Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, May 2, 2023 Meeting Locatio n: City Hall, Conference Room 028 Members Present: Ron Bindle, Jan Burns, Barbara Chudzik, Sheri Marwede, Patrick Michalski, Krystina O’Toole, Wendy Popko, Jeanne Schabath-Lewis, Lisa Stout and Elizabeth Vincent Members Absent: Zachary Overman Representing the City: Melanie Davis, Community Relations Director and Sue Giallombardo, Community Relations Specialist Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES : Motion to approve the minutes of the April 4, 2023 Arts Commission meeting; motion made by Stout; Seconded by: Chudzik Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS : A. Memorial Day Parade  Giallombardo stated she received applications from over 60 individuals, groups and organizations; and added that there are four high schools bands performing to date. She expects more to receive several more in the next few weeks. Giallombardo encouraged members to volunteer for the day, but said it’s not mandatory. She said that she appreciates members taking time out of their holiday weekend, and said that she would like volunteers to arrive around 7:30 a.m. Once their section of the staging area leaves the park, they are free to leave as well, usually by 11:00 a.m. Giallombardo stated that Schabath- Lewis will be moderating the ceremony, which starts at 9:00 a.m. Giallombardo added that members will be voting on best band and best float at the June meeting, but said there may not be too many floats this year, as the scout troop participation seems to be lower.  Giallombardo asked to let her know if you’re able to volunteer. To date, the following members are available to volunteer: Ron, Jeanne, Patrick, Jan, and Sheri. Barb added that she organized Section B (the politicians) last year, and suggested having them back into the parking spaces, as opposed to lining up straight back. B. Public Art Project Ideas  Giallombardo asked members for small project ideas that could be implemented during the summer/fall months, such as the rock garden at the Library.  Giallombardo said that the city hopes to have the mural installed on the wall at Zap Zone by the end of the season.  Burns mentioned that residents have painted trees in Baltimore parks. Burns didn’t have too many details but liked the idea.  Schabath-Lewis suggested looking into free-standing murals that could be displayed on city streets. She will get additional details.   Davis asked Popko about small painting project ideas. Popko mentioned painting small themes throughout city buildings that are visited by the public, such as mouse holes with a mouse peeking out.  Davis suggested a small mural or 3-D painting that could be used as a photo opportunity, something that could incorporate the Sterling Bee that was used during the Census 2020 campaign, and use tag lines such as Bee Active, Bee Inclusive, etc. Popko said that Mt. Clemens has something similar, a large frame with a hole in it, with the message reading “I ‘heart’ Mt. Clemens.” Stout added that Clawson also has something similar, a giant heart with locks clipped on it. Giallombardo stated that she would attempt to find photos of above projects online.  Vincent asked if the city was installing any temporary art for Pride month. Davis said that they have no plans for this, but said that the Community Alliance will be hosting a Pride flag raising ceremony on June 1, as well as a Pride Night at the large pavilion in Dodge Park. There will also be a Pride Night at Dodge Park on June 29. OLD BUSINESS:  Giallombardo provided an update on the mosaic mural, stating that Mary Gilhuly is working on the outer portion of the mosaic tiles, and the large city logo mosaic. Once all the tiles are placed, she will grout and polish the entire mural. Gilhuly is hoping to be finished by the end of May. Giallombardo stated that the unveiling will take place on a Tuesday evening, prior to a City Council meeting and is tentatively set for June 6. She added that the regular meeting could take place after the unveiling event. Giallombardo added that the Mayor, City Council, Arts Commission members, Mary Gilhuly and anyone that participated in the workshops will be invited to the unveiling.  Schabath-Lewis asked for an update on the Rain Barrel painting project, and asked if the Arts Commission could have one of the barrels to paint. Giallombardo said that all of the barrels were given away, and said there is a long waiting list. She added that the city received 400 barrels, the announcement was shared on social media and the barrels were accounted for very quickly. Davis stated that the Nature Center might be getting one, and maybe the Arts Commission could partner with them. Davis added that they are still working on the details of having residents paint their barrel upon pick- up, and asked for possible volunteers. She added that it might be too chaotic but details will follow. Popko suggested encouraging residents to paint their barrel at home and send in a picture for the Sterling Art Rocks page.  Davis stated that the call for muralists to install on the Zap Zone wall will go out in the next couple of days. The theme of the mural will focus on one of the key words from the city’s vision statement: inclusivity. O’Toole asked if there will be multiple artists accepted, or just one. Davis stated that only one artist will be accepted. She added that the idea of multiple artists is great theoretically, but logistically very difficult, from an administrative standpoint, having to work with multiple contracts, insurance policies, getting the items on the Council agendas, all of which is a process. O’Toole asked if the “inclusive” theme was set in stone, Davis stated yes. NEW BUSINESS :  Schabath-Lewis shared that Popko had a pop-up art show at the Anton Art Center that ran for an entire week. Popko added that she brought together  many of her pieces from over the years and said the show was very successful.  Davis stated that she has been having conversations with Anton Art Center staff, regarding partnering for a large art event that would showcase creative arts in all forms: music, theatre, all mediums of art. Davis added that she had partnered with Anton once before on this type of event, when she was working with the Chamber and the event was a huge success. The event would allow artists to have demos, and would include live performances, a fashion runway, hair style demos, food, sculptures, etc. Organizers would seek sponsorships, there would be a small ticket price for attendees but no charge for the artists that participate. Davis will share more details as the planning progresses.  Michalski stated that the Halo might need some maintenance, he thinks that panels are falling off. Giallombardo said that she would follow-up. NEXT ART S COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday , June 6, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.