Gurney board approves new Arts Commission, members describe wide range of disciplines

The Gurney Village Board on Oct. 6 approved appointments to a new Arts Commission and recognized the new members at the meeting.

The board voted to appoint Lynn Granstrom and Beth Kesselink as co-chairs and named a slate of members with terms running to April 30, 2027, and April 30, 2028. The motion to approve the appointments was made by Trustee O'Brien and seconded by Trustee Ross and carried on a roll call vote (O'Brien — aye; Baumas — aye; Thorsonson — yes; Ross — aye).

The newly appointed members spoke briefly about their primary artistic interests. Roger Eaton said his focus is music and noted a 30-plus-year career with Yamaha. April Collette identified performing arts, specifically theater and dance. Janelle Rominski described herself as a photographer specializing in events and portraits. Other members who introduced themselves included Angela Baldwin (theater), Layman Guerin (choir, theater, painting and digital drawing), Ron Arden (orchestral conducting and viola), Beth Kesselink (art education, dance and drama), Kirsten Saunders (pottery and mosaics), Jay Stuckwish (sculpture and animation), Fiona Tranter (fiber arts), and Randy Blaser (creative writing).

Presiding officer Pat said the arts commission will help fill what he described as a local gap in visible arts programming and thanked members and organizer Matt for their efforts.

The appointments create an 11-member commission with staggered terms. The board indicated it will take a group photo and formally recognize the commission at the meeting.

The appointments were the only action taken on that agenda item; there were no amendments and no additional direction recorded.