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Item #5.C.
Recognizing October 2026 as
Arts & Humanities Month in West Chicago

WHEREAS, October is recognized nationally as Arts & Humanities Month, celebrating artists, performers, historians, and cultural organizations that enrich our lives, preserve our heritage, and unite communities; and
WHEREAS, West Chicago is a community of makers and artists supported by the City's Cultural Arts Commission, the City Museum's preservation of local history, and partnerships with organizations such as People Made Visible, which operates Gallery 200; and
WHEREAS, West Chicago's performing arts community includes WeGo Community Theater at the Wheaton Academy Fine Arts Center and live music at The Shell at Reed-Keppler Park, West Chicago Social Club, and other local venues; and
WHEREAS, public art enhances West Chicago's identity through the downtown Art Trail murals, the City's sponsorship of a painted train sculpture in the WeGo Full Steam Ahead initiative, and planned public art through the Downtown Modernization & Beautification Project; and
WHEREAS, West Chicago celebrates creativity through Chalk the Walk at Blooming Fest, arts programming at Mosaic Market, the America 250 Art Banner Exhibit, and the artistic transformation of a historic fountain basin, encouraging community participation in the arts; and
WHEREAS, the arts attract visitors, support local businesses, enhance public spaces, and contribute an estimated $8 billion in economic output throughout DuPage County; and
WHEREAS, Arts DuPage celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026 as the Champion of the Arts in DuPage County, advancing arts and culture through advocacy, education, and collaboration;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Daniel Bovey, Mayor of the City of West Chicago, do hereby proclaim October 2026 as Arts & Humanities Month in West Chicago, celebrating the makers, artists, performers, historians, and cultural organizations that enrich our community and encouraging all residents to participate in the arts and cultural experiences that contribute to our City's unique identity and vitality.
APPROVED this 19th day of October 2026.
Daniel Bovey, Mayor
[Unsigned signature line; City seal. This is the proposed proclamation included in the pre-meeting packet.]