Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, September 11 , 2018 Meeting Location: Sterling Heights City Hall, 40555 Utica Ro ad, Sterling Heights, MI 48313, Conference Room 202 Members Present: David Bollman, Jan Burns, Lawrence Farhat, Grace Finazzo, Gary Lusk, Jeanne Schabath and Mona Yassine and Stacy Ziarko. Members Absent: Ron Bindle and Steve Couchman Representing the City: Sue Giallombardo Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m.  Newly appointed member Gary Lusk introduced himself. Lusk was a former City Councilman for ten months and has always followed the Art Commission and their projects and activities. Lusk is a photographer and looks forward to being a part of the commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Motion to approve the meeting minutes of the June 5, 2018 Art Commission made by Farhat; Seconded by: Bollman Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS : A. Sterlingfest Review  Burns stated that she likes last year's set up for the artists better, having a row of artists at the far end of the parking lot is too congested, its more difficult when tearing things down Saturday night.  Schabath stated that Crazy Cluckers Ranch won first place, and said that she did very well in the show. 2nd Runner up went to Night Flight Images, who did not do so well. This was the first year for both artists and both artists were invited back next year at no charge.  Ziarko liked the new location for the children artists and added that the three children artists were happy with the location as well.  Bollman said that the artist next to him moved his booth over, thereby somewhat blocking his booth from the line of traffic.  Burns suggested reverting back to two long rows of artists, which allowed for visitors to walk up and down the entire row and didn't allow for sections to be missed.  Ziarko stated that the artist with the garden statues should be closer to Dodge Park because he kept moving the parking barricades for his customers.  RV parking needs to be better regulated.  Schabath suggested a section for Michigan artists.  Ziarko suggested printing the applications earlier to allow more time for distribution.  Finazzo suggested sending out "save the date" cards, with a possible discount on booth fee for registering by a certain date.  Bollman suggested asking a few artists if they would donate an item to be auctioned off, as a fundraiser. Ziarko stated that the commission would have to file for a license.  B. Public Art Program  Wendy Popko, artist of the mural behind the BP Gas Station was in attendance and stated that her mural is complete. Giallombardo stated that the ribbon cutting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 6:00 p.m.; an invite will follow in the next couple of days. Lusk stated that he will take photos.  Giallombardo stated that the DIA is interested in installing a mural on the outside wall between the Police Department and City Hall, valued at $15,000; details will follow as they are received in Community Relations.  Giallombardo added that the city will be sending out a call for sculpture submissions through an RFP process. Once details as far as number of submissions, location, cost, etc. are finalized, they will be shared with the Art Commission for their endorsement.  Schabath asked members to think of sights for future mural installations. Finazzo suggested the back of the Monro Muffler store at the corner of Van Dyke and Utica Roads. Yassine suggested Stevenson High School. Ziarko suggested adding a hashtag to each mural. C. 2018-2019 Meeting Calendar  Giallombardo distributed the list of meeting dates for the 2018/2019 calendar year. The December meeting will tentatively be the date of the Christmas dinner, possibly held at Ron Bindle's house. Bindle will confirm at the October meeting. OLD BUSINESS:  None NEW BUSINESS:  Schabath stated that she is working on a presentation for 2020 that will coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, as well as the opening date of the city's Farmers Market. The project possibly will involve children and public art projects.  Schabath encouraged members to think of art projects for 2019.  Lusk suggested that all of the Art Commission's activities and projects be posted on social media, to drive more traffic to the city's website. Lusk suggested a digital photo contest for the residents as a way to bring more attention to the Art Commission as well as the city.  Finazzo suggested looking into an "Arts & Scraps" program for the kids.  Bollman suggested a mosaic tile or canvas project, which would allow for a greater amount of participation and inclusion.  Bollman added that he is still interested in doing a nature-oriented project that he has been talking with Bridget Kozlowski about; he is waiting to discuss details with Bridget before he is able to move forward so the project is currently on hold. Motion to adjourn the Art Commission meeting at 7:10 p.m. made by Farhat. Seconded by: Yassine Ayes: all Nays: none NEXT ART COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, October 2, at 6 p.m.