Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Meeting Locatio n: Zoom Conference Call Members Present: David Bollman, Ron Bindle, Jan Burns, Grace Finazzo, Judith Foley, Gary Lusk, Wendy Popko, Jeanne Schabath, Mona Yassine and Stacy Ziarko. Members Absent: Steve Couchman and Lawrence Farhat 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 May 5, 2020 Arts Commission made by Finazzo; Seconded by: Bindle Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS: A. 5-year Strategic Plan  Davis is working to finalize the 5-year Strategic Plan for public art, to be presented at a future City Council meeting. She added that she is taking a deeper look into the plan to see who could help with various projects suggested at the May meeting.  Schabath mentioned that the city’s Dog Park will be opening on July 7, and suggested a dog-themed sculpture. Bollman added that the estimated cost of a bronze sculpture would be $10,000. Davis will discuss the possibility with Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Langlois.  Bollman suggested adding a Living Art Wall to the strategic plan; the artist’s work could be transferred in and out over a period of time.  Schabath would like to expand on ideas outside of the City Center, and since Sterlingfest has been cancelled for 2020, she encouraged members to get out into the community to search for ideas.  Schabath suggested art classes in the park, which would allow for social distancing.  Schabath stated that the Farmers Market will be returning to Dodge Park on Thursday, beginning July 9, with restrictions. B. Mosaic Photo Project – 4th of July  Schabath stated that after the request for photos with a Memorial Day “valor” theme, the city only received 28 photos. We are wanting about 100 photos for the mosaic photo project. Schabath added that the project will be extended through the 4th of July holiday. Community Relations will promote through social media and ask for photos with a patriotic, fun theme. Once all of the photos are received, Steve Couchman will create the mosaic photo layout and incorporate them into a picture of the Upton House. Schabath encouraged all members to submit a photo for the project. OLD BUSINESS:  Schabath proposed a virtual “30 Days of Sterlingfest” to help the Sterlingfest artists that may be struggling with all of the shows being cancelled.   The artists/crafters will be asked to supply their website, facebook page, contact information, etc. (whichever method they would prefer to be contacted at)  Foley suggested weeding out the applicants that do not have hand-crafted items, adding that it puts a strain on the artists that do have hand-crafted items.  Burns suggested letting all of the artists and crafters participate due to dwindling interest this year; Giallombardo added that it’s hard to determine if the items are indeed hand-crafted, especially when the artist has sent photos and claims that they are hand-crafted.  It was decided that the virtual event will be open to only those who applied to Sterlingfest this year; Giallombardo will email out the list of artists along with the power point presentation that would have been used for the jurying process. Once she hears back from Commission members, she will weed out accordingly.  Davis suggested using a call to action, and ask interested customers to purchase by a certain date, which might help boost sales.  Giallombardo will send out an invitation to all of the artists that applied this year, and feature one or two artists each day, in hopes of promoting their work.  There will be no liability to the city, artists will be responsible for selling and shipping the items. NEW BUSINESS :  None Meeting adjourned: 6:51 p.m. NEXT ARTS COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 6 p.m.