Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, March 1, 2022 Meeting Locatio n: City Hall, Conference Room 028 Members Present: Ron Bindle, Barbara Chudzik, Shari Marwede, Wendy Popko, Jeanne Schabath-Lewis and Debie Tao Members Absent: Jan Burns, Lawrence Farhat, Gary Lusk and Pat Michalski Representing the City: Sue Giallombardo, Melanie Davis and Kyle Langlois, Parks and Recreation Director Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. Barbara Chudzik introduced herself, she is a 45-year resident, married and has two children. She works for Fusion Fabrication & Mfg, enjoys all forms of public art and would like to help out anyway she can and give back to her community. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Motion to approve the minutes of the February 1 4, 2022 Arts Commission meeting; motion made by Bindle; Seconded by: Popko Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS: A. Potential Art Projects  Kyle Langlois, Parks and Recreation Director, is in attendance at the request of Schabath-Lewis, to discuss potential public art projects at the Community Center and Dodge Park.  Langlois stated that he has been briefed by Davis and Giallombardo on several potential projects and would love to try to help where possible, and added that he is excited about the three sculptures that will soon be installed at the parks. Langlois said that he’s always willing to help and would like to do what’s best for the commission, and offered to attend a meeting on an annual basis.  Schabath-Lewis started out by saying that February is typically the commission’s planning month, and members would like to accomplish one project each quarter of the year. She stated that one idea is to host a Sterling Heights residents-only art fair on a Thursday in September, during the Farmers Market, adding that the ideal number of artists or crafters would be 10-15 and they would not need to be juried. Langlois stated that there is a set ratio for consumable products vs. non-consumable products, so they would not be able to stage under the pavilion, but added that they would have more space outside of the pavilion anyway. He stated that vendors pay for their space for the entire year. His staff is always looking for ways to drive more activity to the Farmers Markets in September, but would need to check the calendar for other “special events” on these dates. Popko added that they could also invite a variety of musicians to perform; Davis added that the city has a nice partnership with Second Wave Media, and could arrange for a write-up to help promote the event. Langlois will follow up with available dates, preferably for 2022, but may need to be postponed until 2023.  Schabath-Lewis asked Langlios what the status was with the mosaic tile/mural project, for installation at the Community Center. Langlois stated that Covid bottle-necked the project, which was a go at one time. He would like to move  forward with the project, and would entertain additional ideas and input from commission members. Langlois stated that he was working with Giallombardo, trying to select photos of Sterling Heights landmarks and/or scenery, to work into the design of the mural. Giallombardo stated that the location and dimensions of the wall have been determined and she will reach out to the artist, Mary Gilhuly in hopes of setting up another meeting and to confirm that she is still available. The initial meeting with Langlois, Gilhuly and Giallombardo took place early 2020, just prior to everything shutting down. Popko asked if the wall would be able to hold the weight of the mural; Langlois replied yes, stating that the architects were aware of the project prior to that phase of construction.  Bindle asked about options for the Featured Artist Program. Langlois stated that he spoke with Giallombardo, and offered a showcase on the second floor, adding that they do get a lot of traffic due to classes and programming. The showcases would allow for multi-media work to be displayed, shelves can be adjusted and the glass doors lock. Langlois stated that a portable wall unit would be an option, and would be located toward the back of the lobby, as you walk into the building, but would have to be moved on occasion to allow for other events.  Davis stated that she has been gathering details regarding a Ringo Starr “Peace & Love” sculpture, and said that she would like to see inside Dodge Park, somewhere near the band shell. She will provide further details at a future meeting. OLD BUSINESS:  Giallombardo stated that the stencils are complete for the storm drains, and once the weather gets warmer, installation can begin. She added that in the meantime, she will map out streets and locations, based on recommendations from DPW staff.  Giallombardo stated that since the theme of the Memorial Day parade is the Red Poppy, she ordered 500 red poppy seed packets that Beautification Commission members will distribute along the parade route, attached to flyers that will promote the city’s beautification awards and encourage residents to plant the seeds. NEW BUSINESS :  Schabath-Lewis said that the month of March is Women’s History Month, she will be promoting stories on Sterling Heights Art Rocks, such as Rosie the Riveter inspiring the next generation. NEXT ARTS COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 6 p.m.