Featured Artist Carole Fletcher

Over the next few months we are going to be featuring the different artists at the Sunday Artisan Market. The enteries are in their own words.

Carole Fletcher, Photography, The Sunday Artisan Market

Never in a million years did I imagine a photography workshop trip into the Okefenokee swamp in 1994 would end up leading me down the wonderful, wacky path of photography. To paraphrase one of my photography friends from this trip, “I went into the swamp with four men, and came out a changed woman.” Changed indeed with a love for photography and to the magnificent artwork that surrounds us daily but goes unseen by most--the beauty of nature.
During the next few years, I attended at least one photography workshop a year which offered a wide-range of opportunities to see many magnificent areas of the good ole USA. From the sands and monuments of southwest to the lush green mountains of northwest, the everglades and abundance of flowers in the southlands, to wilds of Alaska and ultimately a marvelous sailboat photography outing in the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington. I was hooked.
Then came a few exhibits, and ultimately retirement in 1998 from the UM to work in a gallery in Kentucky. Upon returning to Ann Arbor, I applied for the Farmers Market, and enjoyed very much socializing with the “producers” and “artists.” Then ultimately became a member of the Artisan Market in 2001 -- and, now I can mingle with a marvelous unique group of artists. Even on a day when no dollars come my way, it’s just “plain fun” spending the day with so many creative folks.
Over the years the Artisan Market has provided a marvelous opportunity to share my photography with folks strolling through the market, encouraging others to “go ahead and try it out” one never knows, sharing information with other artists, and just plain feeling the creative energy that is abound in the market atmosphere. Being a board member of the market also affords me the opportunity to meet and assist new artists who come to the market to “try it out.” Sometimes the market can be an ever changing affair with new daily artists attending market to complement those who are annuals and come almost every week. So, I would encourage folks to “come on down and check us out” -- the perfect item may be waiting for you.
Added to having a love for photography, I’m a childcare provider for the Lakewood Elementary aftercare program where each spring and fall I host a “photography special” for the children. We start out with just watching the clouds and seeing what there is to see - then off to the woods to discover the wonders of nature. In addition, we do a lot of art work and this year will be doing an exhibit at the Artisan Market on Sunday, 5/18/08 featuring art projects using recyclable items. To date, we have made magazine holders out of cereal boxes, purses out of egg cartons, and hanging planters.
So then, kick back, relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Plus, come on down to market and check out the unique, diversified art and mingle with the artists. Good times for all.

Next Vendor's Meeting

Just a reminder that the next Vendor's meeting is this coming Sunday, May 4th. We will meet shortly after the Sunday Artisan Market closes at 4:00. We always give people time to close up shop and put things away. With May our year will really start to pick up. Yes, even more fun than the last month! So, if you can, please plan on staying after market for the meeting. Nope, I haven't seen the agenda yet. Sorry, but we are trying very hard this year to make these meetings about you, the vendors and about how we all can make this year's Artisan Market the most fun and prosperous yet.

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.