Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, April 5 , 2022 Meeting Locatio n: City Hall, Conference Room 028 Members Present: Jan Burns, Barbara Chudzik, Steve Couchman, Sheri Marwede, Pat Michalski, Krystina Richardson, Jeanne Schabath-Lewis and Debie Tao Members Absent: Ron Bindle, Gary Lusk and Wendy Popko Representing the City: Sue Giallombardo, Melanie Davis and Kyle Langlois, Parks and Recreation Director Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. Krystina Richards introduced herself, she teaches at Creative Arts Studio in Royal Oak and is happy to be a part of the Arts Commission. Steve Couchman introduced himself, he previously served on the Commission for several years and is happy to be back; he owner of LivePicture LLC and is a self- proclaimed IT savant. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Motion to approve the minutes of the March 1, 2022 Arts Commission meeting; motion made by Marwede; Seconded by: Thao Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS: A. Ringo Starr “Peace & Love ” public art – Melanie Davis  Davis introduced two representatives to present a potential public art project: a Peace & Love monument, in connection with Ringo Starr’s “Let’s Change the World” initiative. The monument is an 8-foot tall, fiberglass casting of Ringo’s right hand making the peace sign. Proceeds from the initiative help fund various organizations and causes around the world.  Davis stated that if the city moves forward with the project, it would be the first one in the country, other than the original that is located in Ringo’s hometown of Beverly Hills, CA.  Michalski suggested that the sculpture get a ceramic coating, which would last 3-5 years and help protect the sculpture against the weather.  The price of the sculpture would be $75,000-$100,000, depending on added options, plus the estimated cost of a cement pad at $5,000.  Schabath-Lewis asked what the standard lead time was; the project would take 3-4 weeks from the time of the deposit.  Davis stated that she spoke with City Manager Mark Vanderpool, and Kyle Langlois, Director of Parks & Recreation, both are in favor of the project. The sculpture would be installed near the amphitheater in Dodge Park. Davis said that it would be great to have the sculpture installed in time for a July 7 unveiling, since that is Ringo’s birthday and he encourages everyone around the world to participate in “Peace & Love Day”. She added that she will look into insurance against vandalism, theft, auto accidents, etc.  See attached power point presentation for additional information on this project.  B. Sterlingfest – jurying of artists  Giallombardo stated that she has 61 artists and crafters, and two kid artists. She added that typically there are 80-100 artists, so she has extended the application deadline indefinitely. Applications from Sterling Heights residents was about the same, however, the number of out of state applications dropped by about 50%, maybe due to the price of gas or after-effects of covid. Giallombardo asked commission members to continue to encourage artists or crafters to apply.  Giallombardo shared the PowerPoint presentation, showing each artist’s work. Members accepted every artist. Giallombardo stated that she will send out acceptance letters.  Schabath-Lewis told commission members that they are welcome to volunteer during Sterlingfest, either at the Information table or acting as a “floater”, assisting artists that might need a short break from their booth. Commission members are also asked to vote on “Best Artist”, which entails visiting every booth and voting on your favorites. The winner is invited to next year’s show, with a complementary booth fee. OLD BUSINESS:  Giallombardo stated that she contacted Mary Gilhuly regarding the mosaic mural project to be installed at the Community Center. Gilhuly had a very recent death in her family and will reach out in a couple of weeks to set up a meeting.  Giallombardo said that she made up four “kits” to be used to paint the stencils near the storm drains throughout the city. She added that all members are welcome to volunteer their time and should come to Community Relations to pick up a kit. She will also be inviting members of the Sustainability Committee to assist.  Giallombardo said that the showcase on the second level of the Community Center will now be used for the Featured Artist program. This will allow for more variety with the artists. Giallombardo will take measurements of the showcase and start promoting, and will follow up with three artists that applied prior to everything shutting down for covid. NEW BUSINESS :  Giallombardo stated that Larry Farhat resigned from the commission, due to a new job; he said that he enjoyed working with everyone and will miss everyone.  Davis said that the city will be hosting an event at the Nature Center on Tuesday, April 19, at 6:00 p.m., encompassing a Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, a tree planting and a long awaited ribbon cutting for the monarch butterfly sculpture. Davis invited members to attend, adding that the ceremony should only last 30 minutes or so. Giallombardo stated that she invited Kyle Burnett, the butterfly sculpture artist, but hasn’t heard back from him yet. NEXT ARTS COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 6 p.m.