Commission for the Arts
Regular MeetingRoyal Oak, MI · February 17, 2025
Minutes
Minutes
Royal Oak Commission for the Arts Meeting
February 17, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
City Hall, Room 122
203 S. Troy Street
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
Present: Jason Gittinger
Melanie Macey
Denise Reske
Alesha Beistline
Laura Bonnell
Robert Wilson
Absent: Jodie Ellison
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.
2. Public Comment
The owner (Jeanette Quesada) of downtown business Art & Faith Galleria (433 N
Washington Ave Ste. A) came in to introduce herself. The gallery opened up
recently in November 2024
3. Approval of Agenda
Moved by: Laura Bonnell
Seconded by: Robert Wilson
Motion Adopted
4. Approval of Minutes
Moved by: Denise Reske
Seconded by: Alesha Beistline
Motion Adopted
5. New Business
5.a Artist Laureate Past & Present
1
Staff will have Judy Davids assist Roberta Brown in creating a cover page
for the poetry book.
Alayna Brasch will create an order form in Seamless docs for people to be
able to order the poetry book. And there will be copies placed in the Royal
Oak Library, School libraries, and the Senior Center.
Staff will look into publicizing the poetry book in a medium like a local
publication, email blast, or city website.
Regarding the new Artist Laureate, city staff and artist Fred will walk
through Normandy Oaks Park to find the most conducive spot for Fred's
proposed oak leaf sculpture. The exact location will determine the size
specifications of the piece.
Robert Wilson suggested the advantages of having a future Artist
Laureate who is associated with an art gallery.
5.b Annual Report
Jason Gittinger would like staff to include the names of all the poetry book
contributors in the 2024 Annual Report. Roberta Brown will send staff a list
of names.
Alayna Brasch will present the Annual Report to the City Commission with
the appropriate corrections.
Moved by: Melanie Macey
Seconded by: Alesha Beistline
Motion Adopted
5.c Art Explored Update
The group agreed to have the next Art Explored cycle begin in May of
2025.
6. Old Business
7. Subcommittee/Program Reports
The Piano Project will likely begin the second Saturday of May (May 10, 2025).
8. General Announcements
Motion to advocate for language in the Arts ordinance to be included in the
master Plan to promote and encourage arts and culture in the community.
Moved by: Denise Reske
Seconded by: Laura Bonnell
Motion Adopted
2
9. Social Media
10. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 PM.
Moved by: Melanie Macey
Seconded by: Alesha Beistline
Motion Adopted
3
Agenda
Agenda
Royal Oak Commission for the Arts Meeting
Monday, February 17, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
City Hall, Room 122
203 S. Troy Street
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the city clerk’s office at 248-246-3050 at least two (2)
business days prior to the meeting.
Pages
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comment
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes
5. New Business
a. Artist Laureate Past & Present 2
b. Annual Report 3
c. Art Explored Update 15
6. Old Business
7. Subcommittee/Program Reports
8. General Announcements
9. Social Media
10. Adjournment
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City Manager’s Office
203 S Troy Street
Royal Oak, MI 48067
248.246.3200
COMMISSION FOR THE ARTS
AGENDA ITEM
Title Art Explored Update
SUBMITTING DEPARTMENT City Manager’s Office
PRESENTER Alayna Brasch
MEETING DATE 2/17/2025
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (include history of previous Commission action/discussion,
background, scope of work, etc.):
Members of the Commission for the Arts:
After reaching out to the three Art Explored artists whose leasing agreements are up this April,
all three are happy to have the city renew/purchase their work. Regarding the Art Explored
sculpture “Eyes Closed Shut,” the Parks and Rec Advisory Board believes it makes most sense
to have it remain in Paruch Park once it is renewed. Furthermore, after the purchases (of
“Barcoser II” “This Time The Dream’s On Me” and “Swingin’ Machines”) and renewal (of “Eyes
Closed Shut”), the CFA will have $1,430 left in its Art Explored 2023-2024 balance.
Eyes Closed Shut by Mark Beltchenko in Paruch Park (Red pacman sculpture)
o Valued at $3,800
o We will renew for $1,000
Barcoser II by Ammy Amorette in the Salter Center (Large black & white painted
canvas)
o Valued at $2,370
o We will purchase for $1,370
This Time The Dream’s On Me by Jim Wolnosky on 4th St (Tall twisted aluminum
strands)
o Valued at $2,300
o We will purchase for $1,300
Swingin’ Machines by Jim Wolnosky in the 2nd floor of City Hall (Hanging twisted
aluminum)
o Valued at $2,000
o We will purchase for $1,000
Respectfully submitted,
Alayna Brasch
Graduate Fellow
.
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