The purpose of the Cultural Arts Commission is to:

1. Establish, initiate, sponsor, organize, and promote cultural and artistic programs and services for the enrichment and enjoyment of the Oswego community.
2. Build awareness of and participation in all the arts – visual, performing, and literary.
3. Continually add to the established public art collection.
4. Provide a diverse representation of superior quality artistic and cultural programs and events to serve all segments of the Oswego community, thus enhancing the quality of life in Oswego.

Commissioners:

• Chair:  Anthony Pastore
• Commissioner:  Karen Kulzer
• Commissioner:  Michelle Meyers
• Commissioner:  Kristie Vest
• Commissioner:  Katie Marter
• Commissioner:  Bridget Piekarczyk
• Commissioner:  Dana Rickard
• Commissioner: Charles Boudreau

Art at Village Hall

The Commission produces Art at Village Hall, a quarterly exhibit celebrating the work of local artists and offering local artists a venue for exposure of their work.  In 2021, the Village of Oswego Cultural Arts Commission developed a space in Oswego Village Hall to celebrate the world of local artists, offer artists a venue to showcase their work, and expose Oswego residents to the visual arts.

Oswego Area Hometown Art Exbibit: February 26 - March 31, 2024

Congratulations to the 2024 Artists who were selected to exhibit their work:

Kelvin Proano:  April 1 - June 6, 2024
Mary Wesa:  June 7 - August 15, 2024
Dreamscapes/Shannon Barr & Charlie Honn:  August 16 - October 30, 2024
Fox River Artists/Cynthia Conlee:  November 1, 2024 - February 21, 2025

2025 Call for Exhibits at Village Hall

The Oswego Cultural Arts Commission invites local artists and artist collectives to submit exhibit proposals for art to be displayed in Oswego Village Hall in 2025. Four shows will be displayed for an agreed-upon period of time. 

Village Hall exhibit space:

• Track hanging system suitable for two-dimensional art hung in two sections of the lobby. 
  • Section One: 17.5 feet wide by 8.6 feet high.
  • Section Two: 6.5 feet wide by 9.8 feet high.
    Limited display cabinet space for three-dimensional art:  Limitation of 4 inches by 4 inches.Fireplace and staircase landing: One large piece of framed art in each area.
• Limited display cabinet space for three-dimensional art:  4 inches by 4 inches or smaller.
• Fireplace and staircase landing: One large piece of framed art in each area.

Deadline to apply: November 1, 2024.
Work will be selected by the Cultural Arts Commission that highlights the diversity of artistic expression in Oswego. Works by both youth and adult artists will be considered. Artists should consider the public audience and setting of the exhibit when considering which pieces to submit for consideration.

Selected artists are not compensated for their work; however, artists may choose to submit work that is for sale and include pricing and contact information as a part of the installation.  Confirmed artists will be recognized at an Oswego Village Board meeting.

To submit artwork for consideration, complete the Art at Village Hall application, which includes a section to upload a proposal and/or images of artwork.

Contact Oswego Community Relations Manager Bridget Bittman with questions by email or at 630-551-2392.

For Artists

Are you an artist local to the Oswego area looking for opportunities to create and showcase works? The Village of Oswego Cultural Arts Commission offers space to local artists to display and participate in commissioned public art pieces.

For Donors

Whether you own a building that would make a great site for a mural, or an arts-oriented business that would like to sponsor cultural events for our engaged residents, there are many ways to support the arts in Oswego. To begin a conversation about ways you can support the arts in our community, contact Community Relations Manager Bridget Bittman.

Public Art Projects

Look Up Oswego- student art banners
May 2024-October 2024 
In early 2024, the CAC partnered with School District 308 art teachers to submit art to be displayed on banners on light poles in downtown Oswego. There are 87 banners featuring students from grades 5, 8 and 12. 
Note: Artwork will be returned to school art teachers in late October 2024. Please contact your student's art teacher directly to claim your artwork. 

Functional Public Art Bicycle Racks
May-present
In 2022, the CAC developed the concept of colorful public art with a dual purpose of securing bicycles. Constructed in metal, the six pieces each represent a different Illinois prairie flower. The art was installed in May 2024 at the northeast corner of Main and Van Buren Streets. 

Mural on Fox Valley Winery
2022-present
In 2022, the CAC commissioned an artist to paint a vibrant mural on the south side of Fox Valley Winery, 49 Main Street. 

Manhole Covers
2018-present
In late 2018, the CAC wanted to establish a permanent public art collection by initiating a request for proposals for designs for new manhole covers needed for downtown construction projects. Because the manholes were already needed for construction projects, the project allowed the Village to add to the public art collection without paying extra for material costs. In spring 2019, a selection committee chose a design by local artist Elizabeth Teitge, called Fox and Muskie, pictured right. For more details about this project see the announcement on our News & Announcements page.

Meetings