Sunday, December 16, 2007

2007 season isn't over yet...

After nine months of near perfect Sundays the weather gods seem to be playing practical jokes on us: Ice storms and another smaller ice storm and now a major snow storm. I've missed two of the last three Sundays at the Ann Arbor Sunday Artisan Market and I'm feeling a bit sad and irritable about it. When I'm home on Sundays, instead of at the market, I feel as though I'm suppose to be some place else. Yeah! Because I am...I'm suppose to be at the Market chatting with customers and my fellow vendors and generally having a good time and making some money at the same time.

I have to laugh at myself because so many people asked me if I would be at the Market through December and I answered, "Unless there is a blizzard, I'll be here." I should be more careful what I say. A blizzard, or what passes for one in Ann Arbor, is about the only thing that would keep me away. I love being at the ARTisan Market. I love the people who come to visit and shop with us and I love talking and laughing with my fellow vendors. The cold isn't so much a problem, but the big snow and ice have been.

But...it isn't over yet. We have one more Sunday, the 23rd, next Sunday. The vendors are planning a party to celebrate the completion of another year at the Sunday Artisan Market. That is fifteen years, I believe, that the market has been a part of Ann Arbor and the KerryTown area. I know there will be shoppers looking for that very special something that they can't find at the big box stores. That's what we have at the Market, special, mostly one-of-a- kind, hand made jewelry, hand dyed scarves, unique ceramic pieces, special soaps, excellent photography, and lots more.

So, this is a call to vendors and customers alike. Let's make that last Sunday of 2007 a special one. Come on down to the Farmer's Market Pavilion next to KerryTown. It's time to party and celebrate the season no matter what the weather (well, ok, within reason).

See ya there. Jane

Monday, December 10, 2007

Only Two More Weeks for This Year

We have only two more Sundays for this year's Ann Arbor The Sunday ARTisan Market. Yup, hard to imagine that December 16Th and the 23rd are our last two Market days for 2007.

As this year winds down, however, plans for next year are already starting up. Some of us are planning how we will modify or expand the art that we offer. Others are thinking of new displays for our booths or how to revamp the old ones. And truthfully, some of us are thinking how nice it will be to stay home on Sunday morning. I personally think that will last only a few weeks.

I'm Jane Holt and I'm a member of the The Sunday ARTisan Market's board of directors. I am also a photographer and a fabric artist selling my hand dyed scarves. And, starting now, I am going to be keeping this blog updated and useful. What do I mean by useful? My aim is to have information and articles on this blog that will be of interest to both customers and vendors. A bit of a balancing act? Perhaps, but my hope is to keep it relevant, timely and worth checking in on periodically.

As 2007 winds down this blog will begin to grow with information such as our Opening day in 2008 is Sunday, April 6Th. Not all that far away... And, we still have two more Sundays this year so come join us as we celebrate the holidays and the end of a very successful year for Ann Arbor's Sunday ARTisan Market.

Friday, September 7, 2007

Arts Alliance Launches ArtsCount on Sept. 18

Written By Nicole Manvel
Community Relations Manager
University Musical Society making the region a wonderful combination of small town charm and big city sophistication.

On Sept. 18, the Arts Alliance will officially start counting how many artists (literary, performing, and visual) live and work in Washtenaw County. ArtsCount is the snappy name for this undertaking and ArtsCount.org is where creative folks of all types can go to “raise their hands” and be counted.

So, why count artists? Well, let’s turn the question around slightly and ask,”Why do artists count?”

Artists count because they are the foundation, the building blocks, the raw material of the arts and cultural community that we value in Washtenaw County. Performing artists (actors, dancers, storytellers, etc.) delight us or move us to tears at the Purple Rose Theater and Performance Network. Visual artists (mural painters, photographers, sculptors, etc.) enliven our streetscapes and enrich the walls of our homes. Literary artists (poets, writers, playwrights, etc.) remind us of our innermost feelings and help us to understand those of others.

We need to count artists because they’re often an invisible community and it’s impossible to judge the health of this sector without knowing who’s here. That’s important to business because artists have the skills that are desperately needed in the 21st century: the ability to think out of the box, to solve problems creatively, and to connect people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. Artists create the stimulating environment that lures smart companies and the talented people who work in them to a destination.

So if you’re creative or know someone who is, visit ArtsCount.org between September 18 and October 31. We want to count you! For more information about the Arts Alliance and its mission to strengthen Washtenaw County’s creative community, contact Tamara Real at artsalliance@annarborchamber.org or visit www.a2artsalliance.org.

