Formation of new art group takes step forward in Elmhurst

A new public arts group is moving closer to reality in Elmhurst.

Alderman who sit on the public affairs and safety committee on Monday adopted a report recommending the city create a public arts commission of nine members appointed by Mayor Steven Morley. It's the latest sign that momentum is building around the proposal spearheaded by Alderman Marti Deuter.

The head of the Elmhurst Art Museum already has pledged staff support if the commission is established. Supporters of the idea also have received "enthusiastic and positive" feedback from the Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst College and City Centre, among other organizations, according to the committee's report.

The city council is expected to review the proposal at a meeting May 7 but likely won't make a final decision until later next month.

Deuter and others envision the commission as the official promoter of the city's public art collection and as a developer of new installations. The commission's proposed mission statement says as much, charging the group with working to "utilize public art to improve the business climate and aesthetic appeal of the city."

If the city council gives the go-ahead, the commission first would be tasked with creating an inventory of the city's existing artwork.

Sculptures outside the Elmhurst Art Museum and city hall undoubtedly would make that catalog. The report also cites an Elmhurst College collection - boasting more than 80 pieces, including Imagist and abstract art - as evidence of the city's "significant cultural assets."

"We have a lot of really significant pieces of art that are available to be seen by the public," Deuter said last month. "But we don't draw as much attention to it as I think we could."

To better call attention to those pieces and draw art aficionados to Elmhurst, the commission would work with Explore Elmhurst and other civic groups to create promotional materials for the city's public art.

Commission members also would find sites for new permanent installations and would develop a plan for such a project. That could involve seeking proposals from artists, reviewing submissions and recommending a selection. The public affairs and safety committee would ultimately approve permanent displays.

The commission also would facilitate fundraising to offset any city costs related to an installation project.

• Daily Herald staff writer Robert Sanchez contributed to this report