===== PDF PAGE 2 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] DRAFT CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, January 11, 2024 West Chicago City Hall – 475 Main Street 7:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order, Roll Call, Establishment of a Quorum Chairman Kuharich called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call found Commissioners Garcia, Gsedl, Treudt, and Walsh present. Commissioner Hernandez arrived at 7:22 p.m. Commissioner Plumlee was absent. Also in attendance was Marketing and Communications Manager Daniel Peck. 2. Public Participation None. 3. Cultural Arts Commission Meeting Minutes of December 7, 2023 Commissioner Walsh made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Garcia, to approve the minutes of December 7, 2023. Voting Aye: Chairman Kuharich, Commissioner Gsedl and Treudt. Voting Naye: 0. Motion Carried. 4. Items for Discussion and Possible Action A. Art Banner Exhibit 2024. As of January 11, 2024, one entry was submitted for the Exhibit. Chairman Kuharich confirmed Ed and Luzma Fuentes agreed to be jurors for the Exhibit. B. Public Arts Master Plan. Chairman Kuharich provided a progress update of the Plan. The Commission requested staff to explore the possibility of developing a digital form that would use images instead of text. The form would be used as part of a public survey to gather insights from the community on what they value in public art. Staff requested the Commission provide additional content that describes the purpose of the survey. C. Annual Report. The Commission provided direction for staff to draft the Report. 5. Other Business Commissioners discussed the West Chicago Boards and Commissions Handbook. Commissioner Hernandez made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Walsh, to approve Commissioner Plumlee as the Vice Chairman for 2024. Voting Aye: Chairman Kuharich, Commissioner Garcia, Gsedl, and Treudt. Voting Naye: 0. Motion Carried. Commissioner Gsedl shared details about the West Chicago Sister Cities. Commissioners requested staff to investigate if additional artistic details could be incorporated into the painting of the Fremont Street Water Tower. 6. Adjournment At 7:36 p.m., Chairman Kuharich made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gsedl, to adjourn the meeting. All Commissioners voted aye by Voice Vote. Respectfully submitted, Daniel Peck Marketing and Communications Manager City of West Chicago ===== PDF PAGE 3 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2023 - DRAFT 2023 Cultural Arts Commission Members: Maria Paulina Garcia, Uwe Gsedl, Jacob Hernandez, Heidi Kuharich (Chairman), Buddy Plumlee, Bruce Treudt, Deborah Walsh In accordance with Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 13, Section 2-440 of the Code of Ordinances, the City of West Chicago’s Cultural Arts Commission hereby submits this annual report to the City Council summarizing its activities from 2023 and recommendations for proposed programming in 2024. 2023 Commission Activities The Commission, in collaboration with City staff, successfully coordinated the 15th year of the City's annual Art Banner Exhibit. The theme for the Exhibit was "Vitality". A total of 106 artworks were submitted by 46 different artists from 5 states, including artists from 21 different Illinois communities. From the submissions, 26 artworks were selected then produced as streetlight pole banner displays at a cost of $2,028.00. While on display from May through August, 314 votes were collected digitally for the selection of the 2023 People's Choice Award. The recipient of the Award, Sienna Sherrier of Glen Ellyn, secured 97 total votes. The Commission launched a community engagement initiative, "WeGo Loteria", to commemorate the College of DuPage's Andy Warhol Pop-Art Exhibit while integrating elements of the traditional Mexican lottery game, Loteria. 16 artists were enlisted to craft 32 unique artworks inspired by traditional card game illustrations, with additional features highlighting West Chicago. The submitted artwork was reproduced as window decals and placed at various businesses and organizations from October through November for residents to seek out as part of a scavenger hunt, creating an experience reminiscent of the traditional Mexican card game. The total cost for compensating artists and producing vinyl graphics amounted to $932.95. In 2023, the Commission also renewed its commitment to draft a Public Arts Master Plan. Progress will continue through 2024. Additionally, the Commission assisted City staff in selecting an appropriate font for the upcoming Fremont Street Water Tower Project. 2024 Programming Recommendations The Commission recommends proceeding with the execution of the City’s annual Art Banner Exhibit, which will be returning for its 16th year. The Commission also intends to complete a draft Public Arts Master Plan that may be presented to the City Council for consideration in 2024. Additionally, if progress on the Public Arts Master Plan proceeds accordingly, the Commission desires to reintroduce the “WeGo Loteria” initiative in 2024 during October and November. The Commission recommends a budget of $600.00 to reproduce existing artwork and include an additional 4 new artworks into the program.