Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, April 2 , 2019 Meeting Location: Sterling Heights City Hall, 40555 Utica Ro ad, Sterling Height s, MI 48313, Conference Room 202 Members Present: Ron Bindle, David Bollman, Jan Burns, Lawrence Farhat, Grace Finazzo, Judith Foley, Gary Lusk, Wendy Popko, Jeanne Schabath and Stacy Ziarko. Members Absent: Steve Couchman and Mona Yassine Representing the City: Sue Giallombardo; Bridget Kozlowski Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Motion to approve the meeting minutes of the February 5, 2019 Art Commission made by Farhat; Seconded by: Foley Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS: A. Community Art Project - Mary Gilhuly  Mary Gilhuly was in attendance, and represents "Song & Spirit" which is a community art project that brings together different faiths and ethnicities through art. The organization has 40 volunteers. Their website, songandspirit.org contains many videos showing her pieces of work, such as South Lake High School and Albion schools.  Mary's projects consist of ceramic, mosaic tiles being placed together to form a mural. Mary explained that the location of the piece is very important and also suggested having one aspect that will tie all of the tiles together (i.e. a circle, a small mirror). Mary added that the mural could be made in sections that could later be moved or separated.  Kozlowski suggested that we send three price ranges to Mary for possible projects. The cost of the project will depend on the shape, size and simplicity of the tiles.  It was agreed upon that this project would bring be a great way to engage and enhance the community. The Commission members would need to decide on such things as setting a structure, a time frame, a design and whether to use stencils or let the participants make the design.  The project would be limited to Sterling Heights residents.  Ziarko made a motion to proceed with the mosaic tile project and to send a request for a tiered proposal with multiple options at different price levels. Seconded by: Farhat. Ayes: all Nays: none  Kozlowski stated that it might be better to keep the group of participants small so they would stay focused. There will always be the option to continue and add on to the project in the future. Kozlowski added that she will highlight the project at the budget proposal meeting later in month. B. Featured Artist  Giallombardo shared samples from two applicants for Featured Artists: Mary Shabazi and Cynthia Giltz. Both applicants are Sterling Heights residents.  Samples of each were distributed. Finazzo made a motion to accept both applicants as Featured Artists; Seconded by Burns. Ayes: all Nays: none C. Public Art 2019 Mural Program  Kozlowski stated that she didn’t receive any calls from businesses to offer the side of their business for a mural. She added that she is struggling to make progress with Burlington and Zap Zone. Community Relations will attempt to follow up and continue to pursue the project. OLD BUSINESS:  Burns stated that she would like to go back to the lay-out used in the past for the artists at Sterlingfest, and keep the artists in longer rows. Burns added that artists in the middle sections tend to get skipped over. Kozlowski stated that Community Relations will work with the Engineering staff and go back to the old lay-out as close as is possible with the new parking lot.  Giallombardo asked for volunteers to assist with the duties at the Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade. Finazzo, Burns and Bindle stated that they would volunteer for the same role as past years. Burns stated that Peggy Frontiera is also available to assist. Giallombardo will reach out via email as the parade date gets closer.  Kozlowski stated that the purchase of the Ever-brite public art piece is on the agenda for the next City Council meeting. Arts Commission members will be invited to the ribbon cutting in the near future.  Ziarko stated that she attended the Library Board Meeting and the said that the Teen Art Program is going over very well and the attendees are excited. Ziarko commended Bollman for attending their last meeting. Bollman said that he was glad that he went and enjoyed talking with the group and encouraged others to attend as well. NEW BUSINESS :  Kozlowski stated that she will be coordinating another bus trip to the DIA and will be extending an invite to all boards and commission members of the city, along with one guest. This will be a free field trip and will be held on Friday, May 3rd. The bus will leave City Hall at approximately 5:30 p.m., returning around 9:30 p.m. Kozlowski will send an e-mail with further details. Seats will be filled on a first come basis, so please be sure to RSVP if you are interested.  Kozlowski stated that she has been in contact with Utica Community Schools regarding the painting of the crosswalks. She will continue to work with them on making this project happen. Bollman suggested using WENSCO, a vinyl graphic company.  Finazzo stated that she attend an art and craft show at Henry Ford High School and collected business cards from her favorite vendors. Giallombardo will send them Sterlingfest applications.  Bindle inquired about the Community Foundation Art Endowment. Giallombardo will follow up on the balance, and will share at the next meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. NEXT ART COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at 6 p.m.