Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS CULTURAL COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, January 3, 2012 Meeting Location: Sterling Heights City Hall, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313, Conference Room 202, 6 p.m. Members Present: Maurice Batarseh, Ronald Bindle, David Bollman, Jan Burns, Frank DiMaria, Grace Finazzo, Margaret Frontiera, Eboni LaMar, Donald Schinzing, John Stampor Members Absent: Josephine Berthet, Omie Brooks Representing the City: Steve Guitar and Karen Kazmer COMMUNICATION FROM CITIZENS : none APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Donald Schinzing stated the January 2012 Artist of the Month should be noted in the November 1, 2011 meeting minutes as Jan Burns. Motion to approve the meeting minutes, with noted changes, of the November 1, 2011 Cultural Commissionmade by Donald Schinzing. Seconded by: Frank DiMaria Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS : A. Welcome  Eboni LaMar was welcomed as a new member to the Cultural Commission.  Board members introduced themselves and Maurice Batarseh reviewed the objectives of the Cultural Commission. B. 2012 Grand Marshal for the Memorial Day Parade  The family of SSGT Ergin Vedat Osman approached city administration requesting SSGT Osman be recognized at the Memorial Day Parade. Mr. Osman is a former Sterling Heights resident and was killed while serving in the armed forces. Steve Guitar suggested SSGT Osman serve as the “Honorary Grand Marshal” at this year’s parade. Motion for Steve Guitar to proceed with contacting Ms. Sara Osman, mother of SSGT Ergin Vedat Osman, to have SSGT Osman serve as “Honorary Grand Marshal” of the 2012 Sterling Heights Memorial Day Parade made by John Stampor. Seconded by: Grace Finazzo Ayes: all Nays: none C. Sterlingfest Sub-Committee Report  The sub-committee for Sterlingfest submitted recommendations for changes to the application process for the artist application for 2012 Sterlingfest.   Commission members reviewed the recommendations. The last bullet point recommended: Cultural Commission will host an art project aimed at teens at the annual Teenfest in Dodge Park. Teens will participate in painting a large mural on art boards during the event. That artwork (theme TBD) may be displayed at Sterlingfest. A similar project may be repeated during Sterlingfest for all age groups. Members requested this bullet be removed from recommendations and added as an “agenda item” for the February 2012 meeting.  Commission members requested a bold print note be added to the acceptance letter for artists stating “items not juried into show but are displayed in booth area will have to be removed”. Karen Kazmer, with assistance from commission members, will walk through artist area each day to ensure only juried items are displayed.  All previous artist of the month participants will be mailed an artist application and be offered a 50% reduction in booth fees.  A committee, which will include select commission members and artists, will pre-jury all artist applications and provide recommendations to Cultural Commission for acceptance into Sterlingfest.  Motion to accept recommendations, including list above, from the Sterlingfest Sub-Committee Report made by Ronald Bindle. Seconded by: Donald Schinzing Ayes: all Nays: none D. Artist of the Month  Two artist of the month applications were reviewed.  Pete Snodgrass will be February 2012 Artist of the Month.  Rodney Polansky will be March 2012 Artist of the Month. E. Election of 2012 Officers  Nominations and election for 2012 officers were conducted. Maurice Batarseh was elected as chair; Donald Schinzing will serve as vice chair. Motion to dismiss Cultural Commission meeting at 7:20 p.m. made by Donald Schinzing. Seconded by: Margaret Frontiera Ayes: all Nays: none