Sister Cities Commission
Recent News
Emerging Artists Display the Creativity and Diversity of Naperville
The Naperville Sister Cities Commission and Naperville Sister Cities Foundation, in collaboration with Naperville Art League, hosted a gallery exhibition on April 5, 2018 for all of the Young Artists Showcase submissions from Naperville-area schools. Young artists were joined by their family and friends that evening to present powerful works of art featuring this year’s theme, ‘Art of Diplomacy’.
Alex Guerra from Naperville Central High School won first place for his submission ‘Liberation’. His art depicts the initial stages of diplomacy. The runner-up was Ryley Phillips from Neuqua Valley High School. Her painting 'We are the World' featured a young woman wearing a headscarf made of flags from different countries.
Dr. Asmat Jafry, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist who works with children, adolescents and adults in Naperville, delivered the event's keynote address highlighting the value of art in the lives of students. City Councilwoman Patty Gustin provided an overview of the history of the Sister Cities Commission and Sister Cities program; its importance in building bridges around the world; and how Naperville collaborates with its two sister cities on culture, education and economic development in general.
Project Lead Shafeek Abooubaker provided art project information. Commissioner Julie Federico, Shafeek Abooubaker, Mayor Emeritus A. George Pradel and Councilwoman Gustin assisted in the distribution of awards to all participants. Other members of the Commission and Foundation who attended the gallery exhibition included Patty Lindstrom, Roberto Ramirez, Sami Siddiqi, Randy Russell, Tina Cui, Brent Lindstrom and Sophia Luo.
Visit from Nitra
In February 2018, the Naperville Sister Cities Commission hosted Ivan Kosalko, a resident of Naperville's Sister City Nitra, Slovakia. Kosalko shared Nitra's history, economics, culture and relationship with Naperville to a variety of audiences.
West Suburban Living Looks at Sister Cities
Naperville's relationship with Nitra is featured in a March 2018 article about Sister City relationships. In our ever smaller international world we learn familiarity yields friendship and respect, both within and outside of our borders.