[PAGE 1]
Fine Arts Commission
February 11, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Village Hall - Conference Room D&E
2/11/2026 - Minutes
1. Call To Order
Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m.
In attendance: Chair Blum Barish, Vice Chair Rhodes, Staff Liaison Gioia and Commissioners Amundsen,
Caplise, Joshi, Levan, McReynolds, Morris, Osseny, Sloan, Thomas, Vasevski and Vicker. Katherine
Robinson was in attendance representing Devonshire Cultural Center.
2. Past Project Review
3. The Storefront
Sarah Goone of Radiant Eye Studio has been selected to paint the mural on the fascia of The Storefront.
Weather permitting, work will begin April 8 and extend through April 13. A 1.5 hour workshop will be offered
on April 11 which will include an artist's talk about her process and then a hands-on mural design session
for attendees.
3.I. Pop-Up Art Exhibit - Sloan, Thomas, Caplice, Vassilen
The opening was very successful. Attendees expressed gratitude that the Village has provided this
opportunity and space for artists. Commissioner Sloan mentioned that it was suggested that artists be
provided nametags so that they could be identified. Also, make it more evident in future calls for
submissions that artists can "live OR work in Skokie" for this exhibit.
3.II. Fellowship - Sloan, Siegal, Levan, Vassilen
The Fellowship working group met with Rachel and Tim last week to review their plans.
They have submitted their paperwork and a check for 1/2 of the total monies will be distributed in the
coming weeks.
Tentative dates:
l Monday nights space reserved for rehearsals
l 4/2 - Artist Roundtable 6-8 pm
l 5/7 - Hands-on Community Event 6-8 pm
l 5/25-5/29 - Tech Week (no other programming in space)
l 5/29-30 - Performances
4. Grants - Rhodes, Chander, Wood, Thorne
Grant form is being created and tested. Plan is to begin promoting in The Scoop on 2/17
5. New Business
Chair Blum Barish shared that the library asked that we contribute something to their time capsule. A flyer
with details was distributed to all members with instructions to brainstorm and bring ideas to next meeting.
Commissioner Osseny asked if we can discuss the possibility of another FAC storytelling event at a future
meeting.
6. Public Comments
Katherine Robinson from Devonshire Cultural Center shared that their current exhibit is Carnivale. An artists
reception is scheduled for 2/21 from 2-4 pm.
7. Student Outstanding Artist Recognition (SOAR) Exhibit - Blum Barish, Thomas, Chander, Siegal, Joshi,
Morris
There are currently 21 schools scheduled to participate. Bags with certificates, stickers and invitations to
the reception were put together.
Staff liaison Gioia mentioned that the Commission was asked to consider returning to the North Shore
Center for Performing Arts for future years. This would provide more exposure to the public and may allow
for an artist talk or presentations in one of the theatres. Discussion will be put on the agenda for a meeting
after this year's exhibit has concluded.
8. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm

[PAGE 2]
Fine Arts Commission
February 11, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Village Hall - Conference Room D&E
2/11/2026 - Minutes
1. Call To Order
Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m.
In attendance: Chair Blum Barish, Vice Chair Rhodes, Staff Liaison Gioia and Commissioners Amundsen,
Caplise, Joshi, Levan, McReynolds, Morris, Osseny, Sloan, Thomas, Vasevski and Vicker. Katherine
Robinson was in attendance representing Devonshire Cultural Center.
2. Past Project Review
3. The Storefront
Sarah Goone of Radiant Eye Studio has been selected to paint the mural on the fascia of The Storefront.
Weather permitting, work will begin April 8 and extend through April 13. A 1.5 hour workshop will be offered
on April 11 which will include an artist's talk about her process and then a hands-on mural design session
for attendees.
3.I. Pop-Up Art Exhibit - Sloan, Thomas, Caplice, Vassilen
The opening was very successful. Attendees expressed gratitude that the Village has provided this
opportunity and space for artists. Commissioner Sloan mentioned that it was suggested that artists be
provided nametags so that they could be identified. Also, make it more evident in future calls for
submissions that artists can "live OR work in Skokie" for this exhibit.
3.II. Fellowship - Sloan, Siegal, Levan, Vassilen
The Fellowship working group met with Rachel and Tim last week to review their plans.
They have submitted their paperwork and a check for 1/2 of the total monies will be distributed in the
coming weeks.
Tentative dates:
l Monday nights space reserved for rehearsals
l 4/2 - Artist Roundtable 6-8 pm
l 5/7 - Hands-on Community Event 6-8 pm
l 5/25-5/29 - Tech Week (no other programming in space)
l 5/29-30 - Performances
4. Grants - Rhodes, Chander, Wood, Thorne
Grant form is being created and tested. Plan is to begin promoting in The Scoop on 2/17
5. New Business
Chair Blum Barish shared that the library asked that we contribute something to their time capsule. A flyer
with details was distributed to all members with instructions to brainstorm and bring ideas to next meeting.
Commissioner Osseny asked if we can discuss the possibility of another FAC storytelling event at a future
meeting.
6. Public Comments
Katherine Robinson from Devonshire Cultural Center shared that their current exhibit is Carnivale. An artists
reception is scheduled for 2/21 from 2-4 pm.
7. Student Outstanding Artist Recognition (SOAR) Exhibit - Blum Barish, Thomas, Chander, Siegal, Joshi,
Morris
There are currently 21 schools scheduled to participate. Bags with certificates, stickers and invitations to
the reception were put together.
Staff liaison Gioia mentioned that the Commission was asked to consider returning to the North Shore
Center for Performing Arts for future years. This would provide more exposure to the public and may allow
for an artist talk or presentations in one of the theatres. Discussion will be put on the agenda for a meeting
after this year's exhibit has concluded.
8. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm