Arts Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS ARTS COMMISSION Minutes of Tuesday, January 3, 2024 Meeting Locatio n: City Hall, Conference Room 028 Members Present: Ron Bindle, Krystina O’Toole, Wendy Popko, Jeanne Schabath- Lewis, Lisa Stout and Elizabeth Vincent Members Absent: Jan Burns, Barbara Chudzik, Patrick Michalski, Sue Rhoten 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 November 7, 2023 Arts Commission meeting; motion made by Popko to approve minutes as amended; Seconded by: Michalski Ayes: all Nays: none AGENDA ITEMS : A. Election of 2024 Officers  Schabath-Lewis stated that floor is open for nominations.  Bindle asked Schabath-Lewis and Popko if they were interested in retaining their current roles as Chair and Vice Chair. There were no objections and no additional nominations.  Bindle nominated Schabath for Chairperson and Popko for Vice Chairperson; Schabath-Lewis and Popko accepted the nominations. Seconded by: Michalski. Ayes: All Nays: None  Giallombardo thanked both candidates for continuing their roles. B. Sterlingfes t Application  Giallombardo asked members for any suggested changes to the application. Members made minor changes to wording and artist requirements.  Bindle stated that we should not accept artists after the jurying takes place. Giallombardo stated that at least 20 applications were submitted late in 2023, and adding that as long as the artist met the guidelines, there were spaces available and members accepted every artist that applied, she accepted late entries so that we had a bigger art fair.  O’Toole said that we should have a second jury date, and suggestsed that we not advertise the second jury date. Members agreed. Giallombardo stated that the first jury process will take place at the April meeting and the second jury process will take place at the May meeting.  Bindle stated that members should take their time during the jurying, and not rush through the applications. C. Memorial Day Grand Marshal  Giallombardo stated that Mayor Taylor nominated Judge Steve Sierawski for this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade. There were no objections.   Schabath-Lewis said that she’d also like to honor Fran Metcalf, a 100-year old veteran and member of the Rosie’s.  Schabath-Lewis would like to see more groups in the parade. Giallombardo stated that if anyone has contacts, send them her way and she will be happy to reach out. She added that she researches with other city’s parades to hunt down Veterans group, but struggles getting them to participate. Giallombardo said that she sends applications to high schools covering a wide radius, and let’s them know that the city will reimburse $600 for bus transportation.  O’Toole suggested added more things to do the day of. Giallombardo said that she wasn’t sure she could get anyone for just an hour on a holiday.  Schabath-Lewis suggested the theme of the parade honor the defense industry, “Celebrating the Defense Community.” Giallombardo asked if this would offend the Veterans in any way.  Vincent said to send an application to the WCS School for Performing Arts. Other suggestions included Daughters/Sons of the American Revolution, Art Academy in the Woods and dance schools. OLD BUSINESS:  Giallombardo said that she is still working on getting quotes for the polycarbonate bees. She said that the quote from a Detroit company, Prop Art Studios, was $6,350 per bee, plus transportation. The quote from the company in Nebraska is $1,044 each, plus a minimum charge of $2,100 for shipping on 12 bees. Giallombardo said she is also working out the logistics and needs to talk to City Development, regarding any ordinances on placement of the bees, and also needs to talk to City Attorney Marc Kaszubski regarding insurance requirements.  Giallombardo said she is still regularly reaching out to the team at Zap Zone. She is hoping the mural can be installed early Spring (once a design is approved). She will put out another request for murals with the artists that originally submitted designs.  Giallombardo said she is still waiting on a couple teachers to submit their students’ entries for the art contest. Once she receives the artwork, she will send to members via e-mail for voting. The artwork will be displayed in January and February at the Community Center. Details of the award presentation will follow. NEW BUSINESS :  Giallombardo stated that Kyle Langlois is looking for a mural or some artwork to go along a long corridor leading to the gym in the Senior Center. He is willing to discuss any ideas. NEXT ART S COMMISSION MEETING: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.