North Cook News

Village of Northbrook Arts Commission met June 1

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Bondy at 7:03pm at Village Hall.

Commissioners Present: Bruce Bondy, Eileen Loftus, Joei Shavitz, Madison Vienna, Jerry Block, Ernie Halperin, Bonnie Siegel, Kittie Yohe

Commissioners Absent: Chris Laughlin, Marsha Schwartz, Sharon Moyer, Karen Mahoney, Al Alvarez, Rob Sills, Chris Sheban

Members of the Public: Wayne Potrue, Sarah Weinstein, Curt Funke, and Rhiannon Gurley

Minutes Approval 

Chairman Bondy asked the Commissioners to review the May 4, 2023 meeting minutes for comments or edits. After editing the minutes to show Commissioner Shavitz was in attendance, Commissioner Yohe moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Siegel. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Hear from the Audience 

Sarah Weinstein and Curt Funke introduced themselves and their engagement with art and Northbrook. Commissioner Loftus introduced Rhiannon Gurley, new employee at the Park District, who will in time take over the Park District’s role on the Commission. Chairman Bondy informed the group of Commissioner Moyer’s resignation from the Commission.

Finance Report 

Liaison Farrell stated that as of April 30, 2023 the bank statement listed a balance of $9,530.32. This does not include any funding from FY23/24 which began May 1, 2024.

Plein Air Photo Event 

The Commission mentioned that last year the event was open to both residents and non-residents. The winners receive a Northbrook-based restaurant gift card, which benefits the local economy. The photos are all taken within Northbrook. The participants do not know ahead of time the topics they will be asked to photograph. Chairperson Bondy mentioned he would like to begin advertising early to increase interest. He mentioned the dates would be end of June/early July. Commissioner Yohe asked if the Commission had ever discussed printing and hanging the artwork. Commissioner Shavitz mentioned that it’s been discussed but because the cost would land on the artist it did not move forward. The Commission discussed opportunities such as creating a video of the winning photos and displaying the video at the Library, Village Hall or NCTV. Wayne suggested projecting the video outdoors and Rhiannon mentioned that she has experience with such displays. Curt also suggested using the video behind musicians at Art in the Park. Chairperson Bondy will provide content for the advertisements.

Grapes on the Green

The Park District reached out to Commissioner Siegel about artists presenting at the event. The event on June 17 will include wine, food, and entertainment. There are six artists presenting at the event. The artists will use the display panels and the Park District will provide tables. The display panels will go on grass under a tent. Staff liaison Farrell will ask Public Works to help with the transportation of panels between Village Hall and Village Green building prior to the event. The Commission discussed additional logistics such as tables.

Library Exhibit 

Commissioner Block mentioned that the upcoming display will include three photographers, an acrylic artist, and Commissioner Yohe. He also mentioned that the next display may be in partnership with TotalLink2 Community. Commissioner Block is looking for support in procuring artists. Chairperson Bondy suggested that the artists may be willing to help a bit more with the setup/tear down.

Commissioner Yohe suggested a general call for artists in a Village newsletter or e-newsletter well in advance of a display. The only information needed from each artist is name, email, and phone number.

The Commission discussed the value of an Art League and the difference between an Art League and the Arts Commission.

Other Discussion 

Chairman Bondy asked for an update on the studio tour. Commissioner Yohe discussed how much the event has changed and that it is no longer a home studio tour. The Commission discussed retiring the original “studio tour” event. Commissioner Loftus will take the event back to her team at the Park District for discussion and to determine whether or not this is an event (in a different capacity) they would take on. The Commission discussed the value of having all the artists in one location. Curt mentioned that would be a big benefit for the TotalLink2 artists.

Commissioner Vienna mentioned that the spring season has been a big success at the library.

Adjournment 

Commissioner Halperin moved to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Yohe. All were in favor and the meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.

https://www.northbrook.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06012023-2197