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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-26 Meeting Minutes Monday January 26, 2026 6:30pm Present: J. Gilligan, R. Kent, P. Mang, J. Sercu, L. Spence, P. Valentine, P. Van De Ven Absent: None Staff: Megan Duby Motion 1-26-1: made by J. Sercu and seconded by R. Kent to approve the Meeting Minutes of the meeting held December 15, 2025. Motion passed unanimously; minutes were received and filed. Treasurer’s Report: Commissioners reviewed the 2026 budget. Discussion regarding budget revisions to include additional programming will be made in February. Commissioners were encouraged to bring ideas with budget outlines to the next meeting. Motion 1-26-2: Motion made to accept the budget as presented by J. Gilligan and seconded by L. Spence. Motion passed unanimously. P. Mang-Gallery: P. Mang presented a 2026 schedule update and reported that 9,226 patrons visited the art gallery in 2025 according to data provided by the library per the counter on the gallery door. N. Rockwell from Livonia TV will be creating a video each month featuring the artist(s) and their exhibits. P. Valentine-City Hall: P. Valentine reported that Chuck Schroeder is the artist for February and an updated 2026 schedule will be provided at the next meeting. J. Sercu- MFTH: J. Sercu and L. Spence reported that P. Valentine has been added to the subcommittee and evaluation of band applications will begin in February. Currently there are hundreds of applications to review. There will be 10 shows this year, beginning 7/9/26 and concluding on 9/10/26. P. Mang-Fine Arts Show: A new lead person for the fine arts show is needed due to the resignation of Grace Karczewski from the arts commission. P. Mang will provide a packet with details of the program at the February meeting. L. Spence-Kids Programs: L. Spence had no report at this time, follow-up needed with T. Davis regarding the location availability for l2026 programs due to current construction projects. R. Kent-Scholarships: R. Kent reported that the subcommittee has distributed application information to Livonia and Clarenceville teachers and posted it on social media accounts as well as flyers in several locations around the city. rd P. Van De Ven-FOLA Updates: A networking event took place on January 23 and was very successful. FOLA hopes to have more of these events in the future. P. Mang-Grants: P. Mang reported that she has arranged for a dance program to be held at the Civic Center auditorium on April 9, 2026, pending confirmation from the library that the date is still available. This will be the second of the 3-part artist series. NEW/ONGOING BUSINESS:  3 in one Series-Update on Sonatas in the Shadows: It was report by P. Van De Ven that conversations with the symphony quartet are continuing and the cost of lighting is still being explored via different venders.  2026 Ideas: Programming ideas:  P. Mang will explore costs for partnering with Shakespeare in the Park for a family friendly preshow event.  J. Gilligan suggested a Food Trail, Battle of the Bands and a Film Festival. P. Van De Ven will email Gilligan with all of the contact information and past work done for the film festival so he can take the lead on that event.  DIA Project Update: J. Sercu reported that he continues to work with M. Duby, T. Davis and DIA representatives to bring a mural to a city building. The team is currently working on gathering public input.  U of M Project Update: P. Van De Ven reported that the Arts Commissions application to increase the presence and effectiveness of the commission’s social media sites was accepted. Van De Ven will serve as the liaison between the U of M team and the commission.  African Art Collection: J. Sercu provided the inventory and appraisal list created by the Boos Gallery in May of 1996. The art is currently being stored in the annex building of City Hall. L. Spence and J. Sercu volunteered look at the condition of those pieces, so decisions may be made by the commission regarding the future of the collection. Other Discussion:  Melissa (Wiley) Converse attended the meeting and would like to be considered for the position of commissioner on the Arts Commission. She presented the commissioners with a resume followed by discussion. The process for appointments via the mayor’s office was provided to Melissa.  The February meeting will be held on Tuesday, 2/17/2026 at 6:30 pm due to the unavailability of commissioners to create a quorum on 2/23/26.  Motion 1-26-3: Motion to adjourn made by J. Sercu and seconded by L. Spence to adjourn at 7:42pm. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, Patrice Mang, secretary 1/26/2026