Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, January 5, 2021 Meeting Locatio n: Zoom Conference Call Members Present: Ron Bindle, David Bollman, Steve Couchman, Lawrence Farhat, Grace Finazzo, Amanda Koss, Wendy Popko and Jeanne Schabath Members Absent: Jan Burns, Judith Foley, Gary Lusk and Mona Yassine 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 September 1, 2020 Arts Commission made by Farhat; Seconded by: Couchman Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS: A. Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2021 Giallombardo opened the discussion for nominations. Finazzo nominated Schabath for Chair person; Seconded by: Popko. Ayes: All Nays: None  Schabath nominated Popko for Vice Chair; Seconded by: Farhat. Ayes: All Nays: None B. 2021 Public Art Projects  Giallombardo stated that the three scrap metal sculptures have been installed at the Nature Center and they look great. She added that an official ribbon cutting will take place in late spring. Schabath said that the sculptures have been very well received on facebook, and that the artist, Kyle Burnett has developed a relationship with Fusion Fabricating and they have been donated scrap metal to him and have helped him with his welding inspections.  Popko suggested using the metal butterfly sculpture for the next Sterling Heights magazine cover, would be a great way to not only promote the Nature Center but would also promote the city’s public art program.  Bindle had inquired about the possibility of painting some of the city’s utility boxes with small murals; Giallombardo reached out to DPW staff, Engineering and the Michigan Public Service Commission (which is used to submit utility complaints and issues). She stated that there are several thousand utility boxes in Sterling Heights, some are owned by the utility company, some by the county and some are city-owned. Giallombardo was advised to start the process by pinpointing specific boxes that have decent exposure to the road. Once we get a list, we can follow up on the process of moving forward with painting.  Davis stated that Wendy Popko is re-working her mural design for the side of Ventimiglia’s, a spring-summer installation is planned. Plans are also moving forward with new memorials at three parks: Imus, Nelson and Mark Sawyers. The designs will resemble a lightning bolt, signifying how quickly life could change, etc.  Davis added that plans could move forward with painting some of the crosswalks. OLD BUSINESS:  Schabath asked about the status on the mosaic tile project at Community Center. Giallombardo stated that due to Covid-19 and the timing of the opening of the Community Center, that project has been put on hold. Once things open up and we can return to some normalcy, we can re-address the project.  Schabath asked about other public art projects around City Center. Davis stated that the mural on the side of the police department is scheduled to be unveiled during the Memorial Day Ceremony; and Giallombardo stated that the Everbright cabinet will be installed in the Children’s section of the library once their renovation is complete.  Giallombardo said that she has four pending applications for “featured artists”; once the renovations are complete around City Hall and things return to some normalcy, we can continue with the program. NEW BUSINESS :  Davis shared that the city is in the process of forming a Community Alliance Commission; this new commission will have seven members and will focus on bringing the community together, with a goal of breaking through the barriers of prejudice, bias and divisiveness among all groups of residents, including members with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, and many others. Davis stated that she would like the Arts Commission to work with this new commission on a “Unity Project” that would showcase the great diversity in the city.  Schabath would like to open additional “tiny” libraries and suggested promoting on facebook to encourage residents to participate; and also said that the current ones could use some maintenance.  Davis said that talks will be starting soon regarding a plan for Sterlingfest 2021. NEXT ARTS COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 6 p.m., via Zoom