Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, February 1, 2021 Meeting Locatio n: Zoom Conference Call Members Present: Ron Bindle, David Bollman, Jan Burns, Lawrence Farhat, Grace Finazzo, Judith Foley, Wendy Popko and Jeanne Schabath Members Absent: Amanda Koss, 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 January 5, 2021 Arts Commission made by Burns; Seconded by: Finazzo Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS: A. 2021 Public Art Projects  Giallombardo stated that the concrete dolphin was no longer on the vacant lot on Metro Parkway. She contacted the realtor selling the lot, who knew nothing about where it might be.  Popko stated that there is graffiti on the mural under the M-53 overpass, Giallombardo said she will contact DPW to have it cleaned. Davis added that the city is planning to install cameras along the trails and hopefully this will deter people from vandalizing the murals.  Davis is working with Ideation Orange for a quote on signage for the existing murals.  Davis said that she’s also getting quotes on the three memorial sculptures for the parks, since the current sculptures are old and need to be replaced. The Nordine brothers will be designing and installing the sculptures, the same designers of The Seed. Davis added that each sculpture will be unique but will share similar elements.  Davis stated that the artwork and dollar amount for the new designs for the mile markers along Van Dyke has been approved by City Council. The install will take place as soon as the weather permits; the cost of the project will be taken out of the public art fund. B. 2021 Memorial Day Parade  Davis stated that with the current situation and safety restrictions, there will not be a full blown parade. She added that there have been a few ideas presented, such as having an essay or art contest with students, and the parade route could travel through the winning student’s neighborhood. Davis said that Parks and Recreation held a classic car parade during the summer, in lieu of the Classic Car Show, the cars cruised at a slow speed and crowds were allowed since they were spaced out down the streets. Additional details will follow and plans are finalized.  The ceremony will still take place outside of City Hall and the Police Department, but on a smaller scale. The ceremony will possibly include the unveiling of the DIA mural on the side of the police building. More details to follow. OLD BUSINESS:  Schabath asked the status of Sterlingfest 2021. Davis said that the plan is to postpone the festival to later in the year, possibly in October, and have the headline acts perform, along with the beer tent and an artist row. The idea still needs to be presented to City Council so nothing has been announced to the public yet. Davis said that city administration needs to meet to see what is financially feasible and safe. Davis added that pushing the event to the fall would mean not as many artists would be available to participate due to the weather, kids being back in school, etc. She also said that there will still be restrictions, but moving it back a couple of months will at least buy some more time.  Burns asked if David Bollman will still be installing a sculpture on city grounds. Davis said that his project is definitely still on the short list of items to be researched and discussed. Bollman would like to meet with Davis and Kyle Langlois soon. NEW BUSINESS :  Schabath suggested getting sketches of the murals in place, to use for a coloring contest. Popko stated that she could get a sketch of the bear mural if Giallombardo doesn’t already have it. Giallombardo will check her files.  Foley asked the status on the living art wall project. Schabath stated that the project would likely have to be re-addressed in 2022, due to the other smaller projects that are pending.  Finazzo asked if there was a map of the public art around the city. Giallombardo said that there is a GIS map on the city’s website of all of the public art and where it’s located; she will look into it and make sure it’s updated.  Giallombardo stated that with the resignation of Steve Couchman, there is a vacancy on the Commission. She asked if members knew of a friend or colleague that would be interested in applying. If so, have them apply through the city’s website and notify Giallombardo so that she could make the recommendation to City Council. NEXT ARTS COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 6 p.m., via Zoom