Arts Commission Chair Steps Down After 10 Years

Trustees recognized Judy Hughes for a decade of leadership and vision after she stepped down as chair of the Northbrook Arts Commission at a board meeting Tuesday.

Hughes, who is also president of the and a member of the Rotary Club, was the founding chair of the Arts Commission. She will be replaced by Arts Commission member .

“Northbrook wouldn’t be Northbrook without you here,” said Village President Sandra Frum.

Former Village President Mark Damisch asked Hughes to lead the new commission in 2001, after she helped plan the Northbrook Centennial celebration that same year. Under her direction, the commission launched the annual fine arts festival , which has taken place on the every year since 2008.   

“Her leadership, professional skills and knowledge of the village provided a strong foundation for the commission,” Frum read in a proclamation of recognition. “Her expertise in leading the commission, teaching members to ‘think outside the box’ and visioning for the future is commendable.”

Trustee A.C. Buehler III noted Hughes’ longtime civic volunteerism, beginning with her service on the school board and later on the .

“To me, she’s just what you look for when you try to find a community volunteer,” he said.

With a little more free time on her hands, Hughes said she plans to work on a book about soldiers from Northbrook who fought in the Civil War. She’ll also continue her role as president of the Historical Society. The society is gearing up for , the annual celebration of Northbrook’s history—and yet another event on the Village Green for which Northbrook can thank Judy Hughes.