist Cory Hance – Artist Dr. John Kosirog – School District 71 Rossana Macejak – Niles Sister Cities Ericka Stoor-Burning – Artist Staff absent: Trustee George D. Alpogianis I. Call to Order Chair Lindsay Brubaker called the meeting of the Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council to order at 5:05 p.m. on Monday, March 13, 2017 at the Niles Administration Building, Room 218, 1000 Civic Center Drive. II. Approval of Meeting Summary Janet Spector Bishop made a motion, seconded by Debi Gajewski, to approve the meeting summary of February 13, 2017. On voice vote, all concurred.  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council March 13, 2017 III. Organization Representative Reports Niles Park District – Lindsay Brubaker reported that there are no arts and culture-related activities to report at this time. School District 63 – Janet Spector Bishop reported that there are no arts and culture-related activities to report at this time. Artist Carol Luc reported on her artistic endeavors. Artist Debi Gajewski reported on the upcoming vintage hat fashion show and high tea on March 26 at the Niles Historical Center; on her artistic endeavors; and on the hand-painted purse project, which will be discussed further under New Business. Staff Liaison Cathy Spadoni reported that the Journal newspaper published an article about the Community Workshop and the Master Plan Community Survey in their February 22, 2017 edition. The survey is posted on the Village’s website, on Lakota Group’s website and was an insert in the Focus on Niles newsletter. To date, 55 paper surveys have been submitted. The Council members were reminded to complete the mandatory online Ethics E-Learning Course by March 31. VFW – Steven Vinezeano reported that there are no arts and culture-related activities to report at this time. Niles Public Library – Susan Lempke reported that the library’s pizza exhibit will continue through March; that the library board is working on a strategic plan; and that the spring Chapter 1 newsletter has been sent to residents. She asked for input as to the effectiveness of the newsletter in its present format. Niles Chamber of Commerce – Katie Schneider invited all to attend the 2017 Night of Roses event on May 12. Award winners will be announced soon. IV. Old Business a. Status of Master Plan Project with The Lakota Group Nick Kalogeresis, Marisa Schulz and Jon Pounds presented a draft plan document - Phase 1 Summary Report. They discussed the results of the Community Engagement (stakeholder interviews/listening sessions conducted on January 23 and 24 and the community workshop held on February 15); the results of the Strategy Concept Questionnaire; “What Is” (the State of the City, including demographics and physical spaces); “What Could Be” (the future of arts and culture in Niles); and an Implementation Path. The report presented a draft Vision Statement. The Lakota Group asked the Council members to read it carefully and email any comments to Cathy Spadoni, who will forward them to The Lakota Group. 2  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council March 13, 2017 b. “Twinkle & Lights” Decorating Contest Cathy Spadoni presented revised plans that include the changes suggested at the last meeting. Debi Gajewski made a motion, seconded by Katie Schneider, to approve the “Twinkle & Lights” decorating contest to be sponsored and funded by the Arts & Culture Advisory Council. On voice vote, all concurred. V. New Business a. Potential Projects at Existing Events Chair Brubaker stated that because the stakeholder members of the Council are already heavily involved with large community events and/or their organizations’ projects, it would be practical to incorporate arts and culture into existing public events. Debi Gajewski presented an outline of her proposed project: “Purse-ue Your Dreams Charity Auction,” the proceeds of which would go to women in need. The outline included details regarding the concept (hand-painted purses to be auctioned off for charity) and execution (project exposure and public display followed by a live auction). Debi and Carol Luc were asked to come up with more specifics such as event dates, project costs and potential venues. These will be discussed at the next meeting under Old Business. VI. Open Discussion Debi Gajewski presented an idea to conduct a Soup-er Bowl the week before the Super Bowl. Tickets could be sold and the money given to charity. VII. Public Comment Kathleen Gallegos of the Art Station Studio at 8106 W. Oakton stated that she is willing to hold gallery-type events in her studio. Mike Shields commented that the Council is “on the right track.” VIII. Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 10, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at the Village Hall Conference Room 218. The Lakota Group will present Phase 2 Summary Report. IX. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Council, Debi Gajewski made a motion, seconded by Carol Luc, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m. 3