Crystal Lake, IL
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Responsibilities
The Public Arts Commission consists of seven Crystal Lake residents. The Commissioners are volunteers appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The Public Arts Commission is responsible for reviewing locations for the placement of art, reviewing pieces of art for potential display, and making recommendations for the City Council's review regarding artwork in Crystal Lake.
Mission Statement
To enhance and engage the community through cultural experiences where public art is transformative, accessible and flourishes. To promote opportunity for the creation, presentation, and appreciation of the arts which fosters a strong, inclusive, and cohesive community.
View the Public Arts Commission Strategic Plan here.
CALL FOR ARTISTS!
The City of Crystal Lake Public Arts Commission is looking for one outstanding artist to be featured at the brand new Water’s Edge art park. The selected artist will have four artworks displayed on four 7-foot by 10-foot mural panels (below) and receive an $800 stipend. See the flyer for more details. Email planning@crystallake.org for instructions on how to submit. Submissions must be received by Sunday December 21st at 11:59PM.
Community Art Map
Click on the image below to find public art in Crystal Lake.
Art Projects
Community Bench Project
Come explore the new art installation of Downtown Crystal Lake! Local artists, sponsored by our very own Crystal Lake businesses, have transformed everyday benches into stunning works of art. These benches will be throughout Downtown Crystal Lake from September 2025 to the summer of 2026. Take a stroll, snap a photo, and support the creativity in our community!
Congress Parkway/Exchange Drive Roundabout
The Public Arts Commission made a recommendation for the placement of a sculpture at the Congress Parkway and Exchange Drive roundabout (pictured below).
Mailing List - Sign-Up
Are you an artist or interested person looking to learn more about upcoming art opportunities or receiving notifications about requests for proposals? Please sign-up to stay informed!
Meetings
Public Arts Commission regular meetings are held the second Wednesday in January, March, May, July, September, and November beginning at 8:00 a.m. Special Meetings may be held at the Commission's request with notice posted a minimum 48 hours in advance per the Illinois Open Meetings Act (OMA), 5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.
Public presentation is allowed at all public meetings. Members of the public who intend to speak at a Public Arts Commission meeting are encouraged to contact City staff prior to the Commission meeting. Public presentation is limited to five minutes per person. The Arts Commission members are not allowed to speak or comment on the public presentation.