Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, November 3 , 2021 Meeting Locatio n: City Hall, Conference Room 028 Members Present: Ron Bindle, Jan Burns, , Grace Finazzo, Gary Lusk ,Pat Michalski, Wendy Popko, and Jeanne Schabath-Lewis Members Absent: David Bollman, Lawrence Farhat Amanda Koss and Sheri Marwede 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 Sept. 7, 2021 Arts Commission made by Farhat; Seconded by: Finazzo Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS: A. Storm Drains  Giallombardo reminded members 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 will distribute flyers to all of the high schools, and contact the art teachers via email, asking them to encourage their students to participate. The due date will be prior to the schools’ holiday break, and voting will take place at the January 2022 meeting.  Giallombardo added that the city formed a Sustainability Commission in March 2020. The main purpose of the Sustainability Commission is to advise and make recommendations on the implementation of community-wide strategies regarding waste reduction, recycling and sustainable growth and development. This commission would like to partner with the Arts Commission in deciding on the final design of the stencil.  Giallombardo spoke with DPW staff to determine which areas of the city to concentrate on for selection of the storm drains. B. Public Art Projects - update  Regarding the featured artist program, Giallombardo said that nothing permanent could be installed at the Community Center. Michalski stated that Detroit Store Fixture Company would be a good resource for portable walls. Burns suggested hanging shelves with strong wires, Giallombardo will discuss with Kyle Langlois.  Burns is still interested in having classes at the Community Center. Schabath- Lewis suggested the Library or Senior Center as other options.  Finazzo brought in a Swedish cloth sample; Lusk had suggested ordering in bulk quantities with some sort of logo or design to sell as a fundraiser. Lusk added that this turned out to be pretty costly (approx. 3 for $50.00), and suggested looking into cheaper alternatives. Finazzo suggested using EA Graphics for printing. Giallombardo priced buying the cloths in bulk, cost would be anywhere from $12.99-$16.99 for 12 (this was only Amazon pricing).   Popko re-addressed the idea of putting acrylic wraps around utility boxes. The cost or best method has yet to be decided. Giallombardo will do research into location, ownership of boxes.  Lusk noted that City Council has been concerned about controlling the speed limit throughout the city, and suggested painting reminders/warnings in the street. OLD BUSINESS:  None NEW BUSINESS :  Lusk offered to host the annual Christmas party at his house; on Wednesday, December 1, at 6:00 p.m. All members are invited to bring a guest, a dish to pass, and beverage of their choice. Giallombardo will send an invite on behalf of Lusk.  Michalski is interested in installing permanent corn hole games at the city parks, and also suggested hosting a corn hole tournament, with food trucks, cash prizes, etc. Giallombardo suggested that he speak with Kyle Langlois.  Schabath asked members to bring one new public art idea to the January meeting, a feasible suggestion with a decent plan of execution. NEXT ARTS COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 6 p.m.