--- This article was orgionally posted on The Arts Alliance web site; http://www.annarborchamber.org/community/arts/Arts_Articles/

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Noon Knowledge Sharing Series

Craig Topfer, an annual vendor at The Sunday ARTisan Market, will be holding a 30 minute talk about his mastered skills with wood and woodworking. This will be the first of two parts and the topic on August 26th will be "Frame Construction and Custom Hardwood Frames".
Craig has been written about in "Art Showcase Magazine" and has worked on projects for The University of Michigan Hospital's Gifts of Art. His passion for the woods he uses clearly shows in the details and skills of his work. Craig's focus on a framed piece of art is from the frame inward, which is a very worthy and unique perspective. Much of his work focuses on the Arts and Crafts movement though his knowledge of art and wood spans any specific period or movement. I hope that you will join us at Noon for the 30 minute program and discussion.

2nd Artist Supply Swap!

On September 23rd we are going to host the second ever Artist Supply Swap! This event is open to any regional crafter, artist and curiosity seeker that is interested in finding new inspiration, or selling off old ones. There are applications available from www.artisanmarket.org to set up as a seller for this unique event. Then all you'll have to do is 'Bag-n-Tag' your items. Possible items that you may find would be: - skeins of yarn - jewelry bits - fabric - trims - Lots of collage items - soap supplies - display pieces - mat boards and frames - and whatever else other crafters have collected over the years. (only crafter and artist supplies will be permitted for sale. No flea market, garage, clearanced or buy-n-sell items will be allowed. If you have questions, contact artisanmanager@yahoo.com) You can't deny what a great event and opportunity this will be for buyers and sellers alike. The Artist Supply Swap! will take place in our market and the set up fee is only $15 for a 8'x6' space. Of course, our regular Sunday ARTisan Market will also be taking place on this same day, along our main isle as usual. Looking forward to seeing you there....

Market News...

Hi Everyone,
Our summer at the market has been fantastic, we have been blessed with lots of warm weathered Sundays. We can certainly tell that Fall is approaching and we are gearing up for an abundant season. We have only 4 months left in our 2007 season, and that breaks down to only 14 more Sundays. WOW!!! Time flys when you are havin' fun! So, if you are currently selling with us, be sure to plan your time wisely. Also, for those crafters and artisans out there that are interested in getting started with us, Now is the perfect time. You can get an application from our website or contact the market manager at artisanmanager@yahoo.com for information.

Friday, July 13, 2007

Arts in the Area

An Arts Incubator Takes Off in Hamtramck...

With a propeller-topped head, a ham sandwich and smoking jacket for a torso and a pair of fishnet-clad legs shyly responding to cheers and applause, man, woman, child and lunch are whimsically welded together by a quartet of artists. The mixed media piece is part of the Exquisite Corpse collage exhibit hanging on the walls of Hamtramck's Café 1923. Created by the members of HATCH, these collaborative art pieces provide the perfect metaphor for what this Hamtramck arts incubator and collective hopes to achieve. Read more at http://www.metromodemedia.com/features/Hatch0026.aspx
(republished from the Arts Alliance news letter, 7/07, artsalliance@annarborchamber.org)

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

YouTube connection

I got a chance to work on a great project that highlights the entire Kerrytown area. Of course this are is home to our art market each Sunday, April - Christmas, but take a look at it to see what else is just a few steps away from us.
Once you view it, come on down and spend some time with us.
"See You at The Market..."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xS5g3fceBE

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Artist Supply Swap!

On July 1st we are going to host the first ever Artist Supply Swap! This is going to be an opportunity to clean out your work spaces of all the extra bits that you have collected over the years, and are ready to get rid of. This event is open to any regional crafter, artist and curiosity seeker that is interested in finding new inspiration, or selling off old ones. There are applications available from www.artisanmarket.org to set up as a seller for this unique event. Then all you'll have to do is 'Bag-n-Tag' your items. Possible items that you may find would be: - skeins of yarn - jewelry bits - fabric - trims - Lots of collage items - soap supplies - display pieces - mat boards and frames - and whatever else other crafters have collected over the years. (only crafter and artist supplies will be permitted for sale. No flea market, garage, clearanced or buy-n-sell items will be allowed. If you have questions, contact artisanmanager@yahoo.com) You can't deny what a great event and opportunity this will be for buyers and sellers alike. The Artist Supply Swap! will take place in our market regardless of weather and the set up fee is only $20 for a 10'x6' space. Of course, our regular artisan market will also be taking place on this same day, along our main isle as usual. A separate application will be requested if you would like to set up for that location too. To set up there is only $15 a day... or if on July 1st you want to do both booths, a special rate will be extended to you and the combine fee would only be $30. Keep in mind though that the two booths would not be next to each other so you would need two people to attend to your two spaces. Looking forward to seeing you there....

