Arts Commission

Members

  • Brian Duggan, Chairperson
    Year Appointed: 2011
  • Dan Spurling, Vice Chairperson
    Year Appointed: 2003
  • Carrie Spurling, Secretary
    Year Appointed: 1998
  • Virginia Bosak, Commissioner
    Year Appointed: 2015
  • Robert G. Donovic, Commissioner
    Year Appointed: 2018
  • Donna Eno, Commissioner
    Year Appointed: 2000
  • James Sercu, Commissioner
    Year Appointed: 2018
  • Grace Karczewski, Commissioner        Year Appointed: 2005
  • Patrice Mang, Commissioner                 Year Appointed: 2018
  • Helen Moore, Commissioner                Year Appointed 2016
  • Lindsay A. Spence, Commissioner
    Year Appointed: 2016
  • Jerry Valentine, Commissioner
    Year Appointed: 2012
  • Pam Valentine, Commissioner
    Year Appointed: 2012
  • Chris Swish, City Liaison
Art Commissioners Group Photo

MISSION STATEMENT

The Livonia Arts Commission exists to create, promote, develop, sponsor, sustain, facilitate, and further the Arts within the City of Livonia. For the mission of the Commission and its commissioners, the term “Arts” shall be defined and literally construed to include the making or doing of things that have form and beauty, and to encompass all forms of Arts including the Arts of music, painting, sculpture, literature, dance, theater, opera, ballet, crafts of all natures, and any other of the performing Arts requiring and exhibiting a level of creativity, skill, or talent.

History

The Livonia Arts Commission was established in April 1974 and held its first meeting in the office of Mayor Edward McNamara. The first year was devoted largely to identifying cultural resources in the City, establishing working relationships with those resources, and educating the new commissioners in the techniques required to build a fine arts program for a blossoming city.

In 1975 the Commission began presenting a variety of artistic and cultural programs throughout the City. The Michigan Opera Theater and the Oakway Symphony participated in workshops and performances during the City’s first ever “Opera Month.” The first Livonia Art Exhibit made its debut (now called Art From the Heart), and the “Music Under the Stars” program, still going strong in the new millennium, made its premier (now called Music From The Heart). Since that auspicious beginning, the Commission has fostered a rich and diverse series of cultural events, activities, and projects.

Through it all, however, the mission has remained the same - to create, promote, develop, sponsor, sustain, and further the development of the Arts in Livonia. Subsequent Commissions have continued to take that mission seriously and to build upon that heritage in a variety of ways. Today, the Commission fosters programs such as Music from the Heart each summer, the Annual Exhibition of Fine Arts each fall, and the granting of scholarships to high school and college students engaged in the Arts.

Title II

In accordance with Title II of the American with Disabilities Act as it pertains to access to Public Meetings, the City Clerk’s Office of the City of Livonia, upon adequate notice, will make reasonable accommodations for persons with special needs. If you need assistance, please call (734) 466-2236 or email the Clerk.