PAL Board Meeting 04/30/08

Treasures Report

 

The current checking balance is $3,228.79.  Dick Splant memorial donations totaled $1,145.00 and Tod Schnowske's Art X2 fundraiser brought in $400.00 for the art league.  Tina asked that the board agree on an amount that the board can spend without prior approval.  The board agreed on the amount of $50.00.  A receipt is required for reimbursement no matter what the amount is. 

The board discussed whether a board member could get reimbursed for expenses if that member had to travel far or spend the majority of a day away from home to represent the league.  The board agreed that under very unique circumstances and with board approval first they may be able to receive reimbursement for expenses such as gas or lunch.

 

General committee news / planning

 

Majorie O'Dowd from Markym Interior Designs was in attendance at the meeting to inform the league about the Cavalcade of Homes that will take place this year in Plainfield June 28^th through July 30^th.  There will be 6 builders doing 8 homes.  The home that Majorie will be working on will have a casual family feel and they would like original art from the PAL to showcase in the home.  Installation of the work will take place in June.  Sheryl will put info in the newsletter to let members know about the opportunity.  Marjorie will also be able to view some of the members work at the gallery when the first "member's exhibit" goes up in May.  Sheryl also told her to look at our website to get an idea of some of the members work.

 

Tuesday night May 6^th PAL will host the AFA's board meeting.  Sheryl invited anyone who is interested in coming to join them.  She also mentioned that PAL is still in need of a delegate for the AFA and if anyone is interested in the position they should come Tuesday night to see what their meetings are like and learn more about them.

 

May 7^th Cindy Egizio's elementary students will be at the gallery for a field trip.  The field trip is to introduce them to art in the real world.

 

Leona Kelly will cover the May 8^th "open gallery".  The board agreed to keep promoting the open gallery a few more months to help it get more interest.

 

May 15^th Sheryl will be meeting with Amy DeBoni and Alex Harris to review PAL's business plan and presentation to the Village Board of Trustees.  Sheryl will relay more information later on what time and where.

 

The current exhibit of instructor's art will be removed some time between the 12^th and the 14^th so that the PNHS student exhibit can be hung and ready for the show opening on the 16^th. 

 

Plainfield Spring Fest starts Friday May 16^th at 5:00 in the evening.

 

On May 20^th Sheryl will be heading a meeting with Mainstreet Plainfield called "Merchant's Collaboration Meeting".  It's about ideas on how to become a better buyer.  It will be from 8:30 am to 9:30 am and everyone is invited to attend.

 

Plainfield Park District is planning an event called "chalk it up" on July 5^th from 5pm to 8pm in the PCHS parking lot.  It will be set up for 48 entrants and they would like PAL to provide 3 judges.  It is not approved by the high school yet, but plans are in the works.  Sheryl will put a note in the newsletter for Volunteers.

 

Settler's Part Art Fair has been cancelled for this year.  Sheryl recommends that we prepare a proposal for what our involvement will be for next year.  She plans to meet with the organizers again soon.

 

Gladys Fox Museum will hold its annual event June 16^th from 1 to 9pm.  It will only be a 1 day event this year instead of the 2 days it was held for in the past.  Sheryl will follow up on that and get the info in the next newsletter.

 

The PAL will soon start selling the members art that is on display at the gallery.  Each artist would need to complete a W-9 along with a release of liability.  We will also need a 3 part receipt book.  Joe may have one to donate, and if not, Sheryl will purchase one.  15% of the sale plus sales tax will go to PAL and 85% will go to the artist.  Only checks and cash will be accepted.  If the check is bad the board agreed that the artist incurs the loss and not the league.  All instructors will also be required to fill out a W-9.  Marge expressed concern about where the W-9's will be stored.  The board agreed to purchase a safety deposit box.   A motion was made and seconded to approve the selling of art and the requirement for all artists that have work for sale and all teachers to fill out a W-9.

 

The board approved the spending of $320.00 for the purchase of a storage unit and a water dispenser.

