Spring is moving quickly

Hi there, Jane here.

I am scrambling and laughing at the same time. I can't believe how quickly April has come and now, almost gone. It was a really exciting month for Ann Arbor's Sunday Artisan Market. Opening Day, on April 6th, was a perfect Spring day and we had lots of vendors and and lots of customers. April has traditionally been a slow month, perfect for getting booths and product organized and set to go for the rest of the year. But, at least this year, we started off with a bang.

Perhaps too much of a bang because Michigan's winter weather returned the following Sunday. There were 16 brave vendors and a few sturdy customers all thinking very hard about sunny skies and blooming flowers. That must have worked because the following Sunday was gorgeous and the Sunday Artisan Market was packed with both vendor's and customers!! Who knew the difference that 6 short days could make. I believe that if I lived in some place with more predictable weather I'd probably be bored in no time. Actually, I once lived in Southern California and I found my self getting up each morning complaining about "another blankity blank crystal clear morning." So I guess it's a good thing I live in Michigan. Never boring here.

And I can say the same thing about the Artisan Market, it's never boring either. Each Sunday is a little different. Already, we have a core group of almost 50 annual vendors, most of whom are at the market almost every Sunday. On top of that we have another 15 to 20 "Daily" vendors who come to the market as their schedules allow. Our customers range from locals to neighbors from close by counties to way-out-of-towners. One group last weekend was from Italy. I suspect visiting the Artisan Market was not their main reason for being in Ann Arbor, but they all seemed to be having a great time visiting with various artisans and picking up a few pieces of local art. We've already had one special event focusing on Earth Day and more are planned for future Sunday's. Gads, it's not even May yet ! No wonder I'm behind.

Yes, I am very excited about how the Sunday Artisan Market is filling out and up this year. The energy every where is very positive and exciting and everyone seems to be having a really good time. I don't think we could ask for anything more for our start up month.

Here's to a joy filled and prosperous season!

Opening Weekend Poster

One week to go!

Hello! Kate here. I am going to be sharing blog duties with Jane. I have been a little slow getting going, but I promise to do better in the coming weeks. My goal is to introduce you to our vendors and let them have their say about the Market, Art and anything else that strikes their fancy.

The Board went through the latest bunch of applications this afternoon and I have to say I am really excited about the coming Market season. There is so much talent that I am in awe. There are lots of fun events planned for the coming months, including an Earth Day celebration and 2 different groups of young artists setting up at Market.

Opening Day is next week!!! (I am not sure where the time went. I had such plans for being creative over the winter break, but alas that was not the case.) Official hours are from 11-4 in the Kerrytown Market. Pleas come down to see us.... and prary that it doesn't snow!

Next Vendor Meeting

Yikes! I just came out from underneath a bunch of accounting stuff...yes, I'm still at it, but I have been in my fabric studio dyeing so I've had some fun this month also. Anyway, I realized that I hadn't posted about the upcoming Vendor's Meeting.

It is this coming Sunday, March 2nd at the Ann Arbor Library. 12:30 pm is the time. We will be meeting in the "meeting room" on the third floor. The applications are finally ready. We are really sorry for the delay. They have been emailed out to everyone whose email addresses we had. They will also be available at the meeting. We also have a very full tentative marketing/advertising schedule to discuss with everyone. Joan and Cheri have been really busy getting things pulled together. Besides that there will be the usual President's report and Treasurer's report and Manager's report and...well, luckily I think that is all the reports. However, we also already have some other pieces of business to discuss with everyone. So, as the saying goes, 'come on down.'

Community Art News..

Thank you 'Arts Alliance' for continuing to unite and strengthen arts in our community! If you aren't from this area, or haven't heard of The Arts Alliance, here is the scoop: The mission of The Arts Alliance is to support efforts to increase participation in arts and cultural activities, and strengthen the cultural community and organizations that provide these programs, thereby ensuring that all citizens benefit from our outstanding cultural resources. (again, Thank you, Thank you Arts Alliance.)

Following is information compiled by this group.. I hope that you can find it as helpful as I did.
1) Artists' Census - April 1 launch date How many artists live and practice their art in Washtenaw County anyway? We're launching an Artists' Census on April 1 to try to answer just that question. And, we're going to need all the help we can get to spread the word out to the creative community of Washtenaw County. For more information about the census and how you can assist our promotional efforts contact Angela at angela@annarborchamber.org. We're looking to partner with artists and cultural organizations to include the census link on your websites, e-newsletters, programs materials . . . etc. Help us create some Artists' Census buzz!

2)Creative Connections, March 10 - Save the Date Mark your calendars for the next Creative Connections on Monday, March 10. We'll be taking a field trip to the Saline Picture Frame Company. Our theme for March is collaboration. We hope to see you there!

3)Free Frames, Free Frames & More Free Frames:We have a variety of large professional frames available at the Arts Alliance for pick-up. Please let Angela know if you're interested in these frames and we'll schedule a pick-up time. (They are metal frames, and many already include the matte).

