Fine Arts Commission

About

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. See more information about the Arts in Skokie.

Meetings

Second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m.
View the Village meetings calendar

Agendas and Minutes

Agendas and minutes are available prior to the meetings and are posted on the Village website. Minutes are available following approval.
View Agendas and Minutes

Members

Pamela Garbarini, Chairman
Jeff Rhodes, Vice Chairman
Michelle Beatrice
Mira Chander
Debra Hatchett
Pramod Joshi
Judy Levan
Doris Liberman
Sonya Osseny

Michelle Thomas
James VanOsdol
Vassilen Vasevski
Sharon Vicker
Ellen A. Waxberg

Liaisons
Ralph Klein, Trustee 
Meredith Gioia, Communications Manager

Fine Arts Commission Vacancies: 5

Interested in serving on one of the Village's advisory boards or commissions?

Online, Interactive Board Member Application

More Information

Awards for Artistic ExcellenceRobin Horwitz and Pam Garbarini (JPG)

Each year, the Skokie Fine Arts Commission invites individual and group nominations for the Skokie Award for Artistic Excellence, and considers presenting the award to one individual and one group who have made significant contributions to the arts in Skokie, including visual, musical, performing or literary arts. In 2022, Niles North Orchestra Director Jennifer Jennifer Page and Pam Garbarini (JPG)Page received an award, as Robin Horwitz and the Devonshire Cultural Center. The 2022 Skokie Awards for Artistic Excellence were presented at the December 5, 2022 Village Board meeting. Award judging criteria include visibility in the community, scope of artistic talents, other awards received by the artist or group and breadth of impact or number of people reached in Skokie and the entire region. Pictured at left is Jennifer Page (left) with Fine Arts Commission Chairperson Pamela Garbarini; pictured at right is Robin Horwitz (left) with Garbarini.

See more information about the 2022 Skokie Award for Artistic excellence as well as past recipients of this prestigious award. 

Students' Outstanding Artist Recognition (SOAR)

The Skokie Fine Arts Commission also sponsors the Students' Outstanding Artist Recognition (SOAR) annual student art show during the month of March, in honor of Youth Arts Month. From 1990 to 2020, the event was held at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. After a hiatus in 2021, the 2022 SOAR exhibition was on display at Oakton Community College. 

Skokie Through the Lens 2019/2020 - Faces of Skokie

The Skokie Fine Arts Commission initiated the Skokie Through the Lens (STL) community photography exhibit in 2014, with enthusiastic response from Skokie residents each year since.
The Skokie Fine Arts Commission is pleased to launch a new fall 2020 Skokie Through the Lens community photography exhibit, Fall in Love With Skokie. Anyone who lives, works or plays in Skokie is welcome to submit up to three photographs that capture a glimpse of fall in the community. A selection of photos submitted will be featured on the Village website in coming weeks.

While images of colorful fall trees and shrubbery are welcome, the commission encourages photos that also show people enjoying the fall season in all areas of Skokie. Images captured on both traditional cameras and phones/iPads are all accepted, and jpg files are preferred. All photos must include information about the location in the community where the image was taken, and captions are welcome but are subject to editing in part or in total. The exhibition will run through November 30, 2020, and images will be accepted until that time.

By submitting images the artist agrees to allow the Village of Skokie to use the images in other printed and electronic outreach materials. Parent/guardian permission needed for photographers under age 18. Images or requests for additional information should be sent to info@skokie.org.

See the 2019 Skokie Through the Lens "Faces of Skokie" exhibit.

View a video of all photos selected for the Skokie Through the Lens 2018 exhibit.

View a video of all photos selected for the Skokie Through the Lens 2017 exhibit.

View a video of all photos selected for the Skokie Through the Lens 2016 exhibit.

View a video of all photos selected for the Skokie Through the Lens 2015 exhibit.


Resources for Schools and Arts Organizations

The goals of the Fine Arts Commission include informing the community about the activities of organizations whose efforts advance arts and culture in Skokie.

  • 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.