Fine Arts Commission
Regular MeetingSkokie, IL · April 9, 2025
Minutes
Minutes
Skokie Fine Arts Commission
April 9, 2025 | 7 p.m.
Skokie Village Hall Conference Rooms D&E
In Attendance:
Chair Pam Garbarini, Vice-chair Jeff Rhodes, Staff Liaison Meredith Gioia
Commissioners: Ellen Blum Barish, Michelle Beatrice, Mira Chander, Pramod Joshi, Judy
Levan, Doris Liberman, Sonya Osseny, Michelle Thomas, Ellen Waxberg, Vassi Vasevski,
Pamela Sloan
Community Attendees: Rachel & Tim
I. Call to Order at 7:02
II. Past Project Reviews
A. Fine Arts Grants
All money has been distributed
All summaries and materials received with evidence
Checks will no longer be mailed but picked up at Village Hall
B. 02/25 Artist Networking Event
Questions & Post-it notes were well received
Ideas and Input collected to serve as a roadmap
More networking events requested, potential for multiple/year
➢Action items:
Subcommittee formed, Look at dates and organize next event in late summer
Pam S.
Mitch
Vassi
C. SOAR
● Pictures with the mayor were very successful and appreciated by
teachers
● Assign times for pictures to make for a better flow
● Possible visiting artist/reception
● Possibility for more lead time between installation and reception (2 weeks
ideal)
III. The Storefront
A. Artist Directory
● Have received some responses
● Arts in the Village section forthcoming on the website
● Public art/arts info/directory will be housed here
B. Newsletter
● Storefront newsletter going out within next 2 weeks
● Opportunities to subscribe
● Periodic updates, ideally monthly
● Ellen B.B. volunteered to assist with newsletter when the time comes
C. Meet Up on Main (6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23, 6/30)
Every Monday in June, 5-8 pm
The Storefront will be open during those Monday evenings.
Need to finalize ideas for 6/9 and 6/23
1. Artisan Market
6/2, 6/16, 6/30
1 table, 2 chairs or 8x5 feet area
Vendors may sign-up for a $10 fee, $25 for all 3
➢Action items:
Volunteer for 6/16 needed (Meredith out)
2. Kids Programming
3. Other ideas?
D. Phased Programming
● Phase 1-FAC and Economic Vitality
● Phase 2-Exhibitions and Workshops
○ 3 Skokie Artists interested in October exhibit
○ Rented by the week, Mon-Sun
○ $150 fee/week
○ Artists/Organizations may apply for sponsorship of the FAC (fee reduced
by 50%, covering the cost of cleaning)
○ Reservation is for up to 2 consecutive weeks
○ One time, ticketed workshops/performances will cost the provider 10% of
net ticket sales (sales provided through Village’s online ticketing)
○ Free workshops can apply for sponsorship via FAC with no fee
○ Publicity is included
○ Providing alcoholic beverages is under review but, according to the
ordinance, would need to be limited to businesses with current Skokie
liquor license
● Phase 3-Long term use
○ Regular, weekly classes
● FAC members will review sponsorships, commit to developing programming
● Plan is to remain open to local, regional communities
E. Capital Improvements
● Storefront is currently being painted and seeing some improvements
● Questions about parking--continued conversation with options in surrounding area
IV. Art Teacher Lesson Swap – April 17, 4:30 – 6 p.m. (Beatrice)
● Michelle is hosting art teachers from SOAR for a lesson swap
● Nothing needed, teachers bringing their own resources
V. Woven Connections Community Art Project - Summer
● Loom is currently being built
● People can bring their own garments to weave into loom
● Can travel to The Storefront, Farmers Market, etc…
● Any group may come to work on it
● Can teach how to create balls of yarn from tshirt material
VI. Farmers’ Market Tent
● Revisit in the future
VII. Farmers’ Market 50th Anniversary Photo Exhibit - September
● 50th anniversary of Market
● Potential for photo exhibit
● Theme: Farmers’ Market through the years
● All online, retrospective
● FAC would choose select photos to print and display towards end of Market
● History Museum may be a resource for photos
VIII. Pinwheels for Peace Community Art Project - September 21
● Activity created by art teachers. Create pinwheels.
● “Plant” the pinwheels on 9/21
● Has potential, possibly reimagine the idea a bit
IX. Pic-O-Matic Art Vending Machine
● Sticker/Tattoo Vending Machine
● Artists will “donate” a work that can be reproduced on a business card size
● FAC will produce them at no cost to artist
● The back will include the artists name, link to website/instagram
● Vending Machine can travel to various locations around Skokie
● Donations ($1/per mini art) would go back into producing the prints, then rolled back into
The Storefront programming
➢Action item: Have artists create mini originals at the next Networking Event
X. Perpetual Plaques at NSCPAS
● New Plaque with all names etched
● Holds 24 names
XI. Arts and Humanities Month - October
● Highlight events via socials/newsletter
● 8-10 posts, with multiple organizations per post
➢Action items:
● Subcommittee formed: Jeff, Sonya, Pam S, Vassi
● Reach out to organizations, description, picture
● Can begin putting information together now
XII. New Business
● Ellen: Opportunity to partner again with Skokie Bike Network for the Tales from the Trails
event. This is their 3rd year.
Sunday, July 13, 11-1 at Sketchbook
● Judy: Judy’s daughter is the Executive Director of Chicago Artist Guide could speak to
the commission regarding their organization and events. Possibly to promote theater
within Skokie or for the theater community here. She could possibly host an event at The
Storefront.
XIII. Adjournment at 8:23pm
Seconded by Mira
Upcoming meetings and important dates:
Wednesday, May 14 | 7 to 8 p.m. May Meeting
Wednesday, June 11 | 7 to 8 p.m. June Meeting
Agenda
Agenda
Skokie Fine Arts Commission
April 9, 2025 | 7 p.m.
Skokie Village Hall Conference Rooms D&E
I. Call to Order
II. Past Project Reviews
A. Fine Arts Grants
B. 02/25 Artist Networking Event
C. SOAR
III. The Storefront
A. Artist Directory
B. Newsletter
C. Meet Up on Main (6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23, 6/30)
1. Artisan Market
2. Kids Programming
3. Other ideas?
D. Phased Programming
E. Capital Improvements
IV. Art Teacher Lesson Swap – April 17, 4:30 – 6 p.m. (Beatrice)
V. Woven Connections Community Art Project - Summer
VI. Farmers’ Market Tent
VII. Farmers’ Market 50th Anniversary Photo Exhibit - September
VIII. Pinwheels for Peace Community Art Project - September 21
IX. Pic-O-Matic Art Vending Machine
X. Perpetual Plaques at NSCPAS
XI. Arts and Humanities Month - October
XII. New Business
XIII. Adjournment
Upcoming meetings and important dates:
Wednesday, May 14 | 7 to 8 p.m. May Meeting
Wednesday, June 11 | 7 to 8 p.m. June Meeting
#625531
2025 The Storefront Artist Networking Event – Post Event Report
What events and activities would you like to see programmed in this space?
• Drawing sessions
• Visiting artist lectures/local artist lecture series
• Audition or coaching space
• Student arts shows for interested teachers
• Knitting (stitch and bitch) as a drop in
• Art shows
• Events for kids
• Live music
• Cooking demo by local chef
• Bereavement, loss, divorce etc – not formal
• Photography class
• Sip n Paint
• Pottery class
• Art installation in “yoga” room
• Craft classes
• Pop up markets
• Mastermind groups for emerging artists
• Meet up events
• Marketing classes
• Art shows/art contests
• Art exhibition to include all different artists
• Wine & cheese pairing
• Writer’s workshops
• Pop up local writers bookshop
• Cake decorating
• Pop up craft market
• More artist networking events
• An intimate cozy space for small group ceremonies (needs lots of sound absorbing pillows)
• Puppetry
• Acting workshops
• Character workshops
• Self tape studio
• Audition coaching
• Salsa dance lessons & then open dance
• Woodworking
• Music performances
• Cooking demos
• Knit/crochet
• Live music
• Storytelling
#625531
• Drawing sessions
• Group shows
• Drawing for youth
• Open writing hours and workshops
• Interactive demos/classes
• Art/music shows
• Portfolio help
• Resource fairs that are inclusive of price, age and ability
• Art classes – primarily 3D (ceramics, wood building, metal working)
• Ambient sound bath
• Acting classes
• Meditation might be fun
• Ballet classes
• Art classes
• Dance/yoga studio
• Art shows!
