Glenview Art League 'Inspired' To Receive Cook County Grant: President

GLENVIEW, IL — Earlier this week, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced 14 local nonprofit organizations are receiving Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking grants, including the Glenview Art League.

"We are so inspired to be one of 14 amazing projects planned for the Chicago suburbs," Deb Anderson, president of the Glenview Art League, tells Patch.

According to Preckwinkle's office, recipients will receive grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 to lead the development of public murals, community gardens, arts centers and other projects "that advance vibrant, sustainable and inclusive communities."

For the Glenview Art League, formed in 1954, the grant will be used to create a large paint, ceramic, and mosaic mixed-media mural project showcasing natural elements of the four seasons found in and around the West Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River. "Confluence: At Home on Glenview's West Fork" will find a home in downtown Glenview.

According to Cook County, the mural's natural elements will include trees, plants, flowers, birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, and insects.

"Many groups helped us develop a project that reflects the village's culture and tradition of exploring nature and supporting the arts," Anderson said. "Artist Anne Farley Gaines created the proposed mural design. There will be opportunities for members of the community to assist in painting pieces of material and ceramic that may be included in the mural when it's installed."

In addition to the Glenview Art League, other project team members for this grant were the Glenview Park District, Village of Glenview, G&K Antique, The Grove, Grove Interpretive Center, Greener Glenview and Friends of Downtown Glenview

Gaines, according to her website, is a Chicago artist who works in a variety of media and also designs and coordinates collaborative murals.

Cook County Arts is a $5 million initiative led by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development and focuses on strengthening the suburban arts and culture sector. The initiative is supported by funding the County received through the American Rescue Plan Act.

The County allocated $2.75 million to the Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking grant program, which opened in February 2025. Creative placemaking integrates arts, culture and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities.

"The arts and culture sector unites neighborhoods, creates jobs and supports local economies," Preckwinkle said. "These grants will support inspiring projects that center community and the arts as the foundation for positive and long-lasting impact. When we support artists and nonprofit arts organizations across Cook County, we promote expression, foster understanding and spark creativity."

Last month, the Glenview Art League held its 71st Summer Art Fair at Lyons School in Glenview. According to the organization, here are the award winners:

Best in Show:

• Alex Deriy, Liquid Mosaic, mixed media

Awards for Excellence:

• Jolee Klugherz, mixed media
• George Machart, Machart Glass, sculpture
• Stuart Roddy, painting

Awards for Merit

• Eugene Benes, Pens by Gene, sculpture
• Marie Miklaszewski, jewelry
• Allison Norfleet Bruenger, jewelry

Glenview's Own Exhibit

• 1st Place – Kittie Yohe
• 2nd Place – Lee Colpi
• 3rd Place – Bob Leopold