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Art Talk for Ann Arbor

Hi Everyone,
I hope that you are all doing well. Enjoying this Spring weather and nothing says "Spring Time" like a walk in through our artisan market. So... come on down. We have had record numbers of artisans join us over the past 3 Sundays. This Sunday's weather looks like it will be a beautiful one and since it is Mothers Day, we are looking forward to a crowd ready to celebrate with us. Our market will also be hosting a jazz trio, Garden of Souls, from 11-1pm providing some beautiful sounds for everyone to enjoy. This group wants to help bring the art of music back. Garden of Souls started as a concept to bring the idea of passion back into music without compromising the musical vision of the band. The vision was simple . . . to write good songs. Deep, meaningful, thoughtful lyrics and melodies over lush musical landscapes. The members of Garden of Souls have diverse musical backgrounds and tastes and they all find their way into the music. So, come and check out this group, enjoy the music and pick up some fantastic art. Hope to see you there.

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Market Upcoming Events...

Hi Ya'all,
I have been having a great time down at the market. The last two weeks we have had over 60 spaces filled and a great looking market. Thanks to everyone that was a part of it, customers and vendors!! I want to keep everyone posted too on some of our upcoming events. We are working hard to schedule music for our market. It is going to be a wonderful addition to everything else that we have going on. This Sunday, May 6th, we will have The Jam Society, (formerly the Ari Teitel Band). You can find out more about this group of 12 and 13 year olds at http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article? AID=/20070422/LIFE/704220497/1116/NEWS23
I hope that you can join us around 12 o'clock to hear them play. Then for Mothers Day, May 13th, we are going to host Gardens of Soul. Go to www.myspace.com/gardensofsoul for more about this exciting group! If you are an artisan interested in selling with us on any given Sunday, please take a closer look at our web site, www.artisanmarket.org. You'll find lots of good stuff here. "See ya at The Market".

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Sunshine, Crowds, and Vendors.... Oh My!

Sunshine, Crowds, and Vendors.... Oh My!! It was a great opening day for each of us. I have to say "Thank You!!" to everyone that was a part of it. We had over 50 vendor spaces filled. Most spaces were filled by our Wonderfully Talented annual vendors that always delight everyone with their innovative and unique items. In addition, I was also blown away by some of the new vendors that joined us. The designs brought by "Yard Art" and "Imagine it in Glass" were both unique to our market and wonderful additions. It was great to have "Heaven Scent" as well as a new photographer, wood cutter, and I can't forget the beautiful items brought by "Michelle Benton". Later in the afternoon FestiFools came through our market too. Their group added to the fun and celebrational feel that our market had all day, and they injected a large amount of humor. The over sized puppets that everyone had created, their costumes, and all the "bucket" players were Great!! I'm looking forward to see what they come up with next year too!! If you are interested in being a vendor at our market you can get information from our web site, http://www.artisanmarket.org/. In addition, if you are looking for a place to experience art on a Sunday afternoon..... Come On Down...... "See ya at The Market!"
Peace-Love-Art

Friday, March 30, 2007

FestiFools and Opening Day

Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to let you all know that I'm as excited as you are about the market opening back up this Sunday. We are getting our season started with a very full main isle. It is filled with renewing annual vendors and also several new annual vendors. This is very exciting on many accounts. Personally, I love to see new artists out giving it a try and I always love to see all of my artist friends from previous years. This opening day is going to be unique too because we are teaming up to support another public art event, FestiFools. (http://www.lsa.umich.edu/startproject/) Around 3pm on Sunday there is going to be a team of "Enormous Puppets" unleashed on our area. This is going to be the inaugural event for FestiFools, and we look forward to supporting them, and seeing what they have created over their past months of hard work. So come and join us for all of the excitement!
Peace-Love-Art

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Senate Bill 20 and House Bill 4438

Arts Legislation Needs Your Support

Take Action and Be Heard...

