If you are interested in filling a position on the Cultural Arts Commission, please complete the Commission Application. 

The purpose of the Cultural Arts Commission (CAC) is to:

1. Establish, initiate, sponsor, organize, and promote cultural and artistic programs and services for the enrichment and enjoyment of the Oswego community.
2. Build awareness of and participation in all the arts – visual, performing, and literary.
3. Continually add to the established public art collection.
4. Provide a diverse representation of superior quality artistic and cultural programs and events to serve all segments of the Oswego community, thus enhancing the quality of life in Oswego.

Commissioners:

• Chair: Anthony Pastore
• Commissioner: Karen Kulzer
• Commissioner: Michelle Meyers
• Commissioner: Kristie Vest
• Commissioner: Katie Marter
• Commissioner: Bridget Piekarczyk
• Commissioner: Charles Boudreau
• Student Commissioner: Annalise Schmitt
• Student Commissioner: Wesley Miller

CAC Projects

Little Libraries Program

The Village of Oswego’s Cultural Arts Commission (CAC) is excited to launch the Little Libraries Program, a new initiative designed to spark creativity, support literacy, and strengthen connections between neighbors. Through this program, eligible residents can apply to receive a free Little Library, installed by the Village on their property.

Apply March 1–May 1

Applications will be accepted from March 1 through May 1. Selected residents in qualifying zoning districts (R‑1 through R‑4) will receive a Village‑provided Little Library, installed at no cost.

How It Works

If selected, the Village will coordinate installation of your Little Library. Once installed, the structure becomes the property of the homeowner, who is responsible for keeping it in good repair and ensuring it remains stocked and accessible to the community.

Village Code Requirements - See Section 9.03 "Community Library Kiosks"

Little Libraries must comply with Village zoning and design standards, including:

• Installation only in R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, or R‑4 residential districts
• Placement in a front or corner side yard on private property
• Maximum enclosed size of two feet on any side
• Construction mounted on a single post and securely attached
• Ongoing maintenance to ensure structural integrity and appearance

Review the Little Libraries policy here. 

Thinking of Installing Your Own?

Residents may also choose to build or purchase and install their own Little Library at any time, as long as it complies with all Village code requirements - see Section 9.03 "Community Library Kiosks".

How do I find my property's zone?

1. Visit the Village's interactive GIS map
2. Search for your property address
3. Click into your property parcel/lot
   1. A property card should appear
4. In the property card, scroll down to "Zoning District" 

Here is a link to the Village's interactive GIS map. 

Here is a screenshot of what the property card will look like:

Documents & Materials 

• Little Libraries project policy
• Little Libraries project submission rubric

Art at Village Hall

The CAC produces Art at Village Hall, a quarterly exhibit celebrating the work of local artists and offering local artists a venue for exposure of their work.  In 2021, the CAC developed a space in Oswego Village Hall to celebrate the world of local artists, offer artists a venue to showcase their work, and expose Oswego residents to the visual arts. The CAC passed the Village Hall Art Exhibit Policy on December 11, 2024.  

Oswego Area Hometown Art Exbibit: March 3, 2026

Congratulations to the 2026 artists who were selected to exhibit their work. List of artists to come.

For Artists

Are you an artist local to the Oswego area looking for opportunities to create and showcase works? The Village of Oswego Cultural Arts Commission offers space to local artists to display and participate in commissioned public art pieces.

For Donors

Whether you own a building that would make a great site for a mural, or an arts-oriented business that would like to sponsor cultural events for our engaged residents, there are many ways to support the arts in Oswego. To begin a conversation about ways you can support the arts in our community, contact Community Relations.

Public Art Projects

This fall the Oswego Cultural Arts Commission (CAC) engaged mural artist Jason Watts to transform the three silos located at the intersection of Adams and Van Buren into vibrant works of art. The photo shows the project in early November. The design celebrates the natural beauty of the Fox River and its verdant landscape while honoring the rich history of Oswego’s farming community

Look Up Oswego: Student Art Banners

From May through October, banners featuring student artwork will be displayed on light poles in the downtown area.  Started in 2024 by the CAC, the Look Up Oswego banner program features art from School District 308 students in fifth grade, eighth grade and high school seniors that was selected by their art teachers.

Teacher Information:

Submission guidelines

• Applications open Dec. 1 through Dec. 18, 2025 for teachers to submit student artwork and waivers.
  • Final round of submission is Jan.  30, 2026
• March: Student banners are printed.
• April: Banners are displayed in downtown Oswego.
• April – October 2026: Banners on display.
• End of October: Banners removed from display.
• Beginning of November: Banners returned to art teachers. PLEASE NOTE: While every effort will be made to return banners in October 2026, we can’t guarantee all will be returned and in what condition.

Timeline

• Jan. 7 to approximately Jan. 30: Schools select winners. NOTE: Do not incorporate student’s name on the artwork for privacy reasons.
• Please select winners according to the following guidelines:
  • Elementary Schools – 5^th grade: 3 winners
  • Junior High Schools – 8^th grade: 3 winners
  • High Schools:  12^th grade: 15 winners
  • ACES: 3 winners
• Jan. 7-Jan. 30: Teachers submit student artwork and waivers via this form: 2026 Submissions Look Up Oswego student art banner project and Student waiver.

Art Teacher Responsibilities:

• Determine your school’s selection criteria for winners (i.e. student vote; teacher selection, etc.)
• Set a deadline and a location for artwork to be submitted at your school.
• Announce the opportunity in class and via e-mail to applicable parents/students.
• Send out reminders, if needed.
• Take photos and submit one photo and waiver for each student using these forms: 2026 Submissions Look Up Oswego student art banner project and Student waiver.

Submission Guidelines:

• Taking Photos

• Submit photos of each piece of artwork according to the following naming structure: 

e.g. OHS_BrittanyBrown_Banner.jpg

• File submission requirements:
• On the form, enter the additional information which includes the name of the student, school and grade level, as well as teacher email and phone number. A scanned copy of the signed waiver/release(attached) is also required with the submission.

For more information on the Look Up Oswego program, contact Community Relations at 630-554-4636 or by email. 

Functional Public Art Bicycle Racks

Mural on Fox Valley Winery

2022-present
In 2022, the CAC commissioned an artist to paint a vibrant mural on the south side of Fox Valley Winery, 49 Main Street. 

Manhole Covers

2018-present
In late 2018, the CAC wanted to establish a permanent public art collection by initiating a request for proposals for designs for new manhole covers needed for downtown construction projects. Because the manholes were already needed for construction projects, the project allowed the Village to add to the public art collection without paying extra for material costs. In spring 2019, a selection committee chose a design by local artist Elizabeth Teitge, called Fox and Muskie, pictured right. For more details about this project see the announcement on our News & Announcements page.

Meetings