===== PDF PAGE 5 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] WEST CHICAGO CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY ITEM: 4.c TITLE: Public Arts Master Plan DATE: November 7, 2024 ITEM SUMMARY: The following are updates for discussion regarding the Public Arts Master Plan. • FY 2025 Projects: The Commission’s proposed funding requests for the FY 2025 Budget are tentatively approved. However, funds are currently earmarked only for specific projects, including the WeGo Loteria 2025 and the proposed summer project, contingent upon the completion and approval of the Public Arts Master Plan by the City Council. The Commission only has approval to proceed with planning and executing the 2025 Art Banner Exhibit. Additionally, funds may be allocated for City sponsorship of the Arteculture Exhibit, contribution to Gallery 200’s artist-in-residence program, and to cover maintenance costs for applying sealant to the mural(s) at Tampico. • Public Arts Survey(s) Results: Attached are the results of the 2024 Public Arts Survey, which was conducted from September through October. For additional context, the results from the 2018 survey and 2021 Trunk-or-Treat event survey are included. ===== PDF PAGE 6 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] DRAFT How Will Future Art Be Funded? Found in e-mail from Rosemary Mackey… “As promised at the last meeting, I have compiled a list of answers by category of art from Survey Question #3, What Kinds of Public Art Would You Like to See? “I will prepare a press release to provide these responses to the community, and to post on the City’s website. I will put Question #4 (Where Would You Like to See Public Art Installations in West Chicago?) on the Agenda for the upcoming Special Meeting on March 26th. Our GIS staff person will create a map of each Ward to identify City or Inter-government owned properties that might be options for public art, to begin our discussion.” RESULTS OF SURVEY QUESTION # 3: WHAT KINDS OF PUBLIC ART WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE TYPE Strongly Agree Agree Don’t Know/Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree Unanswered Murals 36 19 2 3 1 9 Sculpture 30 25 2 1 0 11 Interactive/Participatory 13 29 5 8 3 12 Temporary/Loaned 8 37 6 5 1 13 Performance 21 21 10 4 3 11 Print 11 33 4 8 0 14 Street Banner Art 27 28 2 3 0 10 Hydro Art 15 21 14 8 0 12 Digital 10 27 6 12 3 12 Architecture 26 30 3 2 1 8 Monuments 10 22 6 18 3 11 Paintings 22 28 5 3 0 12 Stained Glass 23 31 3 3 1 9 Ceramics 12 32 8 6 0 12 Mosaics 23 29 6 2 0 10 Tapestry 14 24 11 6 2 13 Earthworks 19 22 8 5 3 13 Assemblage 7 21 13 8 5 16 Installation Art 12 23 7 9 4 15 Holograms 9 15 10 15 7 14 Graffiti 13 16 5 13 13 10 Social Art 16 14 14 7 5 14 All of the Above 10 7 4 3 1 45 PLEASE LIST ANY OTHER FORMS OF ART YOU’D LIKE TO SEE • Thank you for valuing the arts. This is what WeGo has been known for. We are unique. • Historical photos, drawings and art from the rich history of West Chicago. • Subdivision Community initiated samples • Graffiti, hand free art, splatter paint • Murals are always a good option and age well in most cases. A colorful mural on the ugly cement wall across from the metra station heading west towards downtown would be PERFECT! • I love that a master plan is being created. Perhaps some thought could be given to adding art or promoting it along 59, Roosevelt and north Ave so those who don't come into town can see it. I think doing so could help continue to build a more positive reputation for our city. Thanks for all you work! • a water feature would be nice. • Would have been helpful to give brief description of the types of art listed. I was not familiar with several of the categories. I did "google" them, but a definition would have been helpful. Looking forward to this evolving project!" • Choices should not be political or divisive. They should be uplifting and focused on celebrating life or achievement. Pieces which rust over time should avoided because, honestly, which town needs more rust. Perhaps railroad themes might be interesting and Hispanic-related themes could be appropriate. Thanks for asking. • I welcome any and all art! Especially would love to see art done by community members and students in our schools! • MUSIC • Artistic and creative playground • Looks like a fairly comprehensive list! • The "Butterfly" project was a great success. CAC Minutes.083123.DRAFT Submitted: H. Kuharich ===== PDF PAGE 7 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] DRAFT • Paint your Tree design on a plywood base (like the butterflies). West Chicago needs another