Arts Commission

MINUTES NORTHBROOK ARTS COMMISSION VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK February 9, 2017 The meeting was called to order by Chairman Christopher Laughlin at 7:04 p.m. at the Northbrook Village Hall Terrace Room. Commissioners Present: Eileen Loftus, Susan Wolf, Sharon Moyer, Al Alvarez, Bruce Bondy, Marsha Schwartz Commissioners Excused: Sheila Day, Jerry Block Commissioners Absent: None Guests in Attendance: Janet Cordovi, Chris Sheban, Louise Fernitz, Josh Parker Minutes: The approval of the minutes from the November 3, 2016 and December 1, 2016 meetings were tabled until the next regularly scheduled Arts Commission Meeting. Hear from the Audience: Louise asked about the connection between children and art in the community. In what ways can we get the school districts and the Art Commission to work together? Also, there seems to be a shortage of classes available to young artists. Discussion of Finances: Chairman Laughlin presented the Arts Commission’s budget. He explained the anticipated revenues, including the Spring Artist workshops. Chairman Laughlin also covered the upcoming expenses, including the Articulit reading and several concerts. Art in the Park: Chairman Laughlin explained that the Village continues to negotiate with Amdur Productions. He recommended the commissioners brainstorm ideas that might fill the void should the contract fall through. Northbrook Originals: Commissioner Moyer informed the board that the kickoff of the exhibit starts at 7:00p.m. on April 6th at the Northbrook Library. Approximately 15 artists have signed up for the exhibit thus far. The exhibit will run from April 1 – May 31, 2017. Library Music Program Funding The Library requested sponsorship from the Arts Commission for their 2 Pianos/ 4 Hands series as well as their Concerts on 3. They are requesting $1,000 for each series, for a total of $2,000. Commissioner Moyer moved to sponsor both concerts for the Library in the amount of $2,000. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bondy. Upon a voice vote, all were in favor. Board Room Displays: Chairman Laughlin explained the process for displaying artwork in the board room. Art is typically rotated every 1-2 months. It was recommended that Chris Sheban take the lead on coordinating artist displays for the Village Boardroom. Rock the Green: Chairman Laughlin explained how Rock the Green is a rock band competition for musicians aged 19 years or younger, where one or more band members is a Northbrook resident. The competition will be held at the end of May, early June. Finals will be on Friday June 2, 2017. Chairman Laughlin requested a $2,000 sponsorship from the Arts Commission, which is mostly used for prize money and sound setup. Commissioner Bondy made the motion to approve the funding request of $2,000 for the Rock the Green event. Commissioner Moyer seconded. Upon a voice vote, all were in favor. Updates on any Ongoing Projects: Artists in Residence This program displays local artists’ work at the Library for two months at a time. The display will be removed in March to make room for Northbrook Originals. Plein Air Festival Commissioner Bondy recommended the festival should last two days. Artists can set up their stations in approved locations throughout town, and at the end of the two days the artists’ work can be judged and sold. The Arts Commission would have the right to a percentage of any sales, so while the event requires some manual labor, it might be a source of income. Commissioner Bondy will try to coordinate a local artist, and plein air festival veteran, to come speak to the commission at their next meeting. Spring Artist Workshops Commissioner Moyer provided the dates for the upcoming workshops: March 24th and 25th (Oil Paints), and May 20th and 21st (Watercolors). Each session is from approximately 9am-3pm for two days. There are still a few seats available. New Business: There was discussion about creating a pamphlet or flyer for the arts commission that lists the projects and events the Arts Commission funds or hosts throughout the year. It was suggested the pamphlet remain smaller than an 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper. Chairman Laughlin will work with Commissioner Schwartz on the design and layout. Old Business: None Announcements: Chairman Laughlin announced that he is going to be performing Sunday at 2pm as part of the Concerts on 3 series, located on the third floor of the library. He also noted that his fundraising concert brought in a total of $766 to the Arts Commission. Commissioner Alvarez announced that he will be performing with the men’s group in the annual GBN Variety show: February 23rd, 24th, 25th at 7:30p.m. Adjourn: Commissioner Alvarez motioned to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Wolf seconded the motion, all are in favor at 8:08 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Emma Perley Village Liaison The Village of Northbrook is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and require certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or who have questions regarding the accessibility of this meeting or facilities, are requested to contact Greg Van Dahm or Debbie Ford (847 664-4014 or 847 664-4013 respectively), promptly to allow the Village of Northbrook to make reasonable accommodations for those persons. Hearing impaired individuals may call the TDD number, 847 564-8645, for more information.