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

Fine Arts Commission Grants

The Skokie Fine Arts Commission is provided grant monies from the Village of Skokie funds to encourage, support and promote the arts in Skokie. Skokie organizations and public and private schools are invited to apply and a select number are chosen each year to receive funds to subsidize arts programming in the Village and thus improve the lives of its students and residents.

Learn more about the award process and how to apply.


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 moved to its new home at Oakton Community College. 

Skokie Through the Lens 

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.

See past years' exhibits and learn how you can submit your photos for consideration.

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.