project similar to that. Theme could be protect our environment by planting a tree. • Beautiful woodworking • Children's Art • I would like to see the monuments we now have some form of info on it. Train at the Arc & train by Wilson St Bridge. ie artist, date history. Water fountain on main st • Stop worrying about lipstick on the pig and devote real effort and resources in fixing this town. • Recycle art • Art should not be limited Trunk-or-Treat candy wrapper art survey, October 2021 Master Plan-style survey question posed to attending children: What type of public art would you like to see in West Chicago? Options provided: Sculpture, Murals, Community Art, Interactive Art Results: Sculpture = 66 votes Murals = 49 votes Community Art = 73 votes Interactive Art = 53 votes Total = 241 votes Annecdotal findings: • Very valuable as an outreach effort • Kids were polite and excited to participate, understanding easily what was being asked of them and why • Parents seemed thrilled to have the kids asked • Both kids and parents expressed gratitude and commented on what fun it was to create art in such a way CAC Minutes.083123.DRAFT Submitted: H. Kuharich ===== PDF PAGE 8 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Public Art Survey Question 1  MULTIPLEMULTIPLE CHOICECHOICE Are you a resident of West Chicago? ANSWERS RESPONSES Yes 86% 100 No 14% 16 116 Answered 0 Skipped Question 2  LIKERTLIKERT SCALESCALE Please rate your level of satisfaction with West Chicago’s permanent public art. ===== PDF PAGE 9 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied 3 14 35 39 25 Permanent Public Art 3% 12% 30% 34% 22% 116 Answered 0 Skipped Question 3  LIKERTLIKERT SCALESCALE Please rate your level of satisfaction with West Chicago’s temporary public art. Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied Temporary Public Art 4 5 38 36 32 3% 4% 33% 31% 28% 115 Answered 1 Skipped Question 4  RATINGRATING Sculpture (freestanding three-dimensional piece) ===== PDF PAGE 10 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] ANSWERS RESPONSES 4 stars (4/4) 69% 72 3 stars (3/4) 21% 22 2 stars (2/4) 9% 9 1 star (1/4) 1% 1 104 Answered 12 Skipped 3.6 Average Question 5  RATINGRATING Mural (artwork applied to wall) ===== PDF PAGE 11 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] ANSWERS RESPONSES 4 stars (4/4) 74% 81 3 stars (3/4) 15% 16 2 stars (2/4) 6% 6 1 star (1/4) 6% 6 109 Answered 7 Skipped 3.6 Average Question 6  RATINGRATING Performance (music, dance, theatre, etc) ===== PDF PAGE 12 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] ANSWERS RESPONSES 4 stars (4/4) 46% 48 3 stars (3/4) 27% 28 2 stars (2/4) 15% 16 1 star (1/4) 12% 13 105 Answered 11 Skipped 3.1 Average Question 7  RATINGRATING Community (conceived and/or undertaken by community members under artist guidance) ===== PDF PAGE 13 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] ANSWERS RESPONSES 4 stars (4/4) 45% 47 3 stars (3/4) 31% 33 2 stars (2/4) 18% 19 1 star (1/4) 6% 6 105 Answered 11 Skipped 3.2 Average Question 8  RATINGRATING Interactive (installation that involves the spectator) ===== PDF PAGE 14 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] ANSWERS RESPONSES 4 stars (4/4) 40% 42 3 stars (3/4) 24% 25 2 stars (2/4) 24% 25 1 star (1/4) 12% 13 105 Answered 11 Skipped 2.9 Average Question 9  PARAGRAPHPARAGRAPH TEXTTEXT What other thoughts do you have about public art in the West Chicago community? ANSWERS DATE Language differences can be a barricade to friendships. Art has the potential to speak to October 13, 2024 at 11:39 pm  people that are separated by language while still respecting cultural differences. How can we find ways to connect people with art? Tough question. I think family, friendship, and communication are potentially unifying common-ground themes for art. Or American patriotism. The conversation could start with what we want the West Chicago “brand” to be as well as the goals. Of course the Hispanic community is a big part of our city’s demographic. Is it a goal to want non-Spanish-speaking people to shop, dine, and participate in activities in Wego rather than neighboring cities? Is it appropriate to focus on the Spanish-speaking ===== PDF PAGE 15 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] ANSWERS DATE culture as our target consumer base? Do we want to attract businesses that will build the tax base and not burden residents with high property taxes? And attract home builders? Is this kind of growth a goal or not? Or something else? Can art help create the brand we want? The railroad theme is associated with Wego history, but I wonder if