4)President of National Women's Caucus for Art (WCA) to speak at Ann Arbor Art Center Date: March 13, 2008 - Ann Arbor, MI The Michigan Chapter of the WCA, a nonprofit organization is proud to announce that Marilyn Hayes, the new President of the National Women's Caucus for Art will speak at The Ann Arbor Art Center. Hayes' will talk about her experience in the Women's Caucus for Art and about her own art work. All are welcome to attend. Contact: Brenda Oelbaum 734-645-9024; email address: boelbaum@yahoo.com

5)I'd Rather be in the Studio! Workshop Dates: March 15 & 16, 2008 - Ann Arbor, MI Alyson B. Stanfield is coming to Ann Arbor to teach her workshop for visual artists. Alyson is known as one of the top Art Marketing experts in the nation. This two day workshop will cover Self-Promotion Essentials and Promoting Your Art Online. For information and registration visit: http://www.annarborwomenartists.com/stanfield.htm

6)Chelsea Cooperative Gallery Small co-op gallery has openings for a few new members and guest artists. Very generous commission split. Send resume and a few small jpeg pictures to westmoonart@gmail.com for more information.

7)2008 Kalamazoo Community Empty Bowls Project We are seeking handcrafted bowls (of all mediums) to be displayed at a silent auction during the 2008 Annual Kalamazoo Community Empty Bowls Event on March 8, 2008. To participate and contribute to this year's event, contact Jennifer Johnson at Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes: Jennifer@kzoolf.org.

8)The Ann Arbor Art Center Deadline: February 29, 2008The Ann Arbor Art Center seeks submissions for its annual exhibition, The Print. The Print invites artists to showcase experimental print techniques encompassing those of contemporary standards as well as those of time honored tradition. A prospectus including rules, application procedures, and a calendar of dates can be found on their website, http://www.annarborartcenter.org/docs/2008_printprospectus.pdf. For questions or more information, contact Irene Gelbord at 734-994-8004 x 110 or igelbord@annarborartcenter.org.

Due to space issues, I can't list all of the great information that Arts Alliance has.. so for more, go to http://www.annarborchamber.org/community/arts/ or contact angela@annarborchamber.org to get on their direct mailing list.

End of January Blues

Hi All,
Jane here.
I'd rather be in the studio dyeing beautiful silk. I'd rather be making photographs. I'd rather be doing almost anything other than what I'm doing. What I'm doing is learning an accounting program on my computer. Little did I know last January, when I decided to become part of the Ann Arbor Sunday Artisan Market, what I was getting into. I thought, I'll try selling my photography and dyed scarves at the Sunday Artisan Market. I'll probably hate it. I'm more of an introvert than and extrovert, but I'll give it a try. Who knows, I might like it. I might even be successful at selling. People might like what I have...

And the rest is history...or at least a year of history. I loved being part of the Artisan Market. I like the people I sell with and I like the people who wander through each Sunday. I love talking with everyone and watching the various interactions that happen between people. And, I love selling my work. I didn't hate it at all. So now what? What does a person do next? Eventually, I realized that I needed to treat my business like a business. Among other things I needed a good bookkeeping system.

Do you hear the deep moans? I am somewhat computer phobic and quite a bit accounting phobic. This part I hate. The only thing that keeps me going is remembering what it's like each Sunday when the Market is open. Yes, I tell myself, it's worth every frustration and every difficulty. This is what I want to do, so I might as well just sit down and get it done. You might notice how I am, at this particular moment, "getting it done." Yes, well I need a break every now and then to keep from pulling all my hair out before April 6Th.

So that is my End of January Blues. I suspect I am not the only artist and craft person
struggling with accounting right now. We're doing the drudgery part instead of making wonderful and creative work to enjoy and to sell. I'm sure that the effort will be worth it. Besides, I have to have it done by April for both the IRS and the Market and April is only 2 months away! I'd best get back to it.

My condolences and sympathies to everyone out there singing the End of January Blues along with me. May we get these chores done quickly so we can get on with the pieces of this business that we love.

General Vendors Meeting-Jan. 27th

The board had its first 2008 meeting on Sunday, January 20th. That meeting was close to three hours. Yes, we were tired at the end, but I think everyone felt we had accomplished a great deal.

Now we have lots of things to pass on to the rest of our Artisan market group and anyone interested in vending this year. As usual, we are also hoping to have continued input from all of you. I know it is a cliche, but the Artisans Market really does belong to all of us and those of us on the board really do count on and appreciate your input and help.

The season is coming up on us quickly. Believe it, really, believe it!

There is a general vendor's meeting this Sunday (January 27th) at 12:30 at the Ann Arbor Library. The meeting is in the conference room on the Third floor of the library.

Everyone is invited-even if you are just thinking about joining us down at the Market this year. We'd love to see you at the meeting.