[PAGE 1]
Fine Arts Commission
January 14, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Village Hall - Conference Room D&E
1/14/2026 - Minutes
1. Call To Order
Meeting called to order at 7:03 p.m.
In attendance: Chair Blum Barish, Vice Chair Rhodes, Staff Liaison Gioia, Commissioners Amundsen,
Caplice, Chander, Levan, McReynolds, Morris, Osseny, Siegal, Sloan, Thomas, Thorne, Vasevski and
Vicker
Absent: Commissioners Crews, Joshi and Wood
1.I. Introduction Of New Commissioners - Clifton McReynolds And John Amundsen
Staff Liaison Gioia passed around a membership report for everyone to review their contact information.
Name tags will be ordered for the new commissioners prior to the next meeting.
2. Past Project Review
2.I. Artistic Excellence Awards - Crews, Chander, Morris, Osseny
Chair Blum Barish thanked everyone that was able to attend the Village Board meeting for the
presentation of the Awards for Artistic Excellence. All were in agreement that it was a great evening
and that there was a lot of joy in the room.
3. The Storefront
Staff Liaison Gioia shared that the Winter Market on Main opened last Sunday and reviewed the upcoming
events at The Storefront.
Gioia also shared that she has been interviewing muralists to paint the overhang on the front of The
Storefront. This is supported by the Public Arts Advisory Committee. Also looking into adding a community
engagement element to the mural project whether it be a workshop given by the artist about creating murals
during or after the project or a more hands-on brainstorming workshop prior to the start of the project.
This weekend, the east wall in the gallery room is having some of the drywall replaced and repainted due to
some minor damage due to a previous roof issue.
4. Fellowship - Sloan, Siegal, Levan, Vassilen
Commissioner Sloan began by reviewing the criteria for the fellowship and then revealed the four finalists
selected by the working group from the 37 applicants. She presented each of their project proposals and
the group discussed the merits of each. It was agreed that they were all very worthy. In the end, the working
group recommended one applicant and the commission voted unanimously to award the fellowship to Tim
Corpus and Rachel Molinaro.
Next steps: Staff Liaison Gioia will reach out to Tim and Rachel to congratulate them and to schedule for
them to meet with working group to discuss details of the fellowship. An invitation to a future FAC meeting
will also be shared.
Chair Blum Barish and Commissioner Sloan will write a letter to be sent to all applicants with a separate
version to be sent to the semifinalists.
It was agreed that a number of these proposals could still happen at The Storefront (ie workshops/classes)
outside of the fellowship and that that invitation should be included in the letter.
5. Pop-Up Art Exhibit - Sloan, Thomas, Caplice, Vassilen
Staff Liaison Gioia shared that Gabriella Boros has completed her review of the 50+ submissions for the
exhibit and has narrowed it down to 25 pieces (plus her own). She mentioned that she likes a lot of white
space and doesn't like to mash art into corners and near doorways. She aimed for a show that was varied in
terms of media and execution.
Commissioner Sloan passed around a sign-up sheet for volunteer shifts. In addition to the hours that the
exhibit will be open, we will need volunteers there for artwork drop-off, hanging of the exhibit and artwork
pick-up.
The opening reception will have champagne and light refreshments.
Still discussing the artist meet up- Staff Liaison Gioia will reach out to Libertad to see if there is interest in
offering beverages for sale and providing light catering paid by the commission.
The schedule for the exhibit is:
l 02/03 Artwork drop off
l 02/4-5 Hang the exhibit
l 02/06 Opening reception 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
l 02/07 Exhibit open 12-4 p.m.
l 02/08 Exhibit open 11-1 p.m., Thomas ukulele concert at 1 p.m.
l 02/14 Exhibit open 12-4 p.m.
l 02/15 Exhibit open 11-3 p.m.
l 02/20 Artist Meetup 6-8 p.m.
l 02/21 Artwork pickup 12-4 p.m.
6. Grants - Rhodes, Chander, Wood, Thorne
Vice chair Rhodes reviewed two questions regarding the new grant application.
1) Is the grant limited to arts groups and not-for-profits in Skokie? The agreement of the group was that
outside groups could apply as long as the programming was to happen in Skokie. A sentence stating that
preference would be given to Skokie groups will be added to application.
2) Can we provide the funds before they turn in the final report? The answer is yes. The group agreed that
we should provide 1/2 at the start and 1/2 after the final report.
7. Upcoming Projects
7.I. Student Outstanding Artist Recognition (SOAR) Exhibit - Blum Barish, Thomas, Chander, Siegal,
Joshi, Morris
7.II. Arts & Humanities Month
7.III. Handbook Review
8. New Business
No new business
9. Public Comments
Robin Horwitz from Devonshire Cultural Center was in attendance. A member of the staff will try to attend
meetings regularly to support the work of the Fine Arts Commission. She shared that the Devonshire
renovations are complete and that it is much better suited to art exhibitions now (more neutral).
10. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

[PAGE 2]
Fine Arts Commission
January 14, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Village Hall - Conference Room D&E
1/14/2026 - Minutes
1. Call To Order
Meeting called to order at 7:03 p.m.
In attendance: Chair Blum Barish, Vice Chair Rhodes, Staff Liaison Gioia, Commissioners Amundsen,
Caplice, Chander, Levan, McReynolds, Morris, Osseny, Siegal, Sloan, Thomas, Thorne, Vasevski and
Vicker
Absent: Commissioners Crews, Joshi and Wood
1.I. Introduction Of New Commissioners - Clifton McReynolds And John Amundsen
Staff Liaison Gioia passed around a membership report for everyone to review their contact information.
Name tags will be ordered for the new commissioners prior to the next meeting.
2. Past Project Review
2.I. Artistic Excellence Awards - Crews, Chander, Morris, Osseny
Chair Blum Barish thanked everyone that was able to attend the Village Board meeting for the
presentation of the Awards for Artistic Excellence. All were in agreement that it was a great evening
and that there was a lot of joy in the room.
3. The Storefront
Staff Liaison Gioia shared that the Winter Market on Main opened last Sunday and reviewed the upcoming
events at The Storefront.
Gioia also shared that she has been interviewing muralists to paint the overhang on the front of The
Storefront. This is supported by the Public Arts Advisory Committee. Also looking into adding a community
engagement element to the mural project whether it be a workshop given by the artist about creating murals
during or after the project or a more hands-on brainstorming workshop prior to the start of the project.
This weekend, the east wall in the gallery room is having some of the drywall replaced and repainted due to
some minor damage due to a previous roof issue.
4. Fellowship - Sloan, Siegal, Levan, Vassilen
Commissioner Sloan began by reviewing the criteria for the fellowship and then revealed the four finalists
selected by the working group from the 37 applicants. She presented each of their project proposals and
the group discussed the merits of each. It was agreed that they were all very worthy. In the end, the working
group recommended one applicant and the commission voted unanimously to award the fellowship to Tim
Corpus and Rachel Molinaro.
Next steps: Staff Liaison Gioia will reach out to Tim and Rachel to congratulate them and to schedule for
them to meet with working group to discuss details of the fellowship. An invitation to a future FAC meeting
will also be shared.
Chair Blum Barish and Commissioner Sloan will write a letter to be sent to all applicants with a separate
version to be sent to the semifinalists.
It was agreed that a number of these proposals could still happen at The Storefront (ie workshops/classes)
outside of the fellowship and that that invitation should be included in the letter.
5. Pop-Up Art Exhibit - Sloan, Thomas, Caplice, Vassilen
Staff Liaison Gioia shared that Gabriella Boros has completed her review of the 50+ submissions for the
exhibit and has narrowed it down to 25 pieces (plus her own). She mentioned that she likes a lot of white
space and doesn't like to mash art into corners and near doorways. She aimed for a show that was varied in
terms of media and execution.
Commissioner Sloan passed around a sign-up sheet for volunteer shifts. In addition to the hours that the
exhibit will be open, we will need volunteers there for artwork drop-off, hanging of the exhibit and artwork
pick-up.
The opening reception will have champagne and light refreshments.
Still discussing the artist meet up- Staff Liaison Gioia will reach out to Libertad to see if there is interest in
offering beverages for sale and providing light catering paid by the commission.
The schedule for the exhibit is:
l 02/03 Artwork drop off
l 02/4-5 Hang the exhibit
l 02/06 Opening reception 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
l 02/07 Exhibit open 12-4 p.m.
l 02/08 Exhibit open 11-1 p.m., Thomas ukulele concert at 1 p.m.
l 02/14 Exhibit open 12-4 p.m.
l 02/15 Exhibit open 11-3 p.m.
l 02/20 Artist Meetup 6-8 p.m.
l 02/21 Artwork pickup 12-4 p.m.
6. Grants - Rhodes, Chander, Wood, Thorne
Vice chair Rhodes reviewed two questions regarding the new grant application.
1) Is the grant limited to arts groups and not-for-profits in Skokie? The agreement of the group was that
outside groups could apply as long as the programming was to happen in Skokie. A sentence stating that
preference would be given to Skokie groups will be added to application.
2) Can we provide the funds before they turn in the final report? The answer is yes. The group agreed that
we should provide 1/2 at the start and 1/2 after the final report.
7. Upcoming Projects
7.I. Student Outstanding Artist Recognition (SOAR) Exhibit - Blum Barish, Thomas, Chander, Siegal,
Joshi, Morris
7.II. Arts & Humanities Month
7.III. Handbook Review
8. New Business
No new business
9. Public Comments
Robin Horwitz from Devonshire Cultural Center was in attendance. A member of the staff will try to attend
meetings regularly to support the work of the Fine Arts Commission. She shared that the Devonshire
renovations are complete and that it is much better suited to art exhibitions now (more neutral).
10. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

[PAGE 3]
Fine Arts Commission
January 14, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Village Hall - Conference Room D&E
1/14/2026 - Minutes
1. Call To Order
Meeting called to order at 7:03 p.m.
In attendance: Chair Blum Barish, Vice Chair Rhodes, Staff Liaison Gioia, Commissioners Amundsen,
Caplice, Chander, Levan, McReynolds, Morris, Osseny, Siegal, Sloan, Thomas, Thorne, Vasevski and
Vicker
Absent: Commissioners Crews, Joshi and Wood
1.I. Introduction Of New Commissioners - Clifton McReynolds And John Amundsen
Staff Liaison Gioia passed around a membership report for everyone to review their contact information.
Name tags will be ordered for the new commissioners prior to the next meeting.
2. Past Project Review
2.I. Artistic Excellence Awards - Crews, Chander, Morris, Osseny
Chair Blum Barish thanked everyone that was able to attend the Village Board meeting for the
presentation of the Awards for Artistic Excellence. All were in agreement that it was a great evening
and that there was a lot of joy in the room.
3. The Storefront
Staff Liaison Gioia shared that the Winter Market on Main opened last Sunday and reviewed the upcoming
events at The Storefront.
Gioia also shared that she has been interviewing muralists to paint the overhang on the front of The
Storefront. This is supported by the Public Arts Advisory Committee. Also looking into adding a community
engagement element to the mural project whether it be a workshop given by the artist about creating murals
during or after the project or a more hands-on brainstorming workshop prior to the start of the project.
This weekend, the east wall in the gallery room is having some of the drywall replaced and repainted due to
some minor damage due to a previous roof issue.
4. Fellowship - Sloan, Siegal, Levan, Vassilen
Commissioner Sloan began by reviewing the criteria for the fellowship and then revealed the four finalists
selected by the working group from the 37 applicants. She presented each of their project proposals and
the group discussed the merits of each. It was agreed that they were all very worthy. In the end, the working
group recommended one applicant and the commission voted unanimously to award the fellowship to Tim
Corpus and Rachel Molinaro.
Next steps: Staff Liaison Gioia will reach out to Tim and Rachel to congratulate them and to schedule for
them to meet with working group to discuss details of the fellowship. An invitation to a future FAC meeting
will also be shared.
Chair Blum Barish and Commissioner Sloan will write a letter to be sent to all applicants with a separate
version to be sent to the semifinalists.
It was agreed that a number of these proposals could still happen at The Storefront (ie workshops/classes)
outside of the fellowship and that that invitation should be included in the letter.
5. Pop-Up Art Exhibit - Sloan, Thomas, Caplice, Vassilen
Staff Liaison Gioia shared that Gabriella Boros has completed her review of the 50+ submissions for the
exhibit and has narrowed it down to 25 pieces (plus her own). She mentioned that she likes a lot of white
space and doesn't like to mash art into corners and near doorways. She aimed for a show that was varied in
terms of media and execution.
Commissioner Sloan passed around a sign-up sheet for volunteer shifts. In addition to the hours that the
exhibit will be open, we will need volunteers there for artwork drop-off, hanging of the exhibit and artwork
pick-up.
The opening reception will have champagne and light refreshments.
Still discussing the artist meet up- Staff Liaison Gioia will reach out to Libertad to see if there is interest in
offering beverages for sale and providing light catering paid by the commission.
The schedule for the exhibit is:
l 02/03 Artwork drop off
l 02/4-5 Hang the exhibit
l 02/06 Opening reception 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
l 02/07 Exhibit open 12-4 p.m.
l 02/08 Exhibit open 11-1 p.m., Thomas ukulele concert at 1 p.m.
l 02/14 Exhibit open 12-4 p.m.
l 02/15 Exhibit open 11-3 p.m.
l 02/20 Artist Meetup 6-8 p.m.
l 02/21 Artwork pickup 12-4 p.m.
6. Grants - Rhodes, Chander, Wood, Thorne
Vice chair Rhodes reviewed two questions regarding the new grant application.
1) Is the grant limited to arts groups and not-for-profits in Skokie? The agreement of the group was that
outside groups could apply as long as the programming was to happen in Skokie. A sentence stating that
preference would be given to Skokie groups will be added to application.
2) Can we provide the funds before they turn in the final report? The answer is yes. The group agreed that
we should provide 1/2 at the start and 1/2 after the final report.
7. Upcoming Projects
7.I. Student Outstanding Artist Recognition (SOAR) Exhibit - Blum Barish, Thomas, Chander, Siegal,
Joshi, Morris
7.II. Arts & Humanities Month
7.III. Handbook Review
8. New Business
No new business
9. Public Comments
Robin Horwitz from Devonshire Cultural Center was in attendance. A member of the staff will try to attend
meetings regularly to support the work of the Fine Arts Commission. She shared that the Devonshire
renovations are complete and that it is much better suited to art exhibitions now (more neutral).
10. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.