Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, September 7 , 2021 Meeting Locatio n: City Hall, Conference Room 028 Members Present: Ron Bindle, Lawrence Farhat, Grace Finazzo, Gary Lusk , Sheri Marwede, Pat Michalski, and Jeanne Schabath-Lewis Members Absent: David Bollman, Jan Burns, Judith Foley, Amanda Koss and Wendy Popko 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 4, 2021 Arts Commission made by Finazzo; Seconded by: Marwede Ayes: all Nays: none Giallombardo asked new members to introduce themselves: Sheri Marwede as the newest member to the Arts Commission; Marwede stated that she is a longtime resident of Sterling Heights (48 years) and has been employed with GM for 20 years in the purchasing area. She was laid off during the pandemic and wanted to volunteer in the community; she enjoys the vibrant public art around the city and is happy to be a member of the Arts Commission. Patrick Michalski has been a Sterling Heights resident a majority of his life; he was recommended by Amanda Koss, and loves art and enjoys the public art around the city. He stated that he has recently left his field of aerospace engineering to concentrate on his custom art business. AGENDA ITEMS: A. Storm Drains  Davis stated that Mayor Taylor recently approached city management about adding artwork to some of the city’s storm drains, as a fun and innovative way to remind residents to keep the drains clear and to not dump anything down the drains.  Giallombardo reminded members that Bindle had suggested this idea in the past, and she passed around two examples, one being a stencil using spray paint and the other being a vinyl sticker adhered to the concrete.  Schabath-Lewis suggested asking high school students to submit their original artwork and the commission members could vote on their favorite.  Davis stated that the sustainability committee would be interested in this project as well.  Marwede stated that the stencil concept would be more cost-effective. Members agreed.  Schabath-Lewis suggested a due date prior to the Christmas break. Giallombardo added that she will work on a flyer for distribution to the schools, with a December due date; allowing members to vote on the designs at the January 2022 meeting. B. Oktoberfest   Giallombardo stated that since Sterlingfest had to be cancelled, the city will be hosting Oktoberfest on October 8-9, and will be a downscaled version with food trucks, beer pavilion and two stages of live entertainment.  Michalski asked why there isn’t going to be an artist row. Schabath-Lewis stated that too many restrictions were still in place in the spring, once the restrictions were lifted, there was not enough time for the artist application process and the jurying process.  Giallombardo stated that there are still spaces open for food trucks, if anyone has any recommendations. Michalski asked for an application for a friend that has a good truck. Giallombardo will forward. C. 2021-2022 Meeting Calendar  Giallombardo stated noted the change for the November meeting to Wednesday, Nov. 3, due to the election; and the cancellation of the December meeting, reminding members that they typically meet for a holiday pot-luck dinner. Over the years, Bindle has hosted the dinner and more recently Farhat. Location to be determined at a later date.  Motion to approve the meeting minutes of the May 4, 2021 Arts Commission made by Finazzo; Seconded by: Michalski Ayes: all Nays: none OLD BUSINESS:  Schabath-Lewis asked about progress on the utility boxes. Giallombardo stated that she had begun collecting numbers off of the boxes along Schoenherr, to track down who might own the box. She reached out to staff at DPW and was informed that boxes could be owned by the city, county or the utility company. Farhat stated that he may have a contact that could help with this issue. Due to excessive road construction, the progress was halted.  Davis stated that the three memorial sculptures should be installed in Spring 2022, and will go for City Council approval in December.  Davis said that there is still interest in receiving proposals from David Bollman on his sculpture that was postponed, for possible installment at City Center grounds.  Schabath-Lewis asked if there was going to be an official ribbon cutting for the three pieces that were installed at the Nature Center. Davis said that she is working on getting a plaque that would tie-in the butterfly sculpture with the fact that the Nature Center is an official monarch butterfly designation. Michalski offered to engrave plaques if necessary.  Michalski asked if the city has ever considered an interactive mural, with a design that would encourage photo taking to be posted on social media. Davis stated that the idea has been discussed and would like to have the mural at a location that is already well-attended, such as a kayak launch. Any suggestions on material, location, theme, etc. are all welcomed.  Davis stated that she is in the process of compiling a master list of all of the public art in the city and an annual maintenance plan for each piece.  Schabath-Lewis stated that she was hoping to pass out bags containing a rock and small containers of paint at the Farmers Market. Since that didn’t happen, she’d like to pass them out at Sterling Frights on Oct. 23. She stated that she would have 120 bags. Giallombardo will follow up with Parks and Recreation staff for permission.   The city is still working with Amanda Koss and the travelling art exhibit. One of the issues is that a portable wall would be necessary to display the art on. Options are still being researched. NEW BUSINESS :  Schabath-Lewis would like to organize an art show at the Community Center, as a fundraiser for local artists, with some of the revenue possibly going to the Arts Commission account. Davis stated that once again, we would need a portable wall to display the work, since nothing can be hung at the Community Center. Michalski suggested looking into a wholesale supply store in Detroit.  Lusk mentioned that “Swedish washcloths” are taking off and would make a nice fundraiser.  Michalski mentioned that East Lansing has a children’s garden, and asked what the process would be to have one at Dodge Park, or another park in the city. The park in East Lansing includes tiles under the ground that make noises when kids walk on them. Michalski would also like to install permanent cornhole games in the park. Giallombardo stated that Kyle Langlois would be the person to discuss these ideas with. NEXT ARTS COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 6 p.m.