Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, September 10 , 2019 Meeting Location: Sterling Heights City Hall, 40555 Utica Ro ad, Sterling Heights, MI 48313, Conference Room 201 Members Present: Ron Bindle, Jan Burns, Steve Couchman, Larry Farhat, Grace Finazzo, Gary Lusk, Wendy Popko, Jeanne Schabath, and Stacy Ziarko Members Absent: David Bollman, Judith Foley and Mona Yassine Representing the City: Melanie Davis and Sue Giallombardo Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. Melanie Davis, newly appointed Community Relations Director, introduced herself; followed by introductions by Commission members APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Motion to approve the meeting minutes of the June 4, 2019 Art Commission made by Farhat. Seconded by: Ziarko Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS: A. Anton Art Center  Giallombardo introduced Phil Gilchrist, Executive Director at the Anton Art Center in Mt. Clemens. Gilchrist distributed the Art Class Fall Schedule and event flyers from Anton Art Center, and stated that the Center has been in business for 50 years. He added that they hosted their first class in 1969 and held their first exhibit in Spring of 1970. Gilchrist discussed upcoming events such as SatARTdays, the Artists' Choice Group Show and the 28th annual Art Party on September 26th, which is the Center's main fundraiser.  Gilchrist stated that he wanted to attend an Arts Commission meeting to share opportunities and information. He added that he would like to brainstorm on how to work together on future projects.  Gilchrist explained the Center's mini-grant program directed toward arts and cultural programming and encouraged members to apply, Sterlingfest may qualify, grants are one-to-one match on dollars awarded. Deadlines for the grant application are August and January.  Gilchrist said that there is space in their gallery for historical displays.  Giallombardo will follow up with Gilchrist regarding tonight's discussion. B. Sterlingfest Review  Schabath stated that one artist had to be asked to leave due to her product, which was not as stated in her application. This artist was selling "knock-off" designer purses and claiming to have refurbished them.  Popko stated that there was a vendor that was selling "buy & sell" beaded jewelry. Giallombardo stated that commission members should report such vendors when they are visiting booths for Commission's "Best", adding that she might not have to time to review each booth on Thursday.  Schabath suggested sending out the applications earlier, with an earlier due date in hopes of attracting more "fine artists".   Burns stated that it's hard to distinguish or assume a "buy/sell" from submitted photos, and added that she like the diversity of the arts and crafts. She added that Sterlingfest is not a fine art fair; it's a community art fair.  Couchman stated that he is concerned with artists using trademarked logos and whether or not they received permission. He added that just because they tweak the logo a little, it doesn't mean that it is acceptable and allowed.  Couchman said that he liked the Buon Amici wine vendor by the jazz stage. Davis added that they weren't too happy at first, due to the loud music; but as the day went on and the people started filing in, they really enjoyed themselves.  Finazzo suggested moving the booths selling food items to a separate section.  Lusk thought that there were too many booths.  Gilchrist suggested using 'zapplication' for the application process, which costs about $2,000 but allows artists to apply online, submit their photos, etc. and members can review the applicants using a scoring system. Giallombardo will look into this and follow up at the next meeting. C. Sterlingfest Artist Application  Ziarko re-addressed the suggestion to send out applications earlier to allow for an earlier due date and earlier jurying process. Ziarko made a motion to send out the applications in January with a due date of mid-March and jury artists in April. Seconded by: Farhat Ayes: all Nays: none  Members discussed differentiating artists from crafters. Couchman suggested charging "crafters" a higher fee that "artists".  Gilchrist stated that in his experience with many shows, he's noticed a visible tension between artist and crafters, adding that it's hard to find a common ground and that a tiered rate may not be a good idea; he advised against it.  Giallombardo suggested that members take a good look at the application, and changes can be discussed at the October meeting. D. 2019-2020 Meeting Calendar  Giallombardo asked members to approve the dates for the 2019-2020 calendar year, noting that Tuesday, November 5 will be Election Day. Schabath made a motion to change the November 5 meeting to November 6. Seconded by: Couchman. Ayes: all Nays: none OLD BUSINESS:  Schabath asked about the progress of the mural being installed on the Police Department outside wall and the mosaic tile project at the new Recreation Center. Giallombardo will get a status update for the October meeting.  Lusk asked about his suggested project, using easypromosapp.com. Lusk said that each month could be a different theme decided on by members of the Commission and added that the contests would drive residents to the city's main website. Giallombardo will meet with the city's webmaster and will make plans to get the program running in October or November at the latest. NEW BUSINESS:  Schabath said that the first place artist from Sterlingfest, Amanda Koss is interested in being a part of the Arts Commission. Giallombardo stated that there  are currently no openings but advised Schabatch to tell Koss to apply online and once there is an opening, a recommendation to City Council can be made.  Schabath suggested another new project for the Art Commission: hosting a collaborative painting party with Buon Amici, Coffee First and Wine & Whimsical.  Bindle inquired about the donations to the Arts Commission, based on the profits from SterlingFAST 5K. Giallombardo stated that the race was previously coordinated by Joe Burns, and since Community Relations and Parks & Recreation are not coordinating the race, she is not sure on how the funds were determined. Bindle asked for the balance in the endowment account managed by the Community Foundation. Giallombardo will look into the history and give a status at the October meeting.  Schabath would like to move forward with painting of the school crosswalks.  Bindle mentioned that the canvas project/contest in Pontiac is worth visiting. More information can be found at www.canvaspontiac.com.  Gilchrist said that he would like to coordinate a "Make & Take" event at Sterlingfest. Giallombardo will follow up with Gilchrist early Spring. Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. NEXT ART COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, October 1 at 6 p.m.