it’s losing relevance. Should it be promoted more? This would be a part of the “branding” conversation. I experience Wego as a calm, peaceful, non-congested place to live with lots of open space. People are lovely, polite, family-oriented, but culturally divided by language. Diversity in life is a bonus. My thoughts are to define the positive sides of this fine city, the goals, the brand, then find ways to proudly display these through art for the good of all. I think what you guys have done has been great!! I think it is a super representation of our community. I like that you encourage and involve our community to share and participate. I October 13, 2024 at 10:57 am  like the banners, and I like how we embrace our communities diversity. It is a wonderful place to live. Mixture of the various cultures & celebration of history especially the impact of the railroad October 11, 2024 at 6:49 pm  Avoid the trite and cliche--like the "love evermore" sculpture in front of the library. Be conscious of appropriateness of size and placement: The "love evermore" sculpture is not only trite, but its small size and placement virtually against the wall of the library make it almost October 11, 2024 at 6:35 pm  invisible. Mural art should not look like faded graffiti, such as the Anni Holmes piece at Fremont and Washington does. Have a variety of styles evocative of the cultural range and history of the city: This not just a Hispanic community.. I love it all! October 11, 2024 at 5:49 pm  Murals that depict our railroad history. October 11, 2024 at 3:32 pm  Seasonal themes..... Spring Summer Autumn and Winter.. Paintings and Photography October 10, 2024 at 6:54 am  Collection Any other Artwork or Crafts. Not interested October 8, 2024 at 9:45 pm  I think the building across from Coco Loco would be a great spot for a mural. Also next door October 8, 2024 at 1:07 pm  to the thrift shop would be a good canvas as well. Utilize our beautiful parks with temporary displays! Reignite interest in Reed Keppler, and October 8, 2024 at 12:55 pm  draw interest toward lesser known/utilized parks like Easton and cress creek. While I appreciate the Hispanic culture in WeGo, can we please please put some focus on non-hispanuc residents? 100% of the art, stores and restaurants need NOT be all Hispanic and your community is FRUSTRATED! Have you ever considered dedicating time, money and effort October 8, 2024 at 10:22 am  to highlighting the actual history of this town; trains? Do you know how much tourism money that would bring in? DO BETTER WEGO GOVERNMENT! You are losing many of your residents quickly. And we will continue to go if we're not heard. Less Hispanic cultural items. We have plenty of that. October 7, 2024 at 11:01 pm  I'd love a mural with nature friendly theme full of flowers. Such as -Protect Pollinators (bees h butterflies). Plant Native Plants. Beauty in Nature. All would be beautiful and great photo October 7, 2024 at 8:08 pm  opportunities! ===== PDF PAGE 16 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] ANSWERS DATE We need to level up like some of our surrounding towns. We are making strives in improving, October 7, 2024 at 5:25 pm  but bring it up another level! It would be cool to have a billboard with a digital screen to show different types of artwork for October 7, 2024 at 4:33 pm  a variety of artists. The billboard could show video and animation from artists. Would like to see more theatre events. Maybe put the high school theatre for public theatre October 7, 2024 at 2:49 pm  events Community art is accessible and a wonderful way to beautify the community. Before settling in WeGo, my husband and I lived in Oak Park and OP provided opportunities throughout the year for students and residents to propose art installations throughout the community. Their efforts were resident driven (by accepting suggestions of location and design from artists October 5, 2024 at 9:37 am  themselves) which I think lead to more artwork throughout town and partnerships with building owners who were interested in beautifying the community. Artists see things differently, and I have a feeling if asked, the artist community in town would respond with some amazing ideas for permanent art installations or creative projects in our community. I feel that community art should reflect the entire cultural history of our community. We are more than just one culture here. Years ago, I remember having a German sister city. Maybe our (permanent) art could reflect all who have settled here, working with the West Chicago October 1, 2024 at 8:19 pm  history museum. Part of what I love about our