NILES — The Niles Public Arts Commission recently announced the participation of local artist, Mike Morehouse, at downtown Niles’ Third Thursday event from 4 to 10 p.m. June 20. The event will take place at the new banquet hall. The Grand LV, located at 104 N. Third St. in downtown Niles.

Each month in the summer, several businesses come together to produce an event where people can enjoy themselves in a casual setting and check out what the local vendors have to offer, said organizers. There are drinks, food, a photo booth, live music and more.

The Niles Public Art Commission, whose mission is to make art accessible for everyone, has joined the roster of sponsors by adding an artistic element to the mix. Mike Morehouse, who earned his BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, will be onsite creating art and interacting with attendees.

This will be the first of several public art projects the commission hopes to bring to the community, officials said.

The Niles Public Arts Commission meets the first Thursday of the month at the Niles District Library. NPAC is currently seeking up to three more members. Those interested in learning more about NPAC or becoming a member can visit the city of Niles website, nilesmi.org. Interested parties can come to the event and speak with current NPAC members who will be on hand to answer questions.