Just in case you didn't know the art fair business reaches its zenith next week with the presentation of the Ann Arbor Art Fairs - July 20-23. This is really four sanctioned "official" shows, but in actuality it also encompasses just about every square inch of downtown Ann Arbor with "vendors", as the merchants cash in on the popularity of this annual rite of summer by selling storefonts, front yards, and spaces behind fences and parking lots. Around 500,000 people don their walking shoes, slather on sunblock and wear UVB protective clothing to view, purchase and have fun on the streets of the city and the University of Michigan campus.
Do we love this show in Michigan? Oh, yes, we do. Busloads of people also come in from Indianapolis, Chicago, Fort Wayne and Cleveland, and who knows where else. It was always our strongest selling show. We'd come back from Des Moines and Cherry Creek with big smiles and we'd do even better at Ann Arbor. I'm not going to pretend it is the powerhouse selling show it was in years past, but worth a glance at the very least.
Here is what I'm seeing in the press:
Preview: Downtown Ann Arbor retailers, restaurants plan price cuts, menu changes for Ann Arbor Art Fair --- Ann Arbor restaurateurs and retailers agree that the annual Ann Arbor Art Fair represents a major opportunity to generate sales — but actually convincing customers to make a purchase requires a defined strategy.... from AnnArbor..com
Townie Street Party offering locals an evening of free music and art activities --- Although thousands of Ann Arbor Art Fair visitors will soon take over the streets downtown, and surrounding U-M’s central campus, locals can stake their own territorial claim on Monday night, when the seventh annual Townie Street Party happens on East Washington Street... from AnnArbor.com -- This little baby is hosted by the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair so the locals won't feel left out when the shoppers come to town.
And here's a very well written story from PureMichigan.org:
Next week, one of the top 10 art fairs in the country begins for 4 days of art, music, food, and fun!During the school year, the streets of Ann Arbor are filled with coeds, football fans and wolverines. But in the summer time, the streets open up to those enjoying a Michigan summer in a special place. A place that reminds some of the East Coast or perhaps an oasis in a state that is so diverse that no one city...
and when they run out of things to talk about they talk about the weather:
Today’s temperature stretched into the mid-80s to beat the 83-degree forecast.
It will only get hotter—just in time for the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
Dennis Kahlbaum, a weather observer for the University of Michigan, said July 16 through the 28 typically marks the hottest time of year for our area....
This post was just for Annette, so she could plan her next vacation for Michigan in July!
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Comments
State Street at Ann Abor was a fantastic selling 4 days for us....yes, it was beastly hot, but we got a tremendous response for the new "look" of Michael's work.....actually, it was our second highest revenue stream in the 6 years we have been doing art fairs.....#1 is Arts, Beats, and Eats! We also took the opportunity to place AB&E postcards in the bags of those who purchased from us....many plan to attend.
Last year at State Street was not so good and we were thinking about not returning....we did and we are glad....now, what will next year look like......WHO KNOWS!
We talk endlessly about what Ann Arbor COULD do to make this a better show for the patrons and the artists, but it's really about drawing business to the downtown merchants during a slow retail period. Hence, the long hours, and the weekday grind. Can't have it in fall -- U of M football inundates the town on Saturdays. A three day show: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, would be ideal, but the town claims they need Sunday to clean up after the big shindig. Perhaps if the show was smaller, there'd be less clean-up.
The bottom line is that there's too much choice. Too many artists, too many pieces to choose from, too many days, too long hours. IMO, it's not fixable anymore. Too many conflicting agendas, too much politics. It's too bad.
Oh, Leslie, so sorry I missed you! I came clear through on Liberty... were you on State? Yes, the air conditioned places helped many people get through the day and I saw lots of fabulous fans everywhere. Felt like Marilyn Monroe in Roy Mosteller's booth though... know what I mean?
Okay, so imagine that! you made your minimum, better than a kick...
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