In case you missed it, July 15-18 are the dates of this year's Ann Arbor Art Fairs.
I'll be attending on Thursday, making 34 years of perfect attendance for me. How about you? Meet me at 10:30 at State and North University. The press loves this event, I'd guess the most popular event in Michigan all year. Here are some recent articles to help you get there, understand the hype, and get to the root of this old rock star who just keeps on rocking: From the
Detroit Free Press:
Ann Arbor Art Fairs have come a long way since 1960, a historical look Inclusive article with interviews with three of the art fair directors, Shary Brown, Kathy Krick and Maggie Ladd. Good background on what people are thinking, from the
Ann Arbor News:
Ann Arbor Art Fairs organizers, participants try to keep sunny outlook despite economy From
MLive.com: Main Street Area Association director:
Downtown businesses strategize to take advantage of Ann Arbor Art Fairs, excellent article from the business section - how can a business make money off the art fairs? I believe Ann Arbor wins the award on this one. From the
Chicago Tribune:
4-days of summer art fairs kick off in Ann Arbor, details about the event
From the
Absolute Michigan website:
50th Annual Ann Arbor Street Fair, July 15-18, 2009, great links for information For all you oldies out there, you'll like this story from the Detroit Free Press:
Potter J.T. Abernathy exhibited at the first Ann Arbor art fair; they're both going strong. "At 86, he remains the dean of Ann Arbor potters, putting in seven hours a day in the studio and relentlessly exploring new ideas, materials and techniques. "The same things still intrigue me that have always intrigued me," he says. "Ceramics is such a fascinating medium. I'm never bored with it. It has unlimited possibilities." A great overview with tips on negotiating the fairs at
MLive.com:
You've been warned: It's Ann Arbor Art Fairs time Painter Dale Rayburn meets the admiring public at the Street Art Fair
Hi Richard, I never got to Main St. this year. Next year, for sure!
My friends who have worked art fairs with us over the years have been absolutely knocked out by the hard work. One year at Arts, Beats & Eats, a really hot day, at check-in as the artists were coming in sweaty and ready to work one of my good friends who was volunteering was very amazed. That was the year we instituted the "Golden Dolly Award" for the best artist's assistant, a cash prize even.
But they were coming in off the road and hot but were in great spirits because on the dawn of the show it is eternal hope. Right?
I have exhibited in Ann Arbor for the last 18 years the last 12 in the Guild Show on State for the first 3 and Main for the rest. I had my best show ever this year to my surprise. I was very afraid of the Michigan economy and was completely caught with expectations instead of just accepting that you get what you give. I brought a friend who was out of work from a injury and it was adventure for him as he was our postmaster. He commented that he was surprised how hard it is to work in the street for 12 hours a day. He has know me for 25 years and had no idea of what I do when I travel away to do a art show. My neighbor also had his best show ever and i was his 32 year. He was a functional potter. I did not see Connie, but the show was packed and she could have easily passed me by and not seen me either.
just what Ann Arbor needs another show!
It need 's to get smaller not larger. State street could not fill all the spaces it had, there were many empty spots. I don't know what the anwser is to this show, but it is not another satellite show. I am thankful for the great weather we had the best in 4 years. Sales were also the best in 3 yrs for me, but for Bea it was a bomb. A neighbor who had funtional clay had a very good show also. I heard mixed reviews. Greg Lawler came by and said that most reported having a good show.
There is also an alternate show going on at Briarwood Mall where people take the shuttle to the downtown area. 'Art Fair at Briarwood' has about 30 exhibitors and for a 1st year show, sales have been good. It is located in the southeast corner of the mall property in a small, tree-lined park across from Sears. If you want to avoid the crowds of the downtown area, this is the place to go.
Comments
My friends who have worked art fairs with us over the years have been absolutely knocked out by the hard work. One year at Arts, Beats & Eats, a really hot day, at check-in as the artists were coming in sweaty and ready to work one of my good friends who was volunteering was very amazed. That was the year we instituted the "Golden Dolly Award" for the best artist's assistant, a cash prize even.
But they were coming in off the road and hot but were in great spirits because on the dawn of the show it is eternal hope. Right?
It need 's to get smaller not larger. State street could not fill all the spaces it had, there were many empty spots. I don't know what the anwser is to this show, but it is not another satellite show. I am thankful for the great weather we had the best in 4 years. Sales were also the best in 3 yrs for me, but for Bea it was a bomb. A neighbor who had funtional clay had a very good show also. I heard mixed reviews. Greg Lawler came by and said that most reported having a good show.