 

Sheryl announced that there are 5 people interested in teaching youth art classes.  Sheryl and Marge will set up an instructors meeting.

 

Business was concluded.

In search of beauty

Published in the Naperville Sun

April 24, 2008

Recommend

By KATHY MILLEN kmillen@scn1.com

Love at first sight may not always go the distance in a relationship, but it could be a great way to choose a work of art.

The good news is art lovers don't have to look far to find galleries and exhibits in the Western suburbs. In addition to those that sell reproductions of well-known art, local communities often spotlight the creative talents of both professional artists and home-grown amateurs. Organizations like the DuPage, Naperville and Plainfield art leagues operate their own galleries featuring rotating exhibits of members' work. Others, including the Aurora Art League, display their pieces locally in buildings open to the public.

» Click to enlarge image

DePaul student Aileen Decourcery looks at the Michael Piazza exhibit College of DuPage's Gahlberg Gallery.
(Brian Powers/Staff photographer)

» Click to enlarge image

Brian Powers / Staff Photographer Hozhoni Gallery owner Janet Smith talks with James and Annie Chao of Naperville about buying an authentic Native American print. Smith goes to reservations to find authentic pieces of Native American art to bring back to her gallery in downtown Naperville.

» Click to enlarge image

Brian Powers / Staff Photographer Authentic Native American necklaces are shown at the Hozhoni Gallery in downtown Naperville.

Establishing a showcase for local, original art brings a sense of pride to a community, said artist Fredericka Howard, of West Chicago. She saw that happen in recent years when West Chicago bought and restored the historic Ripley House Hotel, located in the city's downtown, and converted the first floor into an art gallery. Now in its third year of operation, Gallery 200 features the work of some 30 local artists as well as jewelry made by clients of The People's Resource Center, a nonprofit organization that assists DuPage County residents living in poverty.

"I've always thought it was important that neighbors know about (the gallery), that they know what could be done and could be proud of their town because of it," said Howard, a member of West Chicago's cultural arts commission. "For so many years we've been sort of a backwater community of the western suburbs. Now I think people are taking a bit of pride in the idea that we can afford a gallery."

Many local schools have galleries and exhibit areas that showcase visual and cultural arts including College of DuPage, Aurora University, Elmhurst College, Wheaton College, Benedictine University and Marmion Academy. In addition to the gallery at its Oesterle Library, North Central College is including the Gus and Connie Schoenherr Art Gallery as part of its new concert hall and fine arts center currently under construction.

Debbie Egizio, a former designer for decorating magazines and Home and Garden TV, opened The Beat of My Art in August. The Naperville gallery and gift shop features her own artwork as well as that of 20 local artists. Art, she said, does more than decorate a room. It makes life a little bit brighter.

"Design and art and anything creative is important to us psychologically, too," said Egizio, who teaches classes at College of DuPage. "I think it's important for us to have galleries and to be able to appreciate and share (art) with every generation." While Egizio offers a variety of works including paintings, jewelry, soaps, purses and three-dimensional pieces, other galleries have found a niche specializing in a specific type of art. Janet Smith, owner of the Hozhoni Gallery in Naperville, deals exclusively in Native American pieces. A judge for American Indian art shows, she is active in Indian charities and donates a portion of her sales to the Indian community. She travels frequently to the American Southwest and the Northern Plains to hand-select her inventory, which includes carvings, pottery, baskets, drums and her biggest seller - jewelry. Smith said these pieces, especially the jewelry, are more than objects of beauty. Like most art, they have a story to tell.

"More people appreciate the handmade quality of jewelry," she said. "There's not really anything like it. It stands alone in history and design. Many people embrace it as being part of our country's history."

Exhibit at Peabody Estate showcases art guilds’ ‘Best of Best’

Oak Brook Suburban Life

Thu Apr 03, 2008, 12:38 PM CDT

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Oak Brook, IL -

The Alliance of Fine Art presents "The 16th Annual Best of the Best" fine art exhibition at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook, from now through May 18.

