Well, it’s over a week since Ann Arbor’s annual art extravaganza ended, and I’m pleasantly relaxed. As usual, the shows had their share of hot, humid weather, rain and heavy crowds. While there seemed to be fewer people than in prior years, I made my share of sales, and had more customers than in previous years. But many artists and patrons noticed a downturn in the number of packages being carried down the streets. Still, Ann Arbor is the granddaddy of them all, and a big party to boot. We saw many friends from around the country, including Steve and Anita Baldauf, from Orlando, Wendy Baxter and Marc Zoschke from Springfield, Loel Martin (Chicago), Suzanne (Q) Evon from North Carolina, Glen and Linda Mace, Beth Crowder and lots of other folks we only get to see once or twice a year. It was a lot of fun.
Looking towards the rest of the summer, I have three shows in August. First up is the very pleasant Fine Art at the Village, in Rochester Hills. This show is always fun to do, not just because it’s only 6 blocks from home, but because it is run extremely well by Donna Beaubien, an artist, and veteran show producer. It is this coming weekend, at the corner of Walton and Adams — come by, say hi, take home a wonderful memory to hang on the wall!
Next up is the annual Gold Coast show in downtown Chicago. This is a 2 1/2 day show, and always fun. It is in the River North neighborhood that I worked in when I lived in Chicago a few years ago, and I always anticipate seeing lots of old friends and making new ones. I’ve got lots of great Chicago images, including the bridges on Michigan Avenue, and some interesting industrial shots. The booth is on Superior St., between Wells and Franklin (#737).
And towards the end of the month, you can find us in Perrysburg, Ohio, at the Guild’s Levis Commons Show. This is another upscale village mall with great appeal, easy parking and lots of good art. I look forward to this show as well, as a way to reconnect with our Ohio friends.
In September, I will be back in Michigan for two big shows near home — Arts, Eats and Beats in Pontiac, and Arts & Apples. It’s going to be a busy six weeks!
So it’s a small world when I find out that you know Q as well! Good luck with your upcoming schedule and may they be your best shows ever!
Bonnie
We met Q through mutual friends Jackie and Randy Kuntz a couple of years ago at Art and Apples. Got to know her a little better at Ann Arbor and Cain Park this year — our schedules coincided.
It was one of the good things that happened at A&A that year — it was a rainy weekend and sales were slow. Rob Bearup, the metal sculptor from Empire MI, was our show neighbor, and he kept us amused too. Sometimes it’s just your friends that make shows worthwhile.
Oooohhhh I just love when I rate being part of your world. It is so nice to be in with the in crowd 🙂
Truly, the treat of the summer was seeing both of you at two shows. Come to Asheville. Come to Asheville. Did I mention…come to Asheville.