About Des Plaines
Arts Council

When talking about Des Plaines Arts Council, our story goes back to 1987. Founded as a nonprofit, the Des Plaines Arts Council promotes involvement and appreciation of the arts throughout the Des Plaines community. Our 501(C)(3) organization operates as an umbrella group for many community arts organizations and events including the Summer Concert Series in Lake Park, the Community Mural Project, Lake/Winter Wonderland, Family Fest, and The Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce After Hours program.

The Des Plaines Arts Council also publishes and distributes the Des Plaines Arts Calendar three times a year. This publication serves as a unique source of information for all arts events in the community including programs hosted by the City of Des Plaines, the Des Plaines Art Guild, the Des Plaines Camera Club, the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Des Plaines Park District, the Des Plaines Public Library, the Des Plaines Garden Club, the Des Plaines History Center, the Frisbie Senior Center, the Fine Arts Department of Maine East, the Fine Arts Department of Maine West, the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, Oakton Community College and many more arts providers and supporters.

 Meet The Board of Directors

  • Will Soderberg President Des Plaines Arts Council About Board Directors

    A member of the Des Plaines Arts Council Board since 2015, Will Soderberg is an experienced art enthusiast. He obtained his MFA in 2013 from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

  • Rhonda Popko Vice President Des Plaines Arts Council About Board Directors

    A 30-year art veteran, Rhonda is the Vice President of the Des Plaines Arts Council. Additionally, she received the Illinois Humanities Council’s Studs Terkel Award for her commitment to community arts programs.

  • Linda Traina Secretary Des Plaines Arts Council About Board Directors

    A member since 2002 and former President of the Des Plaines Arts Council, Linda serves as the Secretary. While she’s a Des Plaines Park District Superintendent of Recreation. Linda shows great appreciation the arts.

  • Philip Mohr Treasurer Des Plaines Arts Council About Board Directors

    As the Executive Director of the Des Plaines History Center, Phil represents the History Center on the Des Plaines Arts Council. Serving as Treasurer, Phil maintains DPAC’s donations along with nonprofit financial information.

  • Jo Bonell Des Plaines Arts Council About Board Directors

    As the Director of the Des Plaines Public Library, Jo represents the Public Library on DPAC. Additionally, she is a former actor and writer. Even in present-day, Jo continues to host DPAC events at the library.

  • Donna Catlett Member Des Plaines Arts Council About Board Directors

    A longstanding Board Member since 1998, originally representing the City of Des Plaines, Donna served as President and Treasurer. Her background is in theatre and she holds a degree in acting and directing.

  • Don Gloor Member Des Plaines Arts Council About Board Directors

    A member since the Des Plaines Arts Council’s inception, Don served in numerous positions, including President. A passionate community member, Don continues to represent the Frisbie Senior Center.

  • Stan Kotecki Member Des Plaines Arts Council About Board Directors

    A long-time member, Stan Kotecki represents the Des Plaines Art Guild on the Des Plaines Arts Council. As a professional photographer, Stan is responsible for many of the stunning images used by the Council.

  • Judy Langston Member Des Plaines Arts Council About Board Directors

    A Professor of Art and Graphic Design and Coordinator of Photography at Oakton Community College, Judy represents Oakton Community College on the Des Plaines Arts Council, leveraging her education background.

  • Saran Larson Member Des Plaines Arts Council About Board Directors

    Saran served on the Board of Directors of the Des Plaines Arts Council and the Northwest Symphony Orchestra for many years. Also, Saran brings a background in customer service and retail to the Des Plaines Arts Council.

  • Diane Macewicz Member Des Plaines Arts Council About Board Directors

    Over the years, Diane accumulated numerous accomplishments as a violinist and board member with the Northwest Symphony Orchestra before serving as the Des Plaines Arts Council Secretary from 2007-2016.

  • Nancy Moran Member Des Plaines Arts Council About Board Directors

    Nancy taught for 39 years, 15 of which as a full-time art instructor. Since 1994, Nancy has been a member of the Saints (art volunteers) and promoted Big Noise Theatre, making her an asset for the Des Plaines Arts Council.

  • Jennifer Mullen Member Des Plaines Arts Council About Board Directors

    As the Fine Arts Chair at Maine West High School, Jennifer represents District 207 on the Des Plaines Arts Council, bringing the educational aspect to the forefront of our organization’s mission.

  • Christine Posinger Member Des Plaines Arts Council About Board Directors

    As the Programming Librarian at the Des Plaines Public Library and member of the Des Plaines Arts Council, Chris participates in collection development and plan programs for adults, including cultural, arts and film programs.

  • Nancy Suwalski Member Des Plaines Arts Council About Board Directors

    Serving as the Cultural Arts Director for the Des Plaines Park District, Nancy produces the Des Plaines Arts Council’s Newsletter, and represents the Des Plaines Park District on the Des Plaines Arts Council.

 Meet Our Sponsors

 

The Des Plaines Arts Council continually partners with local representatives throughout the Des Plaines community and Chicagoland area as a whole. They make our work possible and are invaluable resources for promoting and supporting arts and culture.

Partnering with the Des Plaines Community

 
 

Become a Member

The Des Plaines Arts Council remains a community-powered organization. Contributions from local residents, businesses, and organizations go towards supporting public art projects. Show your support by becoming a member today!

Des Plaines Arts Council Memberships