Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, November 7 , 2023 Meeting Locatio n: City Hall, Conference Room 028 Members Present: Ron Bindle, Patrick Michalski, Wendy Popko, Sue Rhoten, Jeanne Schabath-Lewis, Lisa Stout and Elizabeth Vincent Members Absent: Jan Burns, Barbara Chudzik, Sheri Marwede, Krystina O’Toole 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 October 3, 2023 Arts Commission meeting; motion made by Vincent; Seconded by: Popko Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS : A. Public Art Update  Giallombardo stated that the current featured artist’s work is displayed at the Community Center; she added that it’s very impressive and encouraged members to check it out.  Giallombardo said that she received a quote from the company that Schabath- Lewis suggested to use for the fiberglass bees, and said that the price was $1,044 per bee, the bees would be primed in white paint and weigh about 80 pounds. Giallombardo said that she’s waiting on a total cost for shipping, the vendor is in Nebraska.  Giallombardo stated that she isn’t entirely sure on the timeline of the project and asked for suggestions on how to solicit businesses. Schabath-Lewis stated the artists will come up with the designs first, then the business owners select their design (on a first come, first serve basis); the bees would be on display for the month of May, and then could be auctioned off. Giallombardo stated that it would be easier for the business to keep the bees, and if they’d like to auction them off, they may do so. She added that it would be a lot of work to auction off each bee, then deal with transporting the bees. Bindle added that since the business is paying for the bee, it might be nice if they could keep it.  Popko suggested supplying a silhouette of the bee, and the artists would apply their design onto the silhouettes to show the business owners exactly what the designs will look like. Popko also said that the artists will need to sign a waiver. The waiver will include the following: o Must use durable, exterior paint; can’t leave any paint on the grass, sidewalk, or parking lot; must be willing to go to the business that selects his/her design; must adhere to deadlines in the contract; Giallombardo added that artists will need to show proof of required insurance per the city’s attorney.  Giallombardo told members to feel free to reach out to businesses and/or artists that might want to participate.  Giallombardo will keep members up to date as things become more finals.   Giallombardo said that she finalized the details with Gail Borowski, the art teacher at Davis Jr. High School, regarding the student art contest. She added that the theme will be “Think Spring”, the Elementary artwork will be displayed in January, and the Secondary students’ art will be displayed in February. The deadline for the students will be Dec. 8, members will have to vote via e-mail so that the artwork will be ready for display in January.  Giallombardo stated that the Public Art GIS map is updated on the city’s website. B. Arbor Day – art project ideas  Giallombardo stated the city’s Beautification Commission will be working with the Sustainability Committee for an Arbor Day event and asked for any ideas regarding a related art project for kids. Popko suggested painting rocks for the rock gardens. Giallombardo said that she’d keep members up to date if anything is decided, and they will be invited to take part. This won’t be happening until the first Tuesday in April. OLD BUSINESS:  Giallombardo reminded members to have any suggested changes to the Sterlingfest application ready for the January meeting. Members can send Giallombardo their suggestions via e-mail if they prefer. She asked for a preferred date for the second art show, Fall or Spring. Members preferred a date in November, although some were worried about competition from other holiday art shows. Giallombardo stated that she would talk with the staff at the Community Center to secure a date. She asked if an art show with only 40 vendors would attract enough interest for the vendors, members didn’t think it would be an issue.  Stout asked about the mural at the Zap Zone location. Giallombardo stated that unfortunately, she is still trying to get a final decision on the mural design from the management team at the location. She added that she has reached out repeatedly, sent all the submitted designs and said that they can’t seem to agree on a design. Giallombardo said that she’s asked for suggested changes, and even asked for new design ideas and it getting nowhere. Popko said that the center of her “Ripple” design was used for a mural in Detroit, so if the team should select that design, she would have to re-work the center. NEW BUSINESS :  Giallombardo stated that as voted on at the September meeting, members would meet for a Christmas dinner/get together in lieu of a regular December meeting. She added that Ron Bindle and Gary Lusk have hosted the party in the past, and asked if anyone is willing to host. Popko suggested having a dinner in the conference room at City Hall. Giallombardo stated that she has no problem with that, but added that members would have to pitch in to cover the expense. Members suggested having it catered by Chick Pea or Estia Greek Food. Giallombardo stated that she would send an e-mail to finalize the plan.  Giallombardo passed around a photo of the clock tower that is at Fire Station #1 at 17 Mile and Van Dyke. She said that only two of the three sides of the clock are working properly and asked for suggestions on how to fill in the two circles. The circles are illuminated and 44” in diameter. Michalski asked if the area is accessible inside of the tower, or only from the outside; he suggested vinyl coverings that could be changed out for the seasons or holidays, etc.  Giallombardo said that she would get further details and members could re- address the topic, assuming that no updates would be made until the spring. NEXT ART S COMMISSION MEETING: Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.