International group to locate in Pontiac

The International Society of Gilders display items at Monday's Pontiac City Council meeting (photo by Kent Casson/WJEZ).

PONTIAC – Members of the Pontiac City Council received a lesson on the art of gilding Monday night.

Representatives from the International Society of Gilders told the council they want their collection housed and showcased in Pontiac. Pontiac Mayor Bob Russell says a space in the downtown Mural Museum is being designated for gilding, but a lot of details still need to be worked out.

“Items will be for sale on commission and we will get a percentage of that commission. From there, we have a lot of planning to do on housing what is called the Swift Collection and it is going to take several months before moving ahead on that. We are going to have to start using the second floor of buildings, since we have so many people looking at first floors for retail,” said Russell.

Gilding is the application of thin sheets of beaten metal to a solid surface as a means of surface decoration.  The society was formed in 1986 and has members from around the world.

Also on Monday, the Pontiac City Council gave the green light to proceed with an agreement involving PROUD to develop a “PROUD of Illinois Marketplace” store, which would feature items made in Illinois.  The store would be a potential revenue source for PROUD and would eventually create downtown jobs.

The group also approved a bid from Glass Plus to replace the front windows of the international art school building at 425 West Madison Street.  Council members learned art classes will begin this April and some colleges are interested in working with the school.