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.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
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.
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.
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
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.
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/
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.
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....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
