Board recommends $4,843 grant for All Ways Art Gallery, citing community programs

Assistant Administrator Bechler introduced Patrick Marek, owner of All Ways Art Gallery, to discuss a Business Capital Assistance Program (BCAP) request at the Feb. 17 meeting.

Bechler explained the requested grant of $4,843.47 would cover security cameras, office equipment, tables and chairs, supplies for education classes and other items listed in the application. Marek said he views the request as a community benefit and said, "All Ways Art Gallery is home to the Fox River Grove Art Club, which currently has approximately 200 members." He described planned offerings including art classes, workshops, yoga classes and space rental for community clubs, and said gallery sales include consignment artwork and online ordering.

Trustees asked questions about items not included in the application (signage) and about the expected return on investment. Trustee Steve Knar said he likes to see measurable ROI and voted against the recommendation. Trustee Devin Hester moved to recommend staff prepare a BCAP agreement consistent with the grant guidelines for $4,843.47; Trustee Andrew Migdal seconded and the motion passed with five trustees voting yes and Trustee Knar voting no.

The minutes record the board's recommendation to prepare the grant agreement; staff was directed to draft the agreement for approval at the next meeting as part of the BCAP process.