Village of Niles Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council met Nov. 4.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Members Present:
Steve Vinezeano – Niles VFW Post 3579
Lindsey Brubaker – Niles Park District
Kathleen Gallegos – Artist/Art Studio
Janet Spector Bishop – School District 63
Marina Samovsky – Photographer
Carol Luc – Artist
Debi Gajewski – Artist
Members Absent:
John Kosirog – School District 71
Susan Lempke – Niles-Maine District Library
Ed Eubank – School District 207
Alicia Bermes – Niles Chamber of Commerce
Barbara Karawacki – Niles Historical Society
Village Officials/Staff Present:
Katie Schneider – Community Engagement Coordinator
I. Call to Order:
Chair Lindsey Brubaker called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. in the Niles Administration Building, 2nd Floor Middle Conference Room.
II. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Carol Luc made a motion to accept the October 7, 2019 Minutes as presented. Debi Gajewski second the motion, all were in favor. None opposed. Minutes approved.
III. Organization Representative Reports
Steve Vinezeano (Niles VFW Post 3579) – the VFW will hold their annual Veteran’s Day ceremony on November 11 at 11:00 a.m. at the Waterfall at Touhy and Milwaukee.
Kathleen Gallegos (Artist/Art Studio) continues to teach art classes at Shriners Children’s hospital. She will have a table at the Niles Senior Center craft fair on November 16.
Marina Samovsky (Photographer) – She recently shot photos for the marketing campaign to promote our local businesses and residents.
Katie Schneider (Village of Niles) announced an Open House on Wednesday, November 6th for a proposed Golf Mill Park redevelopment and looking for feedback from the community. Katie asked for help to promote the open house. At the November Board meeting, a facility assessment contract for the Niles Historical Society building will be awarded to DLR Group. This will give the Village an evaluation and report on the status of the building structurally. Should the Village Board choose to continue, phase 2 would include a study to repurpose the building for more arts and culture and community programing.
Carol Luc (Artist) – teaches watercolor at the Senior Center on Wednesdays. She asked for input on design submissions for Festive Fronts. They are still accepting nominations for festive fronts.
Debi Gajewski (Artist) – She has finished up Halloween themed storytelling, she has a number of craft shows including Holly Jolly and then will start with Christmas story telling.
Janet Spector Bishop (School District 63) – Gemini Student Choir will be performing at the Holly Jolly event. Winter cards will be on display at the library.
Lindsey Brubaker (Niles Park District) – Harvest Hustle was a success again and keeps building each year. They are now getting ready for the Christmas events and winter programming.
IV. Niles Artisan Guild
The Niles Artisan Guild membership is growing and they continue to meet once a month with 23 members. Maine West students are interested in participating and they are creating a junior membership for students. Art in Business continues with more artists and businesses interested in participating. For a list of businesses and gallery receptions, see the Chamber website. The Niles Artisan Guild will also be working with the VFW on a memorial display.
V. Old Business
a. Twinkle and Lights Holiday Decorating Contest – The council discussed and determined that any decorated home in Niles will be considered, there will be no formal application. Awards will be given to the top 4 Best Display. Prizes will be: 1st - $100, 2nd - $50, 3rd - $50, 4th - $50 and yard signs will designating the winner for outside their home. Niles Police officers will be asked to make note of any homes that could be “winners” to help us scout the area. Residents can also send in their address (or a neighbor’s) to make sure it is considered. All homes will be judged from Wednesday, Dec 18 through Sunday, Dec 22 so they should make sure to have their lights on.
VI. New Business
a. Traffic/Utility Box Art – Katie presented a program to have artist improve our traffic/utility boxes around town. The committee briefly discussed and agreed to move forward. Katie will get more information.
VII. Open Discussion
a. Steve Vinezeano reminded that Council that we will need to confirm budget items and plans for FY2021. Ideas will be discussed at the December meeting.
VIII. Public Comment
There was no public comment.
IX. Next Meeting
Monday, December 9, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. at Village Hall, 2nd Floor EOC Conference Room
X. Adjournment
Janet Spector Bishop made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:44 p.m. Debi Gajewski second the motion, all were in favor. Meeting adjourned.
https://www.vniles.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11042019-1815
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