Skokie Fine Arts Commission

The Fine Arts Commission promotes interest in cultural and arts activities in the Village. Some of the responsibilities of the Commission include: promoting the work of private organizations and individual volunteers within the Village who are active in the fine arts, and encouraging the cooperation of public and private agencies as well as the general public, in supporting cultural enrichment within the Village.

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Students' Outstanding Artist Recognition (SOAR)

Click here to view photos from the 2011 SOAR reception at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.

The Skokie Fine Arts Commission also sponsors the Students' Outstanding Artist Recognition (SOAR) annual student art show at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.  Artwork is selected by the students' teachers and is on display during the month of March, in honor of Youth Arts Month.

Grants for Skokie Schools and Arts Organizations

The Skokie Fine Arts Commission offers two granting programs, one for Skokie schools and the other for Skokie Arts Organizations.  The 2011-2012 grants are more competitive than in previous years and some of the guidelines have changed.  Please review each application carefully.  To be eligible for either of the 2011-2012 Skokie Fine Arts Commission grants, all projects or programs must take place between May 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012.

If there are any questions about the new guidelines or required information During the application process, please contact Fine Arts Commission staff liaison Nick Wyatt at 847/933-8257.  There also will be a grant application review, hosted by Commission chairperson Andrea Siegel on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at Skokie Village Hall.

Grant Applications:
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2012.

• Click here for the Cultural Arts Grant application for Skokie Schools
  The Cultural Arts Grant for Skokie Schools (max of $500 per grant) requires the submission of a basic application and completion of program evaluation.  Skokie public and private schools who host professional visiting artists are eligible to apply for this grant.  Programs should have an emphasis on fine arts, music and dance while promoting cultural diversity.

• Click here for the Project Grant application for Skokie Arts Organizations
  Skokie not-for-profit arts organizations are eligible to apply for the Project Grant for Skokie Arts Organizations.  This grant is available in varying amounts, however, the organization submitting the application must make a matching financial contribution of at least 25% of the cost of the project.  Beginning in 2009, organizations that receive funding through the Village's Grant Programming Budget, schools and governing bodies with taxing powers are not eligible to apply.

Skokie Award for Artistic Excellence

Each spring, the Fine Arts Commission sponsors the Skokie Award for Artistic Excellence.  Details on the 2012 award process will be posted in early 2012.  The 2011 award was given to Edward Berger, longtime director of the Devonshire Playhouse.  To view the 2011 award application, click here.

The goals of the Fine Arts Commission include informing the community about the activities of organizations whose efforts advance arts and culture in Skokie.  Click on any of the following links to learn more about the arts in the Skokie community and State of Illinois.

Illinois Arts Alliance
Arts Alliance Illinois is a voice for the arts and arts education in Illinois.  Through advocacy, research and collaboration, the Illinois Arts Alliance helps give voice to a creative state.

Illinois Arts Council
The Illinois Arts Council provides links to pages with information on grants, program deadlines, meetings, an art fair directory and arts council publications throughout Illinois.

Commission size: 20 members
Term: Each member shall serve two years
Meeting date: 2nd Wednesday night

Fine Arts Commission Members

Andrea Siegel, Chairman
Sylvia Callistein
Mira Chander
Pamela Garbarini
Janice Goldstein
Amy Greenwood
Eva Gross
Debra Hatchett
Karyn Israel
Sonya Osseny
Myrna Gale Petlicki
Jeff Rhodes
Barbara L. Ruber
Hope Salmanoff
Judy Schutz
Maya Snitman
Sharon Vicker
Randie Von Samek
Ellen A. Waxberg
Liaison: Nick Wyatt