Fine Arts Commission

Meeting Notes Skokie Fine Arts Commission - October 12, 2022 Meeting I. Call to Order – 7 p.m. by Vice-Chairperson Jeff Rhodes; those present included Trustee Ralph Klein, Commissioners Michelle Beatrice, Debra Hatchett, Judy Levan, Doris Liberman, Sonya Osseny, Pamela Sloan, Mitch Thomas, James VanOsdol, Sharon Vicker and Ellen Waxberg as well as Ann Tennes, staff liaison, and guests noted below. II. Special Presentation – Devonshire Cultural Center/Theater Staff: Robin Horwitz, Rebecca Goldberg and Chika Kertayuda; Hortwitz and staff gave an update on the wide breadth of programming at the Devonshire Cultural Center, including culinary, early childhood, dance, music, visual arts, theater and more. Plans for a new Devonshire Music Trail were shared, which the commission met with enthusiasm. III. Program Update a. 2022 Artistic Excellence Awards – Tennes advised that additional publicity was underway and that more nominations were anticipated by the November 1 deadline; commissioners expressed interest in revisiting nominations received and considered in 2021 as part of this year’s process. b. 2023 SOAR – Tennes advised that information had been sent to teachers; Vicker provided an additional name for Tennes to contact. c. Other IV. Upcoming Projects – Subcommittee Break Out Discussions a. Storytelling – a small group discussed possible plans for a February 2023 storytelling event at Take Flight Spirits; “Love” is the theme and former Artistic Excellence Award recipient Ellen Blum Barish will be invited to ‘headline’ along with storytellers who submit stories for review. b. October 2023 National Arts and Humanities Month Programming – a small group began discussing possibilities for 2023, including whether the event should be tied to October, which arts organization/events to approach and criteria for inclusion; means of promotions, including a possible printed calendar; possible call to community arts organizations for involvement. The subcommittee agreed to resume discussions in coming months. V. Adjournment – 8:40 p.m. Upcoming meetings: November 9 and December 14, 2022; conference rooms D/E at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street, Skokie, Illinois 60077. #602487