• Woodworking
• Writing workshops
• Storytelling events
• Art showings
• Classes
• Meet ups
• Photo/portrait workshops
• How to brew and serve tea by one of the new cafes on Oakton
• Party to decorate these walls – group mural
• Two-hour mini workshops
• Art showings
• Teen-focused events
• Pop up craft market
• Meditational circle space
• Craft space
• Drop-in life drawing classes
• Bulletin board for business cards
How can the Fine Arts Commission better help you to connect with other artists?
• Artist talks
• Happy hour for artists
• Offer family/adult art classes led by local artists and art educators
• Musical performance/practice space
• Host more meet and greets
• Offer classes
• Publishing workshops
#625531
• Craft shows specific to art
• Collaborative electronic music concert
• Drink and draw sessions
• Monthly meet ups like this
• Collaborative art
• Share list of coffee shops and other spaces that are interested in displaying art
• Artist-focused co-working space
• Host workshops
• Social media groups
• Continue to hold positive events like this as well as a good email chain
• In-person meet up events
• Classes/lectures from other artists
• Continue to hold events like this
• Offer space for workshops
• Create a list-serv ways to connect
• Rotating booth at Skokie Festival of Cultures in May – different artists in booth demonstrating and
making stuff
What other arts spaces or organizations should we look to for best practices?
• Anywhere with a parking lot!
• Lill Street Art Center (https://lillstreet.com/)
• One River (https://evanston.oneriverschool.com/)
• Our Vibrant Community (https://www.facebook.com/ourvibrantcommunity/)
• Evanston Arts Center (https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/)
• Highland Park Art Center (https://theartcenterhp.org/)
• Hyde Park Art Center (https://www.hydeparkart.org/)
• Noyes Cultural Center (https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/departments/parks-recreation-
community-services/facilities/noyes-cultural-arts-center)
• Evanston Made (https://evanstonmade.org/)
• Independent Filmmaker Alliance Chicago (https://ifachicago.org/)
• Tessarae Studios (https://www.tesseraestudios.org/)
• Kinoworks (https://kinowerks.studio/)
• Skyart (https://www.skyart.org/)
• Block Museum (https://www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu/)
• Evanston Art Therapy Creative Arts (https://itachicago.org/)
• A.R.C. Gallery Chicago (https://www.arcgallery.org/)
• Mana (https://www.manacontemporary.com/)
• Interplay.org (https://interplay.org/)
• Epiphany (https://epiphanychi.com/)
#625531
Memorandum
Communications and Engagement Division
TO: John Lockerby, Village Manager
Max Slankard, Public Works Director
Johanna Nyden, Community Development Director
FROM:
____________________________
Meredith Gioia, Communications Manager/Fine Arts Commission Staff Liaison
DATE: March 21, 2025
SUBJECT: Tasks for The Storefront Art and Small Business Incubator Space
As we prepare to transition from the Winter Market on Main and move forward with programming The Storefront,
there are a number of tasks that need to be completed.
1. Removal of Existing Mirrors, Dance Barres and Cubby System
The current mirrors and dance barres in the gallery space must be removed and recycled/donated. The
cubby system currently located in the hallway will need to be moved to the studio space. This will involve
dismounting the fixtures and ensuring that the walls are patched and prepped for painting.
2. Painting of Interior Walls
All interior walls and the front desk should be repainted in Benjamin Moore White Diamond, Sherwin
Williams Pure White or Behr Gallery White in a satin or eggshell finish. This neutral color will provide a
clean and versatile backdrop for art installations and exhibitions. (Please keep the chalkboard)
3. Installation of Permanent Hanging System
A permanent hanging system, purchased by the Fine Arts Commission, needs to be installed in the gallery.
This system is crucial for hanging artwork and ensuring that exhibits are safely and securely displayed
without damaging the walls. (https://systematicart.com/cable-systems/deco-click-track-picture-rail)
4. Purchase and Installation of Smart Lock
I believe that the current passcode lock on the French doors can only store one code. If so, a "smart lock"
system that functions similarly to those used by AirBnB properties should be purchased and installed. This
will allow us to generate entry codes for individual users and be deactivate when no longer needed to
ensure the security of the space.
5. Design and Installation of Permanent Signage
Permanent signage for The Storefront will need to be designed, purchased, and installed.
