The Village of Hoffman Estates recently received the coveted Presidents’ Choice Award from Arts Alliance Illinois and the Illinois Municipal League. Thirteen communities were selected to receive the 2010 Illinois Arts Friendly Community Awards, and Hoffman Estates won top honors for a large community. The awards recognize municipalities that go above and beyond in their support of the arts and celebrate their leaders. “Hoffman Estates is proud to be recognized as an Arts Friendly Community,” said Mayor William D. McLeod. “The Village believes that the arts are important in developing and expressing the culture of our community. Many thanks especially go to the Arts Commission for their tireless efforts in encouraging the arts through their own events, and partnering with organizations to further integrate the arts into other community activities.”

The Hoffman Estates Arts Commission was established in 1997, and serves to encourage, support and promote the arts, and ensure that all citizens get the fullest benefi t of the artistic program available through the Commission. Chaired by Michelle Pilafas, the Commission is responsible for the annual “Summer Sounds on the Green” concert series, the Oktoberfest-themed Platzkonzert Germanfest and various other events, including photography workshops, free children’s activities, speaker series and the Community Art Gallery in the Village Hall.

Chairperson Michelle Pilafas stated: “I am grateful to Arts Alliance Illinois and the Illinois Municipal League for the recognition the Village has received. We recognize that a sign of a growing and thriving community is one that enriches all areas of life, including the arts. Hoffman Estates has proven to be an ‘Arts for ALL’ community today, and will continue to do so in the future.”

“The arts are central and indispensable to our communities,” said Ra Joy, executive director of Arts Alliance Illinois.“They enhance quality of life, fuel creativity and innovation, sharpen the state’s competitive edge, attract and retain talent, promote cross-cultural understanding, and connect Illinois nationally and globally. Hoffman Estates is a model for how the arts can make a community a more livable and vibrant place.”
 

Congratulations to all the students and residents who took part in the recent Chalk it Up mural contest.

The following murals have placed in the prize categories:

     Winner Eisenhower School:  Mural #4  “Imagine” 1st period class featuring the artists 
                                                    (a $100 donation will be made to the school’s art department)

     First Runner Up                  :  St. Hubert School “Blowing Away the Past”
                                                    (a $75 donation will be made to the school’s art program)

    Second Runner Up              :  Eisenhower School Mural #9 “Cell phone City”
                                                    (a $50 donation will be made to the school’s art department)

We thank you all for such wonderful designs and encourage you to continue your artistic gifts!  Congratulations to  you all.

Michelle Pilafas
Chairman
Hoffman Estates Arts Commission

A gigantic chalk-filled “thank you” to all the participants of Chalk it Up whose art still colors the community today.  We noted so much talent, heart and inspiration toward the creation of the murals.  Each one had its own life and character.  Everyone is truly deserving of award.

Illinois Arts Friendly Community Award
2006

Honorable Mention

It is my great pleasure to inform you that the Illinois Arts Alliance and the Illinois Municipal League have awarded Hoffman Estates with an Honorable Mention in recognition of the achievements described in your nomination for the Illinois Arts Friendly Community Awards.   We are proud to recognize your community as a model for how mayors and other municipal leaders can work with artists, arts organizations and volunteers to improve the quality of life for residents.  With your award comes the right to use the designation “An Illinois Arts Friendly Community”.

Lisa May Simpson Program Director Illinois Arts Alliance

The purpose of this award is to highlight and promote municipal support of the arts in Illinois Communities and to honor municipal leaders who have encouraged innovative approaches to using the arts to building healthy communities. The award showcases programs and projects that may be viewed as models or best practices for other communities.

Spectrum Teens
Photo Exhibit Village Hall Gallery

View exhibit images here

March 28, 2005
The winner of the Hoffman Estates Arts Commission logo contest Joe Maggiore with Michelle Pilafas the Chairperson of the Arts Commission.

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Grade School District 15
We thank you for showing your beautiful art work.

View photographs of reception Here

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Governors Hometown Award 2000

Description of the award:   Summer Concert Series

As a result of a survey, it was determined residents desired a venue for concert opportunities, leading to the birth of the Summer Concert Series. With the cooperation of the Village and Park District, volunteers from the local Arts Commission organized the concerts, which included blues, gospel, jazz, and barbershop performers.

Illinois Arts Friendly Community Award
2003, 2004 and 2005

Honorable Mention

The purpose of this award is to highlight and promote municipal support of the arts in Illinois Communities and to honor municipal leaders who have encouraged innovative approaches to using the arts to building healthy communities. The award showcases programs and projects that may be viewed as models or best practices for other communities.