Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, May 5, 2020 Meeting Locatio n: Zoom Conference Call Members Present: David Bollman, Ron Bindle, Jan Burns, Steve Couchman, Lawrence Farhat, Grace Finazzo, Judith Foley, Wendy Popko and Jeanne Schabath. Members Absent: Gary Lusk, Mona Yassine 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 February 4, 2020 Arts Commission made by Burns; Seconded by: Finazzo Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS: A. 5-year Strategic Plan  Davis stated that she would like to present a 5-year public art plan to City Council with four or five items that would be focused on going forward.  Schabath stated that since the DIA millage passed, there are several programs available and we could collaborate with DIA. Schabath said that she has already talked with representatives from DIA and they have committed to holding classes for Sterling Heights residents at no charge. Community Relations will follow up with Kyle Langlois regarding availability at the Community Center.  Davis suggested that the following items be the focus of the 5-year plan: o Partnership with DIA o Mural program o Collaborative art projects o Youth engagement  Schabath suggested a statue for the dog park; Bollman would be interested in this as well and suggested a sculpture of Ivy the police K-9; he will send pictures.  Schabath created a power point highlighting a “coffee house” series with high school students (see attached); this is a series of four different themes.  Burns submitted ideas for future projects (also attached); projects include possibly setting aside a room that could be frequently used for classes, with storage space for a variety of supplies. Giallombardo stated that this may not be a feasible option at the Community Center, due to the size of the rooms and lack of storage space; however would follow up with Kyle Langlois. Other ideas from Burns include having people from the community facilitate community projects; and a flea market flip event.  Finazzo asked about a sculpture in Dodge Park, there has been talk about this with David Bollman.  Bollman suggested the large Ford tanks as possible ideas for murals.  Popko suggested an ice carving class or event.  Bindle would like to see a sculpture go up at the corner of 17 Mile and Utica Roads.   Davis stated that these are great ideas and she will present them to City Council B. Collaborative Project for Memorial Day  Davis stated that due to the cancellation of the Memorial Day parade, the City will be planning virtual events during the week leading up to Memorial Day to honor veterans with the “valor” theme.  The Grand Marshal will be reading a children’s book live for Facebook, and SHTV will interview local Veteran Greg Bowman.  The City will also promote a collaborative art project and will ask residents to submit either colored pages or photos showing valor; then Steve Couchman will create a mosaic image using all of the submitted photos that will be promoted on social media. Davis asked for suggestions on the final image. Bindle suggested the image reflect the Upton House. Members agreed.  Davis stated that Community Relations will promote immediately so that the final image could be unveiled by May 20th, adding that residents could look for their own work and maybe canvas prints could be made available. C. Featured Artist  Giallombardo shared an application for a Featured Artist, from David Moroski, a resident of Harrison Twp., his medium is Linocut and silk screen prints. His work has been in several displays including at Anton Art Center.  Motion to approve Mr. Moroski as a future featured artist was made by Farhat; Seconded by: Bollman Ayes: all Nays: none  Giallombardo will sent an acceptance letter. OLD BUSINESS:  None NEW BUSINESS :  Schabath stated that Popko won $100 in a coloring contest  Schabath said that she has been promoting events and art projects with two Facebook pages that she administers: Sterling Heights Art Rocks and Sterling Heights in Pictures which is full of great photos taken in Sterling Heights, and encouraged members to send her items to be shared. Meeting adjourned: 7:00 p.m. NEXT ARTS COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 6 p.m.