North Cook News

City of Elgin Cultural Arts Commission met July 14

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

A. Call to Order: 6:02pm

B. Roll Call:

a. Chairman Kearney, Commissioners Syrris, Thayer, Mongold, Rende. Staff Harris.

C. Citizen’s Forum:

a. Mark Lane present.

D. Staff Report:

a. Financial Report:

i. No updates

b. Hemmens:

i. Elgin Summer Theatre is currently in the space. Final weekend this weekend.

ii. August is dark for building maintenance.

c. Elgin Art Showcase:

i. Staff is exploring the use of 18 Villa for 2026.

d. Approval of June 2025 Minutes:

i. Motion to approve the June 2025 Minutes by Commissioner Rende. Seconded by Commissioner Mongold. Approved by a vote of 4-0-1 with Commissioner Thayer abstaining.

E. Old Business

a. 2025 ECAC Projects:

i. Going Dutch: No update

ii. Elgin Summer Theatre:

1. Currently in house with the final weekend this weekend.

iii. Shakespeare in the Park:

1. Promo photos taken and marketing going out now.

iv. Elgin Fringe Festival:

1. Tickets on sale soon.

v. Elgin Short Film Festival:

1. Submissions are still open.

b. Call for Public Art

i. Staff recommends shifting the focus of public art to painting the existing jersey walls around downtown to beautify the public safety equipment that is already on display. Further exploration on the projection option will be explored for future years.

ii. Motion to utilize the remaining balance of the public art line item for the jersey wall project by Commissioner Rende. Seconded by Commissioner Syrris. Approved by a vote of 5-0.

iii. Manhole covers for DuPage Court will be in this week. Installation will be scheduled soon. 

iv. Habitat for Humanity Sculptures will be removed in late August. The Commission has the option to purchase items

F. New Business:

a. None brought.

G. Adjournment: 7:20pm

a. Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Mongold. Seconded by Commissioner Thayer. Approved by a vote of 5-0.

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