===== PDF PAGE 2 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] WHERE HISTORY & PROGRESS MEET DRAFT CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, July 10, 2025 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 7:07 p.m. Roll call indicated that Chairman Kuharich and Commissioners Garcia, Gsedl, Plumlee, Renwick, Treudt, and Walsh were present. Also in attendance was Business & Community Relations Director Kelley Chrisse. 2. Public Participation Alderwoman Alcantar-Garcia introduced herself as the Alderwoman of Ward 1 who brought along colleagues (Rafael Vieyra and Sugeira Téllez) from Despertar Latino that has activities related to art and culture. Su & Rafael explained they have a virtual office and are looking to find a physical space in West Chicago. Rafael explained that the organization is only about 1.5 years old serving Aurora and West Chicago and offers three main services: Workers Center; Cultural – art, clay, paint, etc.; and Holistic Center – wellness. They work with Casa Michoacan in the community as well as other organizations and are coordinating the Mexican Independence Day Festival this year. Alderwoman Alcantar-Garcia expressed her desire to honor and uplift the community’s Latino history and heritage. 3. Approval of Minutes a. Cultural Arts Commission Meeting: May 1, 2025: Commissioner Walsh made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Gsedl, to approve the May 1, 2025 meeting minutes. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 4. Items for Discussion and Possible Action a. WeGo Full Steam Ahead Public Art Proposal: Acie Boyd with the West Chicago Parks Foundation provided an overview of the organization as well as the WeGo Full Steam Ahead Public Art project. The groups are looking to display artistically painted fiberglass train sculptures within the downtown to align with America’s 250 anniversary in 2026. This project is to honor the community’s train history and draw tourists. Mr. Boyd described how businesses could get involved and the connection to the City Museum with historical background that can be accessed via QR code. A passport is envisioned to drive traffic to the various locations, including the small painted sculptures that are expected to be within businesses. The sculptures will be put in storage for the winter where the Park District has agreed to store the trains. The organizers are asking the CAC to 475 Main Street T 630.293.2200 Daniel Bovey MAYOR West Chicago, F 630.293.3028 Illinois westchicago.org TiaINTERIMMessinoCITY 60185 ADMINISTRATOR ===== PDF PAGE 3 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] develop a catalog of artists for the sponsors to choose from. Once that artist has been selected, no one else can use that artist. Sponsoring businesses will be recognized on the sculpture with a plaque. Director Chrisse explained that the project is being brought forward tonight for the Commission’s review and recommendation to the City Council. The expected schedule for Council’s consideration would be both Public Affairs Committee and then City Council on July 21. Some consideration may need to be made regarding the end use of the sculpture. The intent by the group is to auction off the sculpture at the conclusion of the exhibit. It is anticipated that sponsors will be able to purchase their sponsored sculpture but the details have yet to be finalized. Commissioners did not have concern with developing a list of artists. The design would need to be flat on the sculpture. Commissioner Plumlee made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Renwick, to recommend approval of the WeGo Full Steam Ahead Public Art Project, as presented, with the following vote: Ayes: Plumlee, Renwick, Garcia, Gsedl, Kuharich, Treudt, and Walsh Nays: N/A The motion passed. 5. Other Business a. 2025 Art Banner Exhibit Status: Maps have not been printed but Commissioner Gsedl has created one. While there was discussion about if it makes sense to print them now, there was no direction provided. However, the voting part needs to be advertised more with voting ending on Labor Day. Director Chrisse to confirm the presentation of the People’s Choice Winner at the second meeting in October. b. 2026 Art Banner Juror Discussion (Red White Blue Theme): Chairman Kuharich asked for any recommendations for the juror. Commissioner Garcia recommended a history teacher from the high school and the Commissioners had agreed to ask Nick Caltigerone to tie into the 2026 centennial of the high school. Commissioner Renwick will reach out to Nick first and then would reach out to Lisa Willuweit, who is the humanities chair at the high school, if Nick is not interested or able to participate. Commissioner Plumlee suggested as an alternate option of Matt Wood from District 33. c. 2025 Arteculture Review: Commissioner Plumlee announced that 80 attendees for the reception and about another 200 in total from Blooming Fest. No sales were reported. Many artist visitors remarked that the renovated gallery is an impressive space. d. 2025 Hokusai Updates: Commissioner Plumlee reported that 22 artists for printmaking are now on display at 200 Main St with the reception on Saturday. Richard Lo, artist for the Hokusai mural, remarked how welcoming the artist community is in West Chicago. Commissioner Renwick reported that the Hokusai workshops are seeing incredible sign-ups. 475 Main Street T 630.293.2200 Daniel Bovey MAYOR West Chicago, F 630.293.3028 Illinois westchicago.org TiaINTERIMMessinoCITY 60185 ADMINISTRATOR ===== PDF PAGE 4 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] e. 2025 Loteria Updates: This will be the third year of Loteria, which was started as part of the pop art Warhol exhibit. Two artists were added last year and two more have been added this year. The next step is to scan the new artwork and the originals will be given back to the artists. Commissioner Garcia will design this year’s board. Businesses will need to be contacted to participate and display artwork. Loteria artwork will be installed around MID and taken down after Day of the Dead. The cards will need to be posted online. Prizes are included for those that participate. f. Murals/Long-term Projects: Commissioner Gsedl suggested that the Masonic Lodge building would be a good place for a mural. Chairman Kuharich explained that the Tampico mural was not intended to be replaced. There was a discussion about illuminating the downtown murals at night, perhaps solar might be worth pursuing. There was general discussion that the murals installed last year would be replaced at some point in the next year or two with new artwork by a different artist. Alderwoman Alcantar-Garcia has a muralist that she would recommend for future artwork. g. Public Art Master Plan Status: Prefer Cultural Arts Master Plan but may need to clarify roles. Director Chrisse will work with Chairman Kuharich on getting the update for the commission role for discussion at the August meeting. 6. Adjournment Commissioner Gsedl made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Commissioner Renwick. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Kelley Chrisse, Business & Community Relations Director 475 Main Street T 630.293.2200 Daniel Bovey MAYOR West Chicago, F 630.293.3028 Illinois westchicago.org TiaINTERIMMessinoCITY 60185 ADMINISTRATOR