MAYOR'S MESSAGE

Craig A. Stough 9/16/04

"Sylvania Community Arts Commission is Active and Growing"

Sylvania is a community known for its quality of life. Excellent schools, neighborhoods, parks, recreation and city services are all a part of that quality of life. Also important to community quality of life is access to and celebration of the arts. I am pleased to report to you that the Sylvania Community Arts Commission is active and growing to benefit our community in the visual arts, performing arts and arts education.

Several years ago, I asked Sister Sheila Shea and Norm Thal if they would head up a re-energized Sylvania Arts Commission serving Sylvania Township as well as the City of Sylvania. With their enthusiasm and guidance, a new board has been appointed, Ohio Arts Commission grant money brought to Sylvania, new programs established and several projects planned. The City has funded the commission with $10,000 and Sylvania Township has indicated they will consider funding $15,000 once an IRS 501(c) (3) tax free organization designation has been finalized.

During the 1980's and 1990's, the Sylvania Art Commission, with the assistance of Art Landseadel, accumulated many pieces of art for the City of Sylvania including a Dominic Labino glass sculpture, the bronze soldier statue in front of the City Administration Building, the Triad of Trees at Seney Triangle Park, several Walter Chapman watercolor paintings and many more. I would like to thank Rona Simon for carefully recording and cataloguing these works of art owned by the City of Sylvania as well as many historic artifacts located around the City.

The Board of the Sylvania Community Arts Commission believes the scope of the new organization should go beyond the visual arts and also include performing arts and arts education. This past school year saw a program of artists at Olander Park, and student art education and student art exhibitions also at Olander Park under the direction of Joe Szafarowicz. A community orchestra was formed with the help of Tom Watson and Robert Ballinger and had several performances in the community. These programs are planned again with more events for this coming year. The Commission also sponsored the recent Mayberry Festival under the chairmanship of Sylvania Township Trustee Dennis Boyle.

New visual art projects under consideration by the Sylvania Community Arts Commission are: a fountain in River Center Park sponsored by Sylvania Rotary, artwork for the Main Street/Ten Mile Creek Bridge planned reconstruction, artwork for the new TOPS park near Timberstone Junior High School possibly honoring police and fire fighters, and additional artwork for Pacesetter Park and Seney Triangle Park.

Yes, the Sylvania Community Arts Commission is active and growing, and is an asset to our Sylvania community. If you are interested in being part of the Commission's work, contact Sister Sheila Shea. My thanks to all who have participated and to those who continue to contribute to the arts in our community. Our community quality of life is truly richer because of your efforts.