Illinois Valley Times

City of Ottawa Arts Committee met Oct. 6

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Call to order: 10:07 am

Motion to approve: Annette Barr

Second: Heather Pursley

Present: Amanda Weygand-Zehr, Tami Koppen, Ryan Searl, Heather Pursley, Annette Barr, Susan Burton (phone), Jocelyn Campbell (phone)

Public Comment: None

Agenda

Marble sculptures: The committee will table this until a later date.

Little Art Gallery: Tabled until a later date.

Paint the Town: Committee agrees it was a successful first event. 24 artists participated from 5 different states. Ideas for next year include designating a volunteer to assist with services, communicating with participants to better prepare for the elements, and visiting the artists to ensure they have everything they need throughout the day. Winners have been submitted to the city for payment. Payment for services rendered at the event is being arranged or have already been paid. The committee would like to make this an annual event with a modest application fee.

Poet Laureate: Committee members have reached out to Mayor Hasty to make a final decision.

Ray Paseka Lincoln Relief Sculpture: The Committee discussed the Lincoln sculpture challenges, including location and price. The committee would like to explore a commissioned piece for a specific location. Discussion is tabled until further notice.

Crocheted Sunblock: Tabled until next month.

New Business: New committee member discussion. Invite proposed member Jamie Neely to the next meeting.

Painted nutcrackers discussion: Quick call to artists to paint a set of nutcrackers in conjunction with the Chris Kringle Market. The committee voted to approve funding for nutcrackers. Nutcrackers will include Chris Kringle and Art Committee logos on the pieces.

Annette Bar motions to approve funding. Ryan Searl seconded, all in favor.

Lincoln Hats for Debate Days: The committee would like to be involved in the call to artists for 2026. Table discussion til next meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 11:39 am. Annette Bar motions. Ryan Searl second, all in favor.

https://cityofottawa.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10062025-605