Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, June 4, 2019 Meeting Locatio n: Sterling Heights Velocity Center, 6633 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights Members Present: Ron Bindle, David Bollman, Steve Couchman, Larry Farhat, Grace Finazzo, Judith Foley, Wendy Popko, Jeanne Schabath, Mona Yassine and Stacy Ziarko Members Absent: Jan Burns and Gary Lusk Representing the City: Sue Giallombardo Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Motion to approve the meeting minutes of the May 7, 2019 Art Commission made by Foley. Seconded by: Yassine Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS: A. Memorial Day Parade  Giallombardo thanked commission members for volunteering their time and energy during the holiday weekend and added that the ceremony and the parade went very smoothly, she received several compliments.  Bindle stated that he prefers staging in Dodge Park, as opposed to staging in front of City Hall.  Finazzo said that the Scouts were a bit far away, but all went well. Giallombardo said that she didn't realize how far away the Farmers Market pavilion was, and will find a new area for the Scouts to meet next year and going forward.  Giallombardo stated that there was some miscommunication with the shuttle bus drivers and when they were scheduled to start; the problem will be corrected next year. B. Review of Parade Bands and Floats  Commission members selected band winners:  Best of Show Band: Colonial Fife & Drum Corps  Runner-Up Best of Show Band: Harper Woods Marching Band  Commission members agreed that none of the float participants stood out or met the theme of the parade; it was decided to not present Best Float awards this year.  Giallombardo said that she will amend the parade application to encourage groups to follow the theme of the parade when designing their floats.  Giallombardo said that due to the timing of the parade and the end of the school year, it's difficult to meet with the band leaders to present them with their trophies and stated that if there are no objections, she will mail award certificates to the schools and ask for a follow-up photo. There were no objections.  Ziarko stated that some of the elder Veterans were not able to walk across the street after the ceremony; it was suggested that the ceremony take place in Dodge Park. Giallombardo will look into it.   Finazzo stated that Shawn Taylor, a member of the Ethnic Community Committee stopped her to say that we would've liked to come to the ceremony but he was participating in the parade. Giallombardo stated that there is plenty of time to get to the parade staging area once the ceremony ends and said that she would pass that along to the members of the Ethnic Community Committee.  Ziarko stated that she would like to have the Rosie the Riveter group more involved.  Bindle asked if someone could notify the Commission members that are coordinating the staging area when the ceremony is over, so that they could let the bands know that they can begin to practice. Giallombardo stated that she will collect cell phone numbers and create a group text for next year in order to do so. C. Sterlingfest Art & Music Fair  Couchman stated that he would like to work together to re-vamp the Sterlingfest application and the guidelines for artists. This will be re-addressed in the fall.  Ziarko suggested sending out "save the date" postcards as soon as Sterlingfest ends, or as soon as possible. D. Demonstration - Steve Couchman  Couchman demonstrated his company, Live Picture's, "Tilt Brush" virtual reality tool which allowed Commission members to paint in 3-D. OLD BUSINESS:  Giallombardo stated that she spoke with Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Langlois regarding the Song & Spirit mosaic tile project. Langlois said that he would like to meet with Mary Gilhuly to decide on the theme of the tiles. The project is still moving forward, however it is put on hold pending a new Community Relations Director. NEW BUSINESS:  Ziarko stated that there will be a giant checker board installed outside of the Children's Garden at the Library, near the mural. Visitors will be able to play chess, checkers and there will also be a large Connect Four game and Jenga game. Details on the ribbon cutting are forthcoming.  Popko said that the Anton Art Center will be announcing four new public art installations on Saturday, June 8; one of which is her work, a very colorful display of fishes and equations on the steps behind the courthouse off Gratiot Avenue. Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m. NEXT ART COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, September 10, at 6 p.m.