Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, October 4 , 2022 Meeting Locatio n: City Hall, Conference Room 028 Members Present: Ron Bindle, Barbara Chudzik, Sheri Marwede, Patrick Michalski, Zachary Overman, Wendy Popko, Krystina Richardson and Jeanne Schabath-Lewis and Elizabeth Vincent. Members Absent: Jan Burns, Gary Lusk Representing the City: Sue Giallombardo, Community Relations Specialist Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. The two newest members introduced themselves:  Zachary Overman has lived in the city for seven years, and has some free time so he wanted to give back to his community. He is excited to be a part of the team.  Elizabeth Vincent has lived in Sterling Heights for most of her life; and has always wanted to be involved with Sterlingfest in some way. She has a law office in Sterling Heights and would like to help promote public art and city events. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Motion to approve the minutes of the June 7, 2022 Arts Commission meeting, as amended; motion made by Bindle; Seconded by: Richardson Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS: A. Sterlingfest  Giallombardo thanked members that came to vote on the art vendors, and volunteered to booth sit.  Schabath-Lewis stated that she thought the art fair was smaller; Giallombardo added that there were about 15 less artists than in 2019, many were from out of state. She added that there were less out of state applicants but approximately 12 more from Sterling Heights.  Schabath-Lewis reported that some booths were broken into, and/or vandalized. Giallombardo stated that she visited the booths on Saturday, and spoke to almost all of the vendors and one said that her booth has been unzipped and someone stole two baby onesies. She added that it’s unfortunate, but that it was the first time this has happened; and that teenagers are leaving late in the evening, people are drinking and it’s hard for police to patrol the entire grounds.  Schabath thought that traffic was lower and that there were less restaurants. Giallombardo added that she wasn’t sure on the traffic numbers, but the number of restaurants was the same, although one restaurant didn’t pass inspection with the Health Department, so they were unable to open. Richardson stated that she did pretty well at her booth over the weekend and said that she did three shows during the summer, and all three were within $100 on sales.  Chudzik stated that she had a hard time getting a volunteer shirt from the Information Table, the volunteers didn’t have her name on a list, she was  finally given a shirt but then they asked for it back. Giallombardo apologized, saying that she usually includes details on picking up the volunteer t-shirts in her e-mails regarding voting and volunteering, and had the t-shirts for Arts Commission members in the lower level of City Hall. She added that she will make a note going forward. Members stated that they would like volunteer shirts as opposed to white sponsor t-shirts.  Bindle questioned one of the artists selling purses that he believed were purchased online, and asked how many artists were juried in, as he wasn’t at the meeting. Giallombardo stated that at the time of jurying, she had 69 applications and every artist that applied was accepted. About 25 artists applied after the jurying process and Giallombardo stated that she accepted all of them, based on what was discussed during the initial jurying. The total number of artists this year was 93, plus 6 kid artists. Chudzik asked if kids have always been invited to participate, and Schabath-Lewis said yes, and they pay $10, in an effort to encourage kids to show off their creative skills. Giallombardo asked if members would like to modify the cost or guidelines of the Kids Application, nothing was suggested at this time.  Giallombardo added that members can pay closer attention to the vendors work going forward, and she would be sure to point out the purse vendor should she apply again.  Giallombardo said that five members voted for Best Sterlingfest Artist. First Place was awarded to Handcrafted Pens and Second Place was awarded to The Woodcrafter; both artists were very excited and humbled.  Popko noted that the booths on the grass seemed too close to the sidewalk, but the artists didn’t seem to mind.  Chudzik said that the artist selling cookies was in a bad spot, too much sun. She suggested that she move her booth. Giallombardo stated that she had talked to her and she mentioned that she was offered help to move, didn’t think it was necessary but wished she would have. Giallombardo said that she offered her a free spot in 2023 and encouraged her to apply again.  Vincent said that she would like to see more glass vendors.  Richardson stated that artist next to her (Home Fields) was not selling hand- painted work as he stated on his application. Giallombardo noted this, should the artist apply in 2023. B. 2022-2023 Meeting Calendar  Giallombardo distributed the proposed calendar of meeting dates for the next year. There were no changes, approved as is. C Public Art Updates  Giallombardo said that the police/fire memorial sculptures are set to be installed at the three parks in mid-October; we are waiting on the company to pour the concrete. She will notify everyone regarding the ribbon cutting once it’s scheduled.  Giallombardo said that the mosaic mural project at the Community Center is moving forward, she hopes to get the contract approved by City Admin and City Council early November.  Popko proposed possibly purchasing a piece of scrap metal art that she saw at the Grand Rapids ArtPrize competition; she added that she thinks the cost is around $50,000 and will ask for more details from the artist. The piece of art is a large American eagle, made entirely out of recycled material.   Michalski stated that he would like to see a piece of public art dedicated to the Dodge Brothers, adding that they donated the land where Dodge Park sits, as well as other parcels where parks now sit. Giallombardo recommended that he come up with a detailed proposal or idea. OLD BUSINESS:  Giallombardo stated that there are available kits for any members wanted to stencil the storm drains in their neighborhood. Each install only takes about 15 minutes. Follow up with Giallombardo if interested.  Giallombardo said that the Featured Artist for October and November will be setting up his work on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 10:00 a.m., and will be interviewed by SHTV; members are welcome to attend to present him with a certificate of appreciation.  Giallombardo reminded members about the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on October 13 at 6:00 p.m. She asked members to let her know if they will be attending. NEW BUSINESS :  Giallombardo stated City Council asked that each Board or Commission give a presentation at a future Council meeting, typically the Chairperson shares the goals of the commission, and what the members work on throughout the year. Giallombardo added that the Arts Commission is scheduled to present on Dec. 6, which is typically the night of the Holiday Dinner. Giallombardo asked Schabath-Lewis if she would like the date changed, or members could change the date of the dinner. Schabath-Lewis stated that she would like to re-address the topic at the November meeting.  Schabath-Lewis stated that the Arts Commission started an endowment with the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation, and asked the amount that is available to use. Giallombardo said that she would follow up with the Foundation. NEXT ARTS COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 at 6 p.m.