Public Arts and Culture Advisory Council

PUBLIC ARTS & CULTURE ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY April 10, 2017 5:00 p.m. Members present: Chair Lindsay Brubaker – Niles Park District Janet Spector Bishop – School District 63 Michael Crisci – Niles Historical Society Mary Dowd Demas – Artist Debi Gajewski – Artist Cory Hance – Artist Dr. John Kosirog – School District 71 Susan Lempke – Niles Public Library Carol Luc – Artist Steven Vinezeano – VFW Staff present: Staff Liaison Cathy Spadoni Members absent: Rossana Macejak – Niles Sister Cities Katie Schneider – Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ericka Stoor-Burning – Artist Staff absent: Mayor Andrew Przybylo 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, April 10, 2017 at the Niles Administration Building, Room 218, 1000 Civic Center Drive. II. Approval of Meeting Summary Steve Vinezeano made a motion, seconded by Janet Spector Bishop, to approve the meeting summary of March 13, 2017. On voice vote, all concurred.  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council April 10, 2017 III. Organization Representative Reports Niles Public Library – Susan Lempke reported that the library’s pizza exhibit has ended, and now the gallery is displaying the photography of Susan Kirt. Family Art Day will be on April 15. School District 71 – John Kosirog reported that Culver School is beginning a strategic planning process. On April 11, the district will launch a composting project that will reduce the amount of refuse into the landfill by 30%. Artist Mary Dowd Demas reported she is looking for a “home” for Benjamin Moore paint samples. Artist Debi Gajewski reported that the vintage hat fashion show and high tea in March at the Niles Historical Center was very successful. She is planning to open a Fiber Club in May, and hold a Festival of the Wreaths in the fall, a paint-in, and a celebrity chef night – all at the Historical Center. Staff Liaison Cathy Spadoni reminded Council members to file their Statements of Economic Interest with Cook County as soon as possible. VFW – Steven Vinezeano reported that the VFW will discuss their participation in the Niles 4th of July parade at their next meeting. Historical Center – Michael Crisci reported that the Center is revamping how people will tour the facility. They will use QR codes that visitors can scan on their phones to learn about what is in each room/exhibit. The project will take a year to complete; they are looking for artists and a typist. Niles Park District – Lindsay Brubaker reported that spring sports are beginning. Artist Carol Luc reported that she has donated a piece of her artwork to the Chicago Canine Rescue to be auctioned off at their June fundraising event. School District 63 – Janet Spector Bishop reported that two District 63 employees are award winners: Tina Daskalopoulos, art teacher at Nelson, will receive the Golden Apple Award and Kathryn Sjolohm, science teacher at Gemini, will receive the Niles Chamber of Commerce Night of Roses “Dedicated to Youth Excellence Award.” Rep. Brad Schneider will speak to Gemini students on April 11. A family/community leader survey is open all month. Artist/musician Cory Hance reported he is in rehearsals to do backing music for various artists. 2  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council April 10, 2017 IV. Old Business a. Status of Master Plan Project with The Lakota Group Nick Kalogeresis, Marisa Schulz and Jon Pounds presented the Phase II Summary Report which included the final results of the community questionnaire and inventories of cultural assets, public and private cultural organizations, live music venues, local schools, and festival and event locations. They discussed inventory “take-aways” and ways to engage the community creatively. It was determined that Niles should establish a webpage such as Evanston’s Arts Buzz – a single place where artists and event organizers can post arts- and culture-related events in order to keep the public informed of upcoming activities. The Lakota Group asked the Council members to read the report carefully and email any comments to Cathy Spadoni, who will forward them to The Lakota Group. It was noted that the final plan will include photos of Niles locations. b. “Purse-ue Your Dreams” Charity Auction Debi Gajewski presented detailed information about the project, including the timeline, advertising plans, the call to artists, rules for the artists, and the collaboration with Wings Resale Shop. The auction will take place on December 2; the location is to be determined. She is asking the Council to sponsor this event in the amount of $350 which will cover the cost of the purses, printing/publishing and the event. She will present a written proposal at the next meeting. V. New Business a. Review of Niles Arts & Culture Project Application The Council reviewed the current application and discussed necessary modifications. Members were asked to email suggested changes to Cathy Spadoni, who will amend the document accordingly for review at the next meeting. b. Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 The Council reviewed the proposed budget, which will be presented to the Board of Trustees for approval at their May 23 meeting. VI. Open Discussion Mary Dowd Demas and Debi Gajewski will enter the Niles 4th of July parade to promote the Arts & Culture Council. Fresh Farms on Golf would like to use the large exterior wall facing Golf as mural space. More details will be forthcoming. The Niles Holiday Inn Express only shows Tam O’Shanter Golf Course as a “nearby attraction.” It needs to display a better list of things to do in Niles, such as the museum. Morton Grove is holding a cultural event on May 21 and 22. 3  Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council April 10, 2017 Debi Gajewski suggested selling bricks to create paths in certain parks. The money raised would go to sponsor arts & culture programs. Mary Dowd Demas made pins and pendants (with Debi Gajewski’s help) with the Arts & Culture Council logo and distributed them to those present. VII. Public Comment Louella Preston asked if the Council should do a calendar of upcoming events. The Village website has a calendar that posts community events. VIII. Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on Monday, May 8, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at the Village Hall Conference Room 218. The Lakota Group will present a draft of the Arts & Culture Master Plan. IX. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Council, Janet Spector Bishop made a motion, seconded by Debi Gajewski, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. 4