Kane County Reporter

City of Elgin Cultural Arts Commission met April 12.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

A. Call to Order: 6:14pm

B. Roll Call:

a. Commissioners Forsythe, Richmond, Einterz, and Rende present. Chairwoman Rehberg present. Staff Harris and Wilhelmi present. Councilwoman Powell present.

C. Citizen’s Forum:

a. Sarah Hunt, Individual Artist Grant Application

i. John LaFleur also present.

ii. Presenting an application for the Elgin Community Gardens Art Programming for 2021. The funds would enable the East Side Community Garden and the Gifford Park Neighborhood complete three projects that continue to bring the community together. These projects are installing 4 artist rendered birdhouses and the creation of 30 more, hosting 2 concerts onside at the garden plots, and participating in the ‘follow Imago brick road’ project. This project also encourages the community to be outside and utilize the garden space while being with their community members in a safe way during Covid. These programs are open and available to all with no participation fees. The birdhouses will be created by the Elgin Area Men’s Shed and are made from 100% salvaged materials. The programming at the gardens continues to occur and includes planting days and art days. The ‘follow the Imago brick road’ project falls into that category. To date over 170 of the bricks have been distributed and will be displayed at the Elgin Farmer’s Market and available for a donation.

D. Staff Report:

a. Financial Report:

i. Final Black History Month charges have been processed.

ii. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant will be applied for the Hemmens.

b. Hemmens:

i. A few private talent competitions were in and those went well to ensure social distancing and capacity limits.

ii. High speed internet has been installed and so far, the renters are very happy with that capability which allows them to stream.

iii. Exhibition Hall is undergoing some technology upgrades to better enable the space for performances.

iv. Children’s Theatre of Elgin is currently on stage rehearsing for a taping of “School House Rock.” Dance schools will be in house again later for small private showcases later this month and next.

c. Art Showcase:

i. The space remains closed with communication to the renters continuing along with regular maintenance.

d. Approval of March Minutes:

i. Motion to approve March Minutes by Commissioner Einterz. Seconded by Commissioner Richmond. Approved by a vote of 3-0-3 with Chairwoman Powell, Commissioners Rende, and Forsythe abstaining.

E. Old Business

a. 2021 ECAC Projects:

i. Making Space

1. Artist selection will occur soon. Documentary scouting is under way. A second t shirt fundraiser will go live soon. Several grants applied for and we are awaiting responses.

ii. Going Dutch

1. Festival will occur largely outside and virtual. More updates soon. The events will take place in June.

iii. Shakespeare in the Park

1. No update.

iv. Juneteenth Celebration

1. The African American Coalition of Kane County, who sponsors the event, will do a parade using the African flags on June 19th. Details are being finalized now.

2. Chairwoman Rehberg noted that if possible, brown bag art kit distribution could be included.

v. Elgin Summer Theater

1. Working with Up and Coming Theatre to nail down some schedule information. The performance will very likely be outdoor, but much depends on the Covid restrictions. The show will be “Nunsense.” It is a simple show with a small cast.

vi. Elgin Fringe Festival

1. The accepted artists will be announced soon. The festival will be virtual, indoor, and outdoor pending the Covid situation. It will be about half the performances and will include international artists.

vii. Elgin Short Film Festival

1. The call for films is live. Mike Toomy will be back as the emcee.

F. Other Old Business:

a. Call for Art update

i. So far, we have a total of 19 applications, both from artists and neighborhoods.

b. Grant Review

i. Research on the possible changes to the existing grant programs continues.

c. Outreach Committee update:

i. There is a feeling that there may be some local competition to develop contacts in the arts in Elgin amongst those from outside of Elgin.

G. New Business:

a. Sarah Hunt, Individual Artist Grant

i. Some Commissioners noted that they liked the application but only benefits Gifford Park, while also noted that the Farmer’s Market collaboration served more areas and that the gardens have participants from all over. Commissioners noted it would be nice to have the artists paint all of the bird houses rather than just 4, while some were happy that there would be plain ones available. Commissioners noted that they were happy to see that the artists are being paid.

ii. Motion to approve the Individual Artist Grant in the amount of $1,000 by Commissioner Einterz. Seconded by Councilwoman Powell. Approved by a vote of 6-0.

H. Adjournment:

a. Motion to Adjourn by Commissioner Rende. Seconded by Commissioner Richmond. Approved by a vote of 6-0.

https://il-elgin4.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/7307