Efforts to revive the arts in Grundy County continue with committees being formed to begin the process of formalizing an organization that would help oversee that work.
During a meeting on Monday night at the Ketcham Community Center, individuals offered assistance to develop by-laws for the organization, which has yet to be named. However, a second group was charged with coming up with suggestions for what the organization will be called.
Phil Schlarb, who served as one of the coordinators of the initial meeting in April to gauge interest in reviving arts in the area, led the second session and reviewed steps to be completed for an official arts organization to be formed. Discussion centered on the establishment of by-laws and determining a name for the organization which, once in place, will allow the group to move forward to incorporate and become a not-for-profit organization.
Schlarb was able to obtain the by-laws for the Grundy County Friends of the Arts, which will be used as a guide to establish the by-laws to be followed by the new organization. A committee consisting of Jim Norris, Trisha Sharp, Dr. Tristan Londre and Katie Kinney will develop a new set of by-laws while a committee of Dan Maxey, Terry Toms, Tricia Key and Kim Cleeton will work on developing a name for the group. Diane Lowrey was appointed to serve as publicity chairman and share information with all media sources about the group’s efforts as well as future meetings.
In the meantime, Ms. Kinney will work with the Secretary of State’s office to begin the incorporation process, all of which can be done online. In addition to the by-laws and organization name, a conflict of interest policy will need to be drawn up as well as establishment of a board of directors (which will be included as part of the by-law process).
A meeting was set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 30 for the committees to have their information ready for consideration by the group and to hear any suggestions. Persons interested in being involved are encouraged to be at the meeting. The meeting place will be announced once a site is secured.
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