West Chicago Named
'An Illinois Arts Friendly Community'

West Chicago, Illinois: November 20, 2007 – The City of West Chicago has been selected for Honorable Mention by the Illinois Arts Alliance and the Illinois Municipal League for the 2007 Illinois Arts Friendly Community Awards. The award recognizes the community as a model of how mayors and other municipal leaders can work with artists, art organizations and volunteers to improve the quality of life for its residents.  

“The designation of ‘an Illinois Arts Friendly Community’ is one of which we are very proud,” commented Mayor Michael Kwasman. “We have nurtured the arts in West Chicago through programs and exhibits at the City Museum as well as through initiatives like Gallery 200. We are committed to continuing the development of our niche in the arts.”  

The award comes on the heels of the City’s recent success with artXposium, a 3-day multimedia art experience that brought over 50 local, national and international artists to downtown West Chicago. Part expo, part symposium, artXposium revolved around art in its many forms. The event was organized by local resident and internationally shown artist, Anni Holm, and former Registrar of the West Chicago City Museum, Brian Reis. The goal of artXposium was to raise awareness and interest in an Artist in Residency program for the City’s downtown.  

“Tapping into our community’s vast talent and desire to promote the arts has rewarded us with dynamic art offerings and the growing reputation as a destination for the arts,” said Mayor Kwasman.

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