community, is how diverse we are. It would be great if we could reflect that somehow in our public art, whether it be music, sculpture, painting, dance or interactive installations. I really appreciate the public art that exists in WC. I loved the Alebrijes, and I love the Olmec trail pieces and the permanent mural on the Gallery 200 exterior. The more color, the more cultural expression, the better! The temp installations are always amazing, but I would love to October 1, 2024 at 12:50 pm  see more permanent installations/murals up as well. I appreciate what this group is doing and would love to see more public art in West Chicago. I liked the haikus! September 30, 2024 at 8:50 pm  The more art the better September 30, 2024 at 1:18 pm  I’m in cornerstone lakes. I see downtown St Charles and Geneva Art often (murals, sculptures in public parks, painted fire hydrants). It’s uplifting and diverse. I’d love to see a wall September 30, 2024 at 10:53 am  downtown west Chicago for young people to do a mural. Our train station is cute and lots of people are there daily. Put art around there. More please! September 29, 2024 at 5:08 pm  Where is the railroad history? A mural of the trains and start of Turner Junction September 29, 2024 at 6:43 am  I wish the water tower had been used as a canvas for a vibrant piece of art since it is so prominent and located directly down town. It could have been an amazing beacon of September 29, 2024 at 5:43 am  personality for West Chicago. Missed opportunity there. More focus on children art/ideas. Include the true future of the community. Ex: scholarships September 28, 2024 at 2:59 pm  for the young artist(s)/schools I love the vibrant colors and aesthetic of Hispanic culture and heritage pieces. I wish that the September 28, 2024 at 1:47 pm  alebrijes and spirit animals could have been a permanent installation. I love the Olmec head ===== PDF PAGE 17 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] ANSWERS DATE sculptures, but the accompanying yard signs along the Prairie Path ("you found Olmec #15!") were confusing and I felt that they detracted from the beauty of the path's natural surroundings. I would love to see permanent public art installations downtown that cover/camouflage abandoned/neglected property and other eyesores. I would love to see permanent sculpture installations that are safe and welcoming for children to climb on, play with, and explore. Our downtown area is unique in that none of the downtown parks host playground equipment. Vibrant, colorful public art playspaces would reinforce our city's family-friendly profile. I sure would like to see art that features less Hispanic and more of other nationalities. September 28, 2024 at 10:48 am  It needs to be sustainable and fiscally responsible. September 28, 2024 at 6:03 am  Thanks for asking! September 27, 2024 at 5:52 pm  Community art is unifying. It should be funded by the city and by private donations. The should be oversight and direction to create art by the commission or create a new group to September 27, 2024 at 4:19 pm  raise funds to support visiting artists, community projects, and listing installations. Art can really help make a lasting good impression on a town. Since West Chicago is dedicated to butterfly habitats and butterflies are lovely to look at, I’d recommend using them as a theme. Perhaps one or two could be added to the water tower. And maybe businesses September 27, 2024 at 3:30 pm  could be given an incentive for incorporating them into their exterior designs. Perhaps Neltnor could be a butterfly corridor with some butterfly sculptures along it. They could do double duty by encouraging motorists to slow down and take in the scenery. banners on mail are nice...keep it up. Would like to see art that reflects the railroad history of September 27, 2024 at 3:07 pm  the community. Preferably wall mural done by professional mural artist in prominent location. I’d love to see more art kids can interact with. September 26, 2024 at 6:45 pm  More of it would be awesome! September 25, 2024 at 8:16 pm  Like art that draws attention to nature. Public gardens with walkways available around the city September 25, 2024 at 12:36 pm  would beautify it so much Its to "ethnic" The art seems to cater to the hispanic population. We are a diverse community, September 25, 2024 at 12:54 am  yet that is not how the area is portrayed. The hands, well, I have never been a fan.a I love public artworks in all forms. September 24, 2024 at 6:53 pm  I would like to see a project, possibly an outdoor project, that brings together the many different ethnicities and religions