SPECIAL BULLETIN ArtServe Michigan, GRAAND: GrassRoots Arts Advocacy Network is proposing legislation to create a special purpose liquor license for the arts and cultural clients of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs has been introduced by Senator Buzz Thomas (Senate Bill 20) and Representative Bettie Cook-Scott (House Bill 4438).
Senator Thomas and Representative Bettie Cook-Scott are looking for letters of support to help make their case. The legislature will act on this legislation only if the arts and cultural community shows its support. For more info., check out........http://capwiz.com/artsusa/mi/issues/alert/?alertid=9545691&queueid=1114764466
Letters must be mailed to:
Senator Buzz Thomas;Attention: Kris Young; PO Box 30036; Lansing, MI 48909
Representative Bettie Cook-ScottAttention: John Shaski; PO Box 30014; Lansing, MI 48909

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Golden Paintbrush Award...

Howdy!! and Happy Thursday,
So, April 1st is quickly approaching and I hope that everyone is as excited as I am to get back to The Market!! Well, until we can all be reunited at the market, I have a great group project that we can all work on. I just nominated The Sunday ARTisan Market for the Golden Paintbrush award. This is an award that is given by The Commission for Art in Public Places of Ann Arbor and they are now taking nominations for its annual Golden Paintbrush awards. Qualified nominees are those individuals, businesses, our organizations who have influenced public art in Ann Arbor. Include your name and phone number, as well as name and address of the project or person you are nominating. Contact MParketSt@aol.com to make your submission. We are a unique market place so lets make sure we Show Our Pride!!
Peace-Love-Art

Saturday, March 17, 2007

TV show featuring The Sunday Artisan Market

Hi Everyone,
Set your recorders because you are going to see some familiar faces on Ann Arbor's local Community Television Network (CTN) this Sunday, 3/20/07. Marie Rust, Coleman Jewett, Carole Fletcher and Myself, got together and tapped a 30 minute show about our market in the CTN studio. I want to give a shout out to everyone that came down with art work, and the folks that sat on stage with me under those hot lights. Thanks to each of you; Michael Nagara, Lisa Ramlow, Cheri Reiman, Mark Schroll, Rose Clawson, and Mary Baker who all helped fill the stage with art, and Marie, Coleman, and Carole were great! on stage. We covered some important topics for artists and for customers. So.... set your recorders for 10:00pm on 3/20/07. (replaying: 3/21 @ 10am, 3/22 @ 8pm, 3/23 @ 3pm, 3/24 @ 3pm) Some other dates and times may be posted at their web site: http://www.a2ctn.org/ or you can phone them at 769-7422 to request a replay of the show. This show is just one way that The Board and Myself are working together to increase awareness of our market and continue to prepare for our 2007 market season. See ya at the market!
Peace-Love-Art

Sunday, March 11, 2007

March 11th....

Stall Assignment day....
Hi everyone. Thanks for swinging by the blog and checking out what is going on. Today, 3 volunteer members of the board and I (the market manager) met to go over the applications that we have received and give 2007 stall assignments. We are starting the year so far with 4 new annual vendors, several dailies have sent in application notices and a mostly full main isle. (Of course these numbers will continue to grow during our season, but we are off to a great start.) In some cases, if we haven't received your application but had a verbal commitment from you, we did hold your space assignment. But, Please Send in you Application very soon. Opening Day is not far off (it's on April 1st). Also, for those of you that are looking at our market and interested in giving it a try.... we make that really easy for you. We always have some space available for the artists that want to try us on a daily basis. Just swing by that day with application in hand (go to www.artisanmarket.org), or you can pick up an application at the market. Costs are (very) low to set up with us!!
If anyone has any questions about our market, the applications or space assignment... you can contact me at artisanmanager@yahoo.com
Peace-Love-Art

Sunday, March 4, 2007

March 4th, Board Meeting...

We had a great board meeting today.. Thanks to each of you that made it. Everyone in the room brought their "A" Game and we were able to tackle several issues. We spent a lot of time talking about ways that we are going to continue to grow our market and also some new opportunities for our 2007 season. The meeting minutes will be typed up and set out via email to our vendors. Opening day is April 1st... and isn't too far away. We need "Annual"applications in right away. To get an application you can go to our web site, http://www.artisanmarket.org/, or contact me through email to request one. Peace-Love-Art

Friday, March 2, 2007

1

Hi!!! to each of You.
I'm excited to get our market Blog up and running and to be able to communicate with each of you in this way. This blog is going to be updated AT LEAST once a week. I'll keep you posted on Market happenings, I can recap for you how a Sunday went, and post reminders. Also, as time goes on, we can add market pictures and highlight artist. This will be a great new tool for our market and support our continuing growth and strength!! Have Fun, Samantha; the Market Manager