Arts Commission, 07 May 2026: Approving the FY2026-27 Spending Plan
The commission will allocate its $10,000 FY2026-27 appropriation and approve an annual events calendar running through April 30, 2027.
Key items
- FY2026-27 Spending Plan — How the commission divides its $10,000 budget (account #11-1110-599-05) determines which arts programs get funded this fiscal year.
- Annual Events Calendar — Approval locks in the schedule of public arts events through April 30, 2027, affecting program planning and community access.
- Upcoming Event Planning — Logistics and budget decisions for seven events—including Chalk Up Northbrook, Paint Northbrook, and the 48-Hour Film Festival—will be assigned at this meeting.
- Flamingo Friday Brochure — A vote on the brochure design sets the commission's public-facing marketing approach for one of Northbrook's recurring community events.
Full agenda — click any item to expand
Minutes Approval
The commission will consider approving the minutes from its April 9, 2026 meeting.
Village Staff Update
Staff will present an update on items of interest to the commission.
Post-Event Review: Northbrook Originals Artist Reception
The commission will debrief on the Northbrook Originals Artist Reception held April 30, 2026.
Arts Commission Annual Calendar of Events
The commission will discuss and vote on its calendar of events covering the fiscal year through April 30, 2027.
FY2026-27 Spending Plan
The commission will decide how to allocate its adopted $10,000 appropriation for FY2027 (May 1, 2026–April 30, 2027), drawn from Village legislative operating budget account #11-1110-599-05. All expenditures must comply with Village budget and procurement policies and are subject to review by the Village Manager and Village Attorney.
Upcoming Event Planning
The commission will discuss logistics, expenses, marketing, and staffing responsibilities for the Plein Air Photo Competition, a Flower Arranging Event, Chalk Up Northbrook, Paint Northbrook, the 48-Hour Film Festival, upcoming Library Art Displays, and events tied to the Village's 125th anniversary.
Marketing Material: Brochure for Flamingo Friday
The commission will review and consider approving a proposed brochure design and content for use when tabling at Flamingo Friday.
Announcements and Discussion
The commission will take up any additional items not listed on the agenda.
What actually happened
Arts Commission, 07 May 2026: Summer Events and New Commissioners Shape Commission Plans
The Northbrook Arts Commission held its May meeting, welcoming three newly appointed members and advancing plans for a full slate of summer and fall public art events.
New Commissioners and FY26-27 Budget Framework
Staff Liaison Emilia Talar welcomed newly appointed Commissioners Matt Fera, David Harris, and Dee Gvozden. Talar also noted that the new FY26-27 fiscal budget took effect May 1, 2026, giving the commission a $10,000 spending plan that must comply with Village budget policies. Discussion and formal approval of both the annual calendar and the spending plan were deferred to the June 4, 2026, meeting, with Talar specifying that Chalk Up Northbrook should be included in the plan.
Post-Event Review: Northbrook Originals Artist Reception
Chair Bondy reported greater artist participation in the Northbrook Originals show compared to last year and suggested that future editions include more space for 3D artwork. The commission reached consensus to confirm reception timing with the Library before releasing the artist application form, and Commissioner Wolf suggested planning a more elegant reception for next year.
Upcoming Events: Flower Arranging, Plein Air, and More
The commission reviewed several upcoming events. A Flower Arranging Event is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 1–3 p.m. at the Village Green Gazebo, with a $50 entry fee going directly to the vendor and light refreshments provided; Staff Liaison Talar will prepare a Village Sponsored Event Agreement. A Plein Air Photo Competition is targeted for June 2026. Chair Bondy said he would follow up with Commissioner Schwartz on leading Chalk Up Northbrook and with Commissioner Kambach on Paint Northbrook.
48-Hour Film Festival Update
Commissioner Fera presented a draft festival packet for the 48hr Film Festival, which will be shared with Village Attorneys. The packet is set to be distributed to participants on September 18, 2026, at noon. The commission discussed whether to include a theme or universal prop and noted that judges will be needed to review submitted work.
Village 125th Anniversary Tie-In
The commission discussed participating in events tied to the Village's 125th Anniversary. Commissioner Yohe confirmed she will table at the Flamingo Friday Kickoff on June 5, 2026, with Commissioners Fera and Gvozden assisting. The commission also reached consensus to incorporate the 125th Anniversary theme into the October/November Library Artist in Residence show, with information due to the Library by June 5, 2026.
Marketing Brochure Approved
Commissioner Shavitz presented an updated Arts Commission brochure intended for distribution at the June 5 Flamingo Friday Kickoff. The commission voted 10-0 to approve the brochure with amendments.
Read the official documents
{
"card_hook": "Northbrook Arts Commission locks in June 14 Flower Arranging Event at Village Green Gazebo and eyes September 48hr Film Festival launch.",
"key_items": [
{
"title": "Flower Arranging Event – June 14",
"why_matters": "Residents can attend a public arts event at the Village Green Gazebo on June 14, with a $50 vendor fee and light refreshments."
},
{
"title": "48-Hour Film Festival – September 2026",
"why_matters": "A community film festival is in planning, with participant packets going out September 18 and volunteer judges still needed."
},
{
"title": "FY26-27 $10,000 Spending Plan Deferred to June",
"why_matters": "How the commission allocates its $10,000 annual arts budget, including Chalk Up Northbrook, will be decided at the June 4 meeting."
},
{
"title": "125th Anniversary Arts Programming",
"why_matters": "The commission is weaving Northbrook's 125th Anniversary into public events and a fall Library art show, expanding the celebration's reach."
},
{
"title": "Three New Commissioners Seated",
"why_matters": "Matt Fera, David Harris, and Dee Gvozden joined the commission, expanding its capacity to plan and staff public arts events."
}
]
}