Village of Niles Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council met Jan. 12
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
I. Call to Order:
Chair Lindsey Kmetty called the meeting to order electronically via Zoom audio/visual conferencing at 4:05 p.m.
II. Public Comment
The electronic meeting is open to the public. No public comment was submitted in advance of the meeting. No public comment was made at the meeting.
III. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Janet Spector Bishop made a motion to accept the December 8, 2020 meeting minutes as presented. Joseph Steinfels second the motion, all were in favor. None opposed. Minutes approved.
IV. Organization Representative Reports
Alicia Bermes (Niles Chamber of Commerce) – They are hosting a virtual State of the Union from Mayor Andrew Przybylo with other elected officials and business updates. They continue to do Voice a Business. They are planning an outdoor, one day festival for local restaurants possibly in August or September of 2021.
Janet Spector Bishop (East Maine School District 63) – Schools are reopening with a hybrid program by January 27th which would be about 1300 students. The District is looking for substitutes and asked for help promoting in the community. Others offered to share and help promote.
Susan Lempke (Niles-Maine District Library) - The library continues pick up service and virtual programs are still going well. They do not have confirmed plans to reopen. Appointments are available for specific services.
Carol Luc (Artist) – She has elected to retire from Triton College. She recently participated in two exhibitions: Remarque Print Exchange 2021, Albuquerque, NM where each artist created eleven hand-pulled prints to exchange among US artists. She also participated in Bugs Aplenty - An Exhibition at Elisabeth Jones Art Center, Oregon (online) January 2021.
Joseph Steinfels (Niles VFW Post 3579) – VFW formed a new committee to reach out to younger veterans and reserve-status individuals who are enrolled at local universities and community colleges to provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional counseling. They recently raised $850 for a homeless veteran and his family. Post 3579 held the local Post essay competition entitled “Voice of Democracy” and will forward the local
winner to the District level. They participated in Christmas cards for Hines VA Hospital patients. The Caldwell facility construction is moving forward with an Eagle Scout refreshing the patio as his project. Tentative upcoming events with Covid-19 restrictions: Superbowl Party planned for Sunday, Feb 7 and St Patrick’s Day celebration.
Kathleen Gallegos (Artist/Art Studio Station) – Art lessons continue, she is not sure if she will be able to keep the studio open now that she is working full time.
Barb Karawacki (Niles Historical Society) – An intern for the Historical Society developed a website: nileshistoricalandculturecenter.org it includes a virtual exhibit. They are anxious to open and have people experience the new exhibits.
Katie Schneider (Village of Niles) – The Village is now accepting applications for Farm on Franks garden plots. In partnership with Home Depot, Farm on Franks is hosting a Community Birdhouse project, they have 45 kits for families and artists to assemble and paint. Birdhouses will be hung along the fence at Farm on Franks.
Lindsey Kmetty (Niles Park District) – The Park District is waiting for an update from the Governor to see what facilities and program they can reopen.
V. Niles Artisan Guild
Devi Gajewski was absent, Carol Luc gave a quick update that they continue Facebook sales and are considering a Facebook auction for higher priced artwork.
VI. Old Business
a. Utility Boxes – Katie reported that utility box wraps will cost between $3,500-4,500 per unit, there are four locations being considered. Council members agreed that while the pricing is higher than expected, the product and longevity is probably worth the investment. There is $7,000 for art beautification remaining in the budget through April 30, 2021. Once the FY2022 Budget is approved, there will be $35,000 for beautification projects beginning May 1, 2021. Katie will start on a Call to Artists Application for the next meeting.
b. Twinkle and Lights – Marina took photographs of the first place winner and his decorations and another submission that had a uniquely decorated home. The photos will be used for next year to promote the program. Comments for next year:
∙ Ask homes to have their lights on by 4:00 p.m.
∙ A recurring problem is being able to read addresses on houses, one thought was to put a yard sign (or some indicator) on the parkway so judges and the public knows it is being considered. ∙ Continue the People’s Choice Award, it generated a lot of “likes” and interest
∙ Consider different types of awards for creativity, homemade, nostalgia. Especially since, we are the Arts and Culture Council, the program should highlight more artistic submissions.
∙ Winter weather will always play a factor in quantity of submissions
VII. New Business
There was no new business.
VIII. Open Discussion
There was no open discussion.
IX. Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
X. Adjournment
Janet Spector Bishop made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:44 p.m. Susan Lempke second the motion, all were in favor. Meeting adjourned.
https://www.vniles.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01122021-2044
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