Village of Northbrook Arts Commission met January 19.
Here is the minutes as provided by the commission:
In attendance: Arts Commissioners Joan MacVay, Sharon Moyer, Susan Wolf and Chairman Bruce Bondy. Guests: Friends of the Northbrook Friends of the Library President Bill Schildgen, Artist in residence/Library staff Liaison Celeste Hanson, Library Director Kate Hall and Library Asst. Director/Staff Liaison to Friends of the Northbrook Library Brodie Austin.
Meeting called to order at 2:14pm by Chairman Bruce Bondy.
The group discussed the proposed juried art show in 2019 as a joint venture by Friends of the Northbrook Library and the Northbrook Arts Commission. Commissioner MacVay shared her vision of restarting the juried art show to showcase art and the Library focus on the North Shore. She expressed her vision of hosting the event in Jan/Feb 2019. There was a discussion about the juried art process and having prize money for the artists as well as a people’s choice award. A people’s choice award would engage the viewers of all ages to see the show. The show would have some limits for size of art, and there was a discussion about having a theme for the event, and whether or not there would be various categories.
Director Kate Hall expressed defining the role of each sponsor. The Arts Commissioners requested the space, time, and assistance with the marketing from the library. They also asked if the Friends of the Library would fund the prizes and promotions. The Arts Commissioners would jury, coordinate the administration, art hanging, hold the reception and other “heavy lifting” for the event. There was a concern about the schedule for other art shows currently held at the Library, specifically the Northbrook Originals and Artist’s in Residents art shows and how this would fit in the schedule and staff services. It was expressed that the show last two months.
Brodie Austin asked all to be mindful about getting information in September for the January newsletters. There will be long-term planning to coordinate. It was also brought to attention that programs in the beginning of the month are hard to promote since newsletters hit the 1st of the month. The reception doesn’t have to coordinate with the opening of the show.
The Library reviewed their role of the offering the space and marketing. It was determined to have a marketing sub group. As for the scope of the show, it was suggested to start smaller for the first year’s event. The Library indicated 50 pieces would be the maximum for a display of hanging artwork.
Sharon Moyer suggested a Young Artists in Residents show in the future using the library as a venue.
Other responsibilities, such as the communication plan with a timeline was expressed as a concern so the event is clearly defined. The purchase of an additional rider on the insurance to cover the artwork while it was at the facility was another concern. The program for the event, refreshments, etc. would be the expenses as well as the prize money for first/second/third places. Chairman Bondy indicated that this event prize money may be less. Friends of the Library President Bill Schildgen indicated the request would have to come from the library, since Friends of the Library only fund library related events. The members discussed the options for signing up to be in the show/entry fees, etc. The show would be inclusive and feature family friendly artwork.
Concerns about storing the artwork the weeks prior to the show need to be addressed. It was anticipated we would need a library staff liaison representing the Library. The Arts Commission committed to taking on the responsibilities to have a successful event. It was noted that the Arts Commission’s display panels could be used in an open space in the Library leaving space to meet ADA requirements for access.
The group will define what will measure success or failure for this event and if it should continue. This includes tracking time to host and hold the event.
Arts Commission Chairman Bondy shared the process of showing the Plein Air artwork at the Historical Society and the upcoming March exhibit at Sunset Foods. Bondy also expressed his appreciation of the Friends of the Northbrook Library possible support of the event. Director Hall will review the costs of past programs as well as staff commitment to get a good sense of time prior to commitment.
Due to finals and schedule at the library, dates to drop off for artwork would be January 7, 2019, or later after the 24, 2019, as the show will be held late January into February 2019.
The next Friends Board meeting will be in March 2018 and decisions would be made there.
Next steps will be to have the Library review and share prior exhibit budgets. If we moved forward on this, timelines and committee members should be in the plan. Chairman Bondy and Commissioner MacVay would be the Arts Commission contacts for the event. The North Shore Juried Winter Festival is the working name and a logo would be needed.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m. Motioned by Joan MacVay, seconded by Susan Wolf.
http://il-northbrook.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01192018-1343
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