Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, February 7 , 2023 Meeting Locatio n: City Hall, Conference Room 028 Members Present: Ron Bindle, Gary Lusk, Sheri Marwede, Patrick Michalski, Wendy Popko, Krystina Richardson, Jeanne Schabath-Lewis, Lisa Stout and Elizabeth Vincent Members Absent: Jan Burns, Barbara Chudzik and Zachary Overman, Representing the City: Sue Giallombardo, Community Relations Specialist Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Motion to approve the minutes of the January 3, 2023 Arts Commission meeting, as amended; motion made by Popko; Seconded by: Stout Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS: A. Memorial Day Parade  Schabath-Lewis inquired about a memorial stone for the veterans of the Persian Gulf War, Popko added that it was an important war and should be top priority. Giallombardo said that Melanie Davis has been in contact with a vendor and added that she will follow up with her.  Giallombardo stated that the Arts Commission members are welcome to suggest a theme and a Grand Marshal for the parade. She added that members are also welcome to volunteer the morning of the ceremony and parade, but it is not mandatory. Giallombardo stated that Schabath-Lewis helps to moderate the ceremony, and anyone is welcome to attend; adding that the city manager has arranged for a flyover of four bomber jets to honor the Tuskegee Airmen, which will originate from Detroit City Airport. She stated that the expected cost of the flyover will be $3,200, part of which will be sponsored by Ron Lamparter, owner of DC3S at 14 Mile and Van Dyke.  Giallombardo suggested general parade themes such as ‘Forever Grateful’, ‘Forever Remembered’, ‘Some Gave All’.  Popko suggested a parade theme to honor service dogs that serve in the military, Richardson agreed, something along the lines of “Dogs that serve people that serve.” Richardson added that if the theme were to honor service dogs, she suggested creating banners with pictures of dogs from different wars.  Giallombardo stated that she continues to struggle with attracting veterans to the ceremony and parade. Lusk stated that he will reach out to a veterans group.  Schabath-Lewis suggested Judge Sierawski to serve at Grand Marshal, Giallombardo stated that she thinks he has served as Grand Marshal, but wasn’t sure and would check minutes from past ceremonies.  Popko stated that her neighbor is a veteran, and she could possibly reach out to him if we needed her to.  Popko also suggested a theme to honor medics of military.   Schabath-Lewis suggested honoring African American veterans, to tie the theme into the fly-over. Giallombardo added that this was the general thought of the city manager, hoping to tie everything together.  Giallombardo stated that Melanie Davis has been in contact with people associated with the Tuskegee Airmen group, and is attempting to have a Tuskegee airmen act at Grand Marshal; once we hear back from this group, we can proceed with deciding on a theme and Grand Marshal. B. Sterlingfest 2023  Giallombardo stated that Sterlingfest artist applications have been mailed, and she continues to try to reach out to other avenues to attract more artists and crafters. She added that the deadline for the applications is March 27, and jurying by the commission members will take place at the April meeting.  Popko stated that she spoke with someone at the Library who asked that I leave a wide enough aisle between the rows to artists to allow for traffic flow up the stairs to the Local Artist Fair. Lusk asked for information on the fair, Giallombardo stated that she will forward the link for registration, and added that it fills up fast.  Giallombardo encouraged members to forward artist applications. OLD BUSINESS:  Popko inquired about purchasing the lion sculpture from artist Kyle Burnett; Giallombardo stated that since the city just installed 3 memorial sculptures at the parks, and there are are other pending public art projects such as the mosaic mural, that she didn’t think there was interest in purchasing the lion. She also added that City Council would like to see more murals installed. Giallombardo said that she has been sending out letters to businesses with visible walls suitable for a mural, but hasn’t had any luck so far.  In regards to a possible mural on the back wall of the new bathrooms at Delia Park, Popko suggested having a kite festival at the park, and tying it into the theme of the mural. Giallombardo will reach out to Parks & Recreation director Kyle Langlois, and will follow up.  Giallombardo stated that she has been coordinating dates and times for mosaic tile workshops with Mary Gulhuly. Arts Commission members are welcome to attend any date. The dates are as follows: o Feb. 11, at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm at the Community Center o Feb. 13 and Feb. 27, at 6:00 pm at the Library o Feb. 14, at 10:00 am at the Senior Center  Giallombardo said that Mary is looking for a couple of volunteers to possibly help at the workshop at the Senior Center. She also offered to come to the March Arts Commission meeting if there is interest. Members in attendance showed an interest. NEW BUSINESS :  Schabath-Lewis asked about the possibility of installing a mural at the 19 Mile overpass. Giallombardo will reach out to DPW’s Road Supervisor on any restrictions and the process that this would entail. NEXT ARTS COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 6 p.m.