It highlights notable local artists who have been recognized for their excellence. The exhibit will close with a public reception and award presentation from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18.

Established in 1962 in Oak Brook, the Alliance of Fine Art is a nonprofit professional association comprised of art organizations, leagues and guilds. Member organizations include the Addison Art Guild, Downers Grove Artists' Guild, Elmhurst Artists' Guild, LaGrange Art League, Lemont Artists Guild, Midwest Collage Society, Naperville Art League, Plainfield Art League, Ridge Art Association, Town and Country Art League and the West Suburban Artists Guild.

"This is the first year that the 'Best of the Best' will be held at Mayslake, and having 100 works of fine art featured in (its) elegant setting will be a memorable experience," said Nancy D'Agostino, who chairs the exhibit. Visit www.allianceoffineart.com for more information.

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Bolingbrook Reporter, 1101 W. 31st St., Suite 100, Downers Grove, IL 60515

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Press release for the Plainfield Art League Gallery & School ribbon cutting to be held at 11:30am April 15, 2008.

Nourish the artist in you 

Members and ambassadors of the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Plainfield Art League Gallery & School (PAL), a non-profit educational charity dedicated to inspiring and maintaining a common interest in the Arts throughout Plainfield and surrounding communities.  Our current membership includes residents of Plainfield, Naperville, Joliet, Bolingbrook, Lockport, Shorewood, Bridgeview, Romeoville, and Minooka.  PAL offers classes in pencil portraits, watercolor, pastel and colored pencil.  The current exhibit is comprised of work by all of our current instructors to illustrate their technique.  There is a general meeting for the board and committee volunteers the first Wednesday of each month and a demonstration the second Wednesday of each month open to the public.  The Gallery is open each Thursday from 1pm to 9pm for Member's Open Studio.  The next exhibit will be the PNHS Senior Studio Show.  The PNHS exhibit will be open to the public throughout Spring Fest.  All exhibits and events are held at 24114 W. Chicago Street, on the north side of the Village Green.  For more information on our classes and coming events, please visit our web site at www.plainfieldartleague.org, send an email to info@plainfieldartleague.org or call us at 815-436-4351.

Exhibit at Peabody Estate showcases art guilds’ ‘Best of Best’

Oak Brook Suburban Life

Thu Apr 03, 2008, 12:38 PM CDT

---

Story Tools: Email This |  Print This

Oak Brook, IL -

The Alliance of Fine Art presents "The 16th Annual Best of the Best" fine art exhibition at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook, from now through May 18.

It highlights notable local artists who have been recognized for their excellence. The exhibit will close with a public reception and award presentation from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18.

Established in 1962 in Oak Brook, the Alliance of Fine Art is a nonprofit professional association comprised of art organizations, leagues and guilds. Member organizations include the Addison Art Guild, Downers Grove Artists' Guild, Elmhurst Artists' Guild, LaGrange Art League, Lemont Artists Guild, Midwest Collage Society, Naperville Art League, Plainfield Art League, Ridge Art Association, Town and Country Art League and the West Suburban Artists Guild.

"This is the first year that the 'Best of the Best' will be held at Mayslake, and having 100 works of fine art featured in (its) elegant setting will be a memorable experience," said Nancy D'Agostino, who chairs the exhibit. Visit www.allianceoffineart.com for more information.

Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop of the President and the Board of Trustees held on Monday, February 25, 2008 at Village Hall

Mayor Waldorf called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were: Mayor Waldorf, Trustee
Racich, Trustee Vaupel, Trustee Dement, Trustee Fay, Trustee Lamb, and Trustee Manning. Also
present were: Chris Minick, Administrator; Jim Harvey, Attorney; Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk;
Allen Persons, Public Works Director; Jim Testin, Community Development Director; Traci
Pleckham, Management Services Director; Valerie Hastings, GIS Manager; Joan Meyers, Attorney;
and Don Bennett, Chief of Police. There were approximately 7 persons in the audience.
Trustee Fay requested a moment of silence in honor of the NIU shooting victims.
Trustee Fay moved to approve the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop held on
January 28, 2008. Seconded by Trustee Lamb. Voice Vote. All in favor, 0 opposed. Motion
carried.

PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS
Mayor Waldorf congratulated the planners of the C.W. Avery YMCA Extravaganza that was on
Saturday.

TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustee Lamb commented on the Plainfield Art League's open house.
Trustee Vaupel:
• Asked for a timeline for the Boulevard Project.
• Stated that at the last Committee of the Whole Workshop there was some discussion on
sending the School District a letter regarding the Village's position on a transportation facility
at 143rd and Route 59, and asked if a letter was sent. Administrator Minick stated that he was
not clear that he was supposed to send a letter. Trustee Manning indicated that he too was
under the impression that the Administrator was to send a letter.
Trustee Racich
• Stated that he recently returned from a trip to Slidell, LA, our Sister City. He delivered gift
cards from Target and Walmart. Trustee Racich thanked the Plainfield Quilting Bees for their
generous donation of 25 quilts to help the citizens of Slidell.
• Asked for an update on PEP.
• Stated that he recently asked to have a meeting with the School District. He would like to
have Trustee Vaupel and Administrator Minick meet with some representatives of the School
Board to come up with an agenda for a full board meeting, and asked the Village Attorney for
an interpretation on whether or not that is in violation of the Open Meetings Act. Attorney
Harvey indicated that if it was considered a subcommittee of the Village Board, it would then
be subject to the Open Meetings Act. Mayor Waldorf stated that he would prefer a meeting of
both Boards as a whole and that he has been in communication with Dr. Harper.
• Stated that the Plainfield Art League's Open House was wonderful.

 

full article: http://www.plainfield-il.org/documents/WS2.25.08.pdf Minutes Committee of the Whole Workshop – February 25, 2008 Page 2 ...
both Boards as a whole and that he has been in communication with Dr. Harper. • Stated that the Plainfield Art League's Open House was wonderful. ...

Plainfield principal's art show to benefit students, Art League

ThePlainfieldSun.com

 

April 4, 2008

Sun staff

Plainfield Academy principal and artist Tod Schnowske will show his newest work of art at 4 p.m. April 4 as part of a special event benefiting District 202 students and the Plainfield Art League.

Schnowske will unveil a 120-square-foot painting at the Edward Hospital Medical Office Building, 24600 W. 127th St. The work will be permanently displayed at the facility, which is owned by BremnerDuke Healthcare Real Estate.

In addition, 10 similar pieces, each about 16 inches by 20 inches, will be available for purchase for $100 each. The community is invited to attend the event, called "Public Arts, and Community Service ART x 2." The event will include entertainment and refreshments.

From the proceeds of the sale of the 10 pieces, the Kiwanis Club will receive $500 to be given to District 202 graduating students. The other $500 will go to the Plainfield Art League, which promotes art education and community participation in the fine arts.

After searching for five years for an "ambitious public art opportunity," Schnowske said he settled on Edward Hospital because art is therapeutic.

"Edward Hospital believes in displaying visually therapeutic elements such as fine art and large fish aquariums," Schnowske said. "Art is a healer, and it can be very motivational, inspiring and even act as a catalyst for socialization."

Schnowske joined District 202 in 2001 as a service learning coordinator. In 2004, he was named principal of Plainfield Academy, the district's alternative school.

He has a bachelor's degree in fine art from Northern Illinois University and worked for two years for a Chicago architectural firm before returning to school to pursue a degree in education.

"I have been passionately in love with the visual arts for as long as I can remember. Art is my salvation," Schnowske said.

Schnowske enjoys mixing mediums such as photography, projected light, graphic art, oil paints and found objects. His work features flowing colors and unique textures of paint.

"I paint in a free style that reminds me of flowing water," Schnowske said.

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