of West Chicago. In my neighbors there are African September 24, 2024 at 11:17 am  American, Indian American, Ukrainian and Asian Americans. Several different religions are represented as well. I think all types of art would be nice especially since West Chgo has become very diverse September 23, 2024 at 10:11 pm  I would like to see our rich railroad history represented. September 23, 2024 at 8:13 pm  I would love to see all aspects of our community highlighted. One example is that I saw the beautiful Mexican Heritage month banners. But it is actually Hispanic Heritage month. There September 23, 2024 at 3:53 pm  are so many other Hispanic cultures that are also unaccounted for. ===== PDF PAGE 18 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] ANSWERS DATE Vivrant art work like the one next to tampico grocery store , murals that depict the history of west chicago and its evolution that displays and conveys motivation to the youth and elders September 23, 2024 at 3:30 pm  one that can show how diversity is present in west chicago and it is embraced and coexistence makes west chicago a great place to visit.. Digital media art with new AI technologies, video art, and textile art will be amazing to September 23, 2024 at 2:14 pm  consider to exhibit too I want to see more street art like graffiti murals that represent the history of West Chicago. AND I want to see A LOT of HISPANIC CULTURE in these graffiti murals, because they make up September 23, 2024 at 11:29 am  most of West Chicago!!! MORE! Murals ON buildings! Not "hung" on buildings September 22, 2024 at 7:24 pm  I am friends with Chicano artists in Pilsen Chicago and Little Village. It would be wonderful to September 22, 2024 at 2:10 pm  bring someone to guide and collaborate with our community with public art. Geo’s art is colorful and full of life. Love to see it throughout the city! September 22, 2024 at 5:35 am  More variety of artists September 21, 2024 at 6:55 pm  Including the work of resident Giovani Arellano would be important. As he was be in the community since elementary school. His art is an inspiration to everyone and his work is September 21, 2024 at 6:35 pm  appreciated heavy on social media platforms. It’s important to highlight meaningful artwork form those who give back to the community I love seeing Fiendsco’s art around the downtown area September 21, 2024 at 4:34 pm  Art shared with a community is magical - it brings folks together and opens their minds to new possibilities. Truly, anyone's day can be made better by encountering a work of art as one girds up in the midst of doing their daily chores and feels a moment of uplift when seeing September 20, 2024 at 9:10 pm  something beautiful. As West Chicago residents (and, for that matter, anyone passing through West Chicago as they travel our byways) encountering moments of joy and grace makes all of us richer More in the neighborhoods like the haiku's and butterflies September 20, 2024 at 7:22 pm  So glad we have the art we do. Always good to have more! Hope we can find ways to September 20, 2024 at 5:11 pm  incorporate kid artists I think it would be nice to see colorful, playful, murals under the train track passage. And also September 20, 2024 at 4:28 pm  provide better lighting. While I appreciate the existing efforts, I believe there's significant potential to enhance the September 20, 2024 at 3:27 pm  area's character and appeal through the strategic integration of public art. As it stands, the downtown area lacks a strong artistic identity. By incorporating murals, mosaics, sculptures, and other creative elements, we can transform the space into a more vibrant and engaging destination. These artistic enhancements would not only beautify the area but also attract visitors and create a sense of community. Additionally, we could explore opportunities to incorporate art into the infrastructure of existing buildings. For instance, we could commission custom-designed facades, utilize artistic lighting, or create interactive installations that engage the public. I believe that by investing in these artistic enhancements, we can create a ===== PDF PAGE 19 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] ANSWERS DATE more welcoming and distinctive downtown environment that will attract businesses and encourage residents to spend more time in the area. We should be made more aware of both the permanent and temporary art as I didn't know about any of the temporary and only 2 of the permanent. We don't see or enjoy it if we don't September 20, 2024 at 1:41 pm  know where it is. N/A December 7, 2023 at 6:38 pm  58 Answered 58 Skipped