Timeline and Next Steps:
• Prioritize: Completing the removal of mirrors/dance barres and the cubby system relocation should be
the first priority, as these tasks need to occur before proceeding with anything else. The hanging system is
in the process of being ordered and should be installed as soon as the painting is completed.
Please let me know if there are any questions or additional considerations regarding these tasks.
CC: Patrick Deignan, Communications and Community Engagement Director
Liz Zimmerman, Assistant to the Public Works Director
#625365
Memorandum
Communications and Engagement Division
TO: John Lockerby, Village Manager
Johanna Nyden, Community Development Director
FROM:
____________________________
Meredith Gioia, Communications Manager/Fine Arts Commission Staff Liaison
DATE: March 21, 2025
SUBJECT: Phased Approach to Scheduling Programming for The Storefront Arts Incubator Space
As we transition The Storefront from the Winter Market on Main to a hub for community arts programming, I’ve
outlined a phased approach to scheduling that will maximize space usage, ensure equitable access, and
accommodate a diverse range of activities. Below is a detailed breakdown of the phased approach, including the
corresponding fees and opportunities for artists and organizations:
Phase One: Fine Arts Commission (FAC) and Economic Vitality Organized Programming
Phase One will prioritize events planned by the Fine Arts Commission and/or Economic Vitality, including meetups,
performances, workshops, and artisan markets. This phase is designed to support local arts initiatives and
entrepreneurs, foster community engagement, and ensure that the space is used in ways that align with the
mission of The Storefront.
• Types of Programming: Meetups, performances, workshops, markets, and other events planned by the
FAC, FAC Commissioners or the Economic Vitality Division.
Phase Two: Art Exhibitions and One-Time Workshops by Outside Organizations and Artists
Phase Two will accommodate programming from outside artists and organizations, including art exhibitions and
one-time workshops. This phase will allow for a broader range of art forms and educational opportunities to be
hosted in The Storefront space, expanding the diversity of programming offered.
• Art Exhibitions: The weekly fee for art exhibitions (Monday through Sunday) will be $150. The space can
be reserved for up to two consecutive weeks.
o To support accessibility, artists and organizations hosting art exhibitions in The Storefront can
apply to the Fine Arts Commission for sponsorship. If approved, this sponsorship would reduce
the space rental cost by 50%.
• One-Time Workshops:
o Ticketed Workshops: If the workshop is ticketed, the cost for using the space will be 10% of the
net ticket sales (after applicable fees).
o Free Workshops: If the workshop is free and open to the public, the organization or individual
offering the workshop can apply for sponsorship from the Fine Arts Commission which would
eliminate the cost for using the space.
• Benefits: Any individual or organization offering programming will receive advertising in relevant Village
publications, such as The Scoop, and will be promoted through Explore Skokie and The Storefront's social
media platforms and enewsletter. This advertising will provide added exposure and increase visibility for
programming hosted at The Storefront, helping to attract more participants and visitors.
#625365
Phase Three: Long-Term Use for Retail Pop-Ups and Classes
Once we have settled into our operations, Phase Three will allow for longer-term use of the space for retail pop-up
locations and long-term classes. This phase will provide opportunities for businesses, artists, and educators to
utilize the space for extended periods, creating a more sustainable and consistent presence in the community.
• Retail Pop-Up Locations: Artists or organizations can use the space for temporary retail spaces, such as
selling artworks, crafts, or other creative products.
• Long-Term Classes: Ongoing educational programs can be scheduled, allowing for weekly or monthly
classes to take place in the space.
Next Steps and Considerations
• Booking and Application: All programming for Phase Two will require formal applications for space
reservations. We will be utilizing CozyCal software for online scheduling. When a reservation request is
placed, the user will be directed to submit an online application with further information.
• Promotion: Phase Two programming will be promoted to outside artists and organizations, with a focus
on diversifying the types of exhibitions and workshops offered.
• Sponsorship/Partnership: Clear guidelines for applying for sponsorship and partnership will be provided
to all interested parties.
Please let me know if you have any questions, or if there are suggestions for improving the phased scheduling
approach.
CC: Nick Wyatt, Assistant Village Manager
Patrick Deignan, Communications and Community Engagement Director
Rodney Tonelli, Economic Vitality Manager