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.