Joliet Arts Commission Meeting - May 20, 2026

On May 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers, the Joliet Arts Commission held its second meeting of the year. Six of nine members were present (Deborah Filotto, Donna Franks-Tapley, Tom Grotovsky, Ron Romero, John Simpson Jr., and Peg Stoiber); Debra Volling and Julia Russotti were absent. The meeting focused on electing leadership, addressing long-standing frustrations about the commission's role and lack of funding, hearing updates on new staff and summer programming, and discussing murals at local schools.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (2.18.26): A motion by Ron Romero, seconded by Deborah Filotto, to approve the February 18, 2026, meeting minutes was carried unanimously (6-0, with two absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• None were offered on agenda or non-agenda items.

Discussion Items

Election of Arts Commission Chair

• Commissioner Tom Grotovsky, the incumbent chair, agreed to continue after no other members volunteered. Commissioner Ron Romero noted the bylaws allow for re-election. A motion by Romero, seconded by Donna Franks-Tapley, approved Grotovsky as Chair (6-0).

Election of Arts Commission Vice-Chair

• Vice-Chair Donna Franks-Tapley expressed willingness to remain. A motion by Ron Romero, seconded by Peg Stoiber, approved her as Vice-Chair (6-0).

Staff Comments: New Arts Commission Members & Commission Direction

• Luke Gundersen, the new special events coordinator (started April 13), introduced himself and presented summer programming for City Square (e.g., workouts, dancing, farmers market, concerts, movies, car shows, drone show). He noted the official City Square dedication on June 18 at noon, inviting commissioners to attend.
• Recruitment: The commission has four open seats (with Peg Stoiber leaving and one member, Julia Russotti, never attending). Residency requirements allow non-residents with a vested interest in Joliet. Ann Sylvester, Cultural Affairs and Special Events Director, suggested sending an email to recruit applicants.
• Commissioner Ron Romero expressed strong frustration that the commission lacks a clear mission, funding, and projects. He stated, "We've got no funding, we've got no projects... it's kind of a nothing commission right now." He urged the group to define its purpose before recruiting new members. Commissioner Deborah Filotto echoed concerns about lack of a city council liaison, poor communication, and stalled initiatives like the public arts policy (developed by Romero and Stoiber).
• Ann Sylvester acknowledged the concerns and committed to actionable items: a report on grants, revisiting the public art policy, and improving communication. She created a task list including a meeting with the communications director for a social media presence, a meeting at City Square to activate artists, and a two-week deadline for answers on fundraising and sponsorship.
• Commissioner Deborah Filotto, a working artist, offered to donate her studio space and materials to get started, saying, "Sometimes you just have to do and apologize versus waiting for approval."

Murals at Hufford Jr. High and Gompers Jr. High School

• Luke Gundersen reported that John Simpson Jr. provided names of artists to Dr. Rouse (District 86) for the murals. Simpson clarified that the schools decided to handle the project themselves, involving students and local artists. The two new gymnasiums each have a wall for murals; Gompers is planned for summer 2026, Hufford for summer 2027. The commission may be invited to participate in painting.

Discussion of New Art Submission Guidelines

• Luke Gundersen is reviewing the public art submission guidelines and permitting process. He is also conducting a cultural asset review of existing murals and sculptures, using a 65-page document compiled by the commission. He is creating an artist registry (Excel list) to facilitate outreach.
• The Poet Laureate program (held by Uk Smart) was discussed. Commissioners praised his performance, noting he exceeded requirements. Ann Sylvester proposed extending his term by six months to a year while the commission redefines its mission. Commissioner Ron Romero supported extending him, and Commissioner Donna Franks-Tapley suggested expanding the program to other parts of Joliet.

Member Comments

• Commissioners thanked Peg Stoiber for her contributions. Stoiber expressed pride in the commission's work cataloging sculptures and murals, and in the public arts policy groundwork.

Key Outcomes

• Elections: Tom Grotovsky re-elected Chair; Donna Franks-Tapley re-elected Vice-Chair (both unanimously).
• Action Items:
  • Ann Sylvester and Luke Gundersen will set up a meeting with the communications director to discuss a social media presence for the commission.
  • A subcommittee (Deborah Filotto, Donna Franks-Tapley, Ron Romero, Luke Gundersen, Ann Sylvester) will meet at City Square to plan artist activation, especially for the smaller stage.
  • Luke Gundersen will provide answers within two weeks regarding the commission's ability to fundraise and seek sponsors.
  • Ann Sylvester will explore extending the Poet Laureate program and identifying budget funds.
  • The commission will continue to recruit new members via the city's online application; a recruitment email will be sent to commissioners.
• Next Meeting: No date set; the commission expects to receive updates before the next meeting (likely within 30 days).
• Adjournment: Motion by Ron Romero, seconded by Deborah Filotto, to adjourn carried unanimously (6-0).