Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, February 4 , 2020 Meeting Location: Sterling Heights City Hall, 40555 Utica Ro ad, Sterling Height s, MI 48313, Conference Room 202 Members Present: David Bollman, Ron Bindle, Jan Burns, Lawrence Farhat, Grace Finazzo, Gary Lusk, Wendy Popko, Jeanne Schabath and Mona Yassine. Members Absent: Steve Couchman, Judith Foley, and Stacy Ziarko. Representing the City: Melanie Davis and Sue Giallombardo Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Motion to approve the meeting minutes of the January 7, 2020 Arts Commission made by Farhat; Seconded by: Bollman Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS: A. Featured Artist  Giallombardo stated that she had two applications for Featured Artist. She added that due to the renovations at City Hall, the artists may have to wait a bit. Once the Community Center is ready to go, there may be a wall for Featured Artists. Giallombardo shared the bio and artwork from Jeff Joseph, a resident of Brighton. Popko made a motion to accept Joseph as a featured artist; seconded by Finazzo. Ayes: All Nays: None Giallombardo shared the bio and samples from Onorio Catonacci, a resident from Warren. Lusk would like to see more of his work; Giallombardo will forward more along. Burns made a motion to accept Catonacci as a featured artist; seconded by Finazzo. Ayes: All Nays: None  Giallombardo will send congratulations letter and arrange SHTV interview. B. Ideas for March Strategic Meeting  Schabath said that she would like a 2-hour block for the meeting, and asked if it could be held at the Community Center. Giallombardo will reserve a room from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Schabath added that she has some ideas and asked that other members forward any rough draft ideas to her and she will streamline them.  Farhat mentioned that he started a very rough draft to be used as a business plan, the plan gives a 5-year perspective.  Giallombardo stated that City Council members are pushing public murals, and said that all pending public art projects will still happen, it’s just a matter of when.  The public art fund is $225,000 annually. City Council will continue to allocate the money, with the blessing of the Arts Commission.  Giallombardo asked that members come prepared to discuss in detail how their ideas would be implemented, using a definitive plan or timeline, model of the work, estimated cost, instructions on following through, etc.  Melanie Davis will ultimately present the 5-year plan to City Council. Members are welcome to present as well.   Popko suggested an exhibit showcasing children’s artwork, and suggested working with the schools.  Lusk suggested a silhouette type of a mural at BJs on Hall Road.  Bindle suggested a mushroom sculpture at the angle of Utica Road & 17 Mile Road, and added that they were once widely grown in the city, and was perhaps at one time a Mushroom Capital.  Farhat offered to work any ideas into his 5-year plan.  Schabath suggested that each member bring at least one idea to the meeting. OLD BUSINESS:  Giallombardo stated that she received confirmation from Sharron Allen, who accepted the honor of Grand Marshal of the Memorial Day parade; and requested a detailed biography. Applications have been mailed out to all past participants and are available on the city’s website. NEW BUSINESS :  Giallombardo said that she received a request from someone that would like to perform live painting demonstrations at Sterlingfest, and then sell each piece as he paints. He requested a booth at no charge. Members decided that if he would like to participate, he would have to pay for his booth, to be fair.  Popko suggested offering a discount for artist’s that would be willing to do a live demonstration of their art, and suggested a designated area for the demo work, artists could sign up in advance. Bollman noted that several artists do demos during the weekend. Giallombardo said that we could discuss this idea at a future meeting, but the applications had already been sent out so the discounting might not be possible.  Bollman shared that he met someone whose nephew had recently won the Battle of Bands competition at Sterlingfest; he was very impressed with the event.  Schabath said that she will be introducing two representatives from the DIA at the city council meeting. The DIA reps will be discussing the millage proposal and the Inside/Out program. Schabath will also ask them about setting up classes at the Community Center.  Bindle said that his wife buys a new Christmas book each year and he noticed this past Christmas that she had one from 2006 that was illustrated by Popko.  Schabath said that Amanda Koss, who has participated in Sterlingfest, would like to donate a piece of her artwork to the Community Center. Giallombardo offered to reach out to her and arrange a meeting with Kyle Langlois. Meeting adjourned: 7:00 p.m. NEXT ARTS COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 6 p.m.