The Arts & Cultural Diversity Commission had its inaugural meeting tonight at 7pm. All nine members were in attendance, in addition to Economic Development Director Mary Van Haaren, Interim City Manager Ryan Cotton, and Councilwoman Monique Owens. The members of the commission are Brandon Habermas, Joyce Lalonde, Christopher Charron, Deana Williams, April Brozowski, Sandy Koukoulas, Danielle Pomaville, Matthias Krezner and Alysa Diebolt.
Mary Van Haaren has previously suggested we paint murals throughout the City, especially on the masonry walls behind businesses. I have suggested we look at a contest through Eastpointe Community Schools to paint a warning by the storm drains that go to Lake St. Clair. In St. Clair Shores these drains are clearly marked so that the public is more aware and less likely to litter and pour unwanted liquids down the drain. Also, it would be neat to "wrap" transformers as has been done in downtown Detroit, or paint the garbage cans throughout the parks. A great cultural event that my fraternity Delta Sigma Phi hosted when I was an undergraduate was the Dance for Peace. We invited student organizations throughout the school to come and perform a dance, and also share their favorite cultural dishes.
In the end though it will be up to the Arts & Cultural Diversity Commission to think outside the box and suggest initiatives to the City Council!