Hi Tom!
I've been a long time fan of the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, and will
be attending this weekend with a group of friends. We've made it a
point to go together on the last day for three years running, and
always have a terrific time.
Start here:
The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair 2002
http://www.michiganguild.org/summerartfair.htm
"The Art Fair" is actually 4 separate fairs, and takes up more than 24
blocks of downtown Ann Arbor, not to mention spilling visitors into
the University of Michigan's beautiful, green campus.
Most helpful is the listing of artists by medium - if your favorite
type of artwork is Photography, you'll be able to locate the artists
who specialize in that by heading, and use the booth listing to locate
them on your map (though the site promises block by block maps, they
aren't there. No worries, they're available on every corner of the
Fair venue!)
A local favorite of mine, Michael Woods, a photographer for the Toledo
Blade, is exhibiting in booth #431 this year. Stop in to see him if
you get the chance - his nature photography is among the best in the
nation!
Also of interest, artist-wise:
Bob Cramer - Leaded Glass - Booth #011 (His stained glass pieces are
lovely!)
Ray Doan - Photography [ http://www.raydoan.com ] - Booth #208
Tom and Deborah Dowling - Wooden Toys [ http://www.toyboxtoys.com ]
Booth #288
Jerry Farnsworth - Kaleidoscopes - [ http://www.jfarnsworth.com ] -
Booth #267
(I actually own a Farnsworth Kaleidoscope - his work is gorgeous.)
The Hemp Guild of Ann Arbor always displays an impressive Bong and
Hookah collection, in addition to handbags, shirts and jewelry made of
hemp. I'm not a fan of...recreational...usage of hemp, but one can't
help but marvel at the craftsmanship of the assorted pipes. Find the
Hemp Guild on State Street.
Also - don't miss the copper artisans and their lovely windchimes near
the Nickels Arcade Shops - simply exit the UM campus and follow your
ears!
Of course, these are just a few of my favorites. I strongly encourage
you and the Missus to put on your most comfortable shoes, slather on
the sunscreen, and try to see *everything*. The most amazing things
are often found in tiny, out of the way booths, and you never know
which artist is going to just knock your socks off with a terrific
display. Musical perfomances are ongoing, as are artisan
demonstrations - just check the schedule available at the information
booth on State Street to decide which you can't live without seeing.
As long as you're in Ann Arbor be certain to see the fabulous Picasso
exhibit at the UM Museum of Art:
University of Michigan Museum of Art
http://www.umich.edu/~umma/
(I probably don't need to tell you that this is a wonderful way to
duck out of the hot sun and the crowds for a little bit, to cool off
and enjoy the works of one of Modern Art's masters. Right within
walking distance of the Fair itself.)
Other great ways to get out of the sun for a little while and enjoy
Ann Arbor:
Dawn Treader Books
http://www.dawntreader.com/home.html
Wall to wall, floor to ceiling, every nook and cranny stuffed with
books, books, and more books. This should make your Inner Researcher
cry with happiness - I know my friends and I are always reluctant to
leave the place.
Middle Earth - 1209 S. University. No website, alas. "Socially
responsible" gifts, art and novelties, as well as a huge selection of
bawdy, hilarious t-shirts, buttons and postcards that will have you
rolling on the floor. I make a point of stopping into Middle Earth
whenever I'm in Ann Arbor. Best finds: sushi shaped candles, Good
Girl/Bad Girl soap, and a vast collection of delightfully rude and
funny buttons with all manner of witty sayings. (My forum .sig?
That's from Middle Earth.)
I'm afraid there's no way to avoid the crowds at the Fair itself - the
annual Fair draws more than half a million visitors in just four days!
The best times to get the lightest crowds: First thing in the
morning (10AM) and later in the day to evening (after 5PM), and the
entire day (10AM to 6PM) on the last day (Saturday the 20th). The
only problem is that some artists arrive late and close for the night
early, so you have to choose between avoiding the crowds or missing
your favorites.
If the crowds are getting to you and you find you need a bit of lunch
or a snack, I highly recommend Amer's Delicatessen, at 312 State
Street, right at the heart of the fair. By 2PM, they've settled down,
and you don't have to wait long for your chance to tuck into one of
their more than 60 made-fresh-to-order deli sandwiches. They also
specialize in Mediterranean food - their hummous is divine! Also
recommended for lunch/snack time: The Oasis Deli. Good Greek food,
fast, and reasonably priced. Located at 1106 S. University, also
right in the heart of the Fair.
(Another great way to deal with the crowds is to hit the Frozen
Margarita Booth on State Street. But SHHHHHH! Don't tell anyone I
told you!)
After wandering the Fair all day, you'll be tired and hungry. I know
you like little fishies, so I would encourage you to go to Yamato, at
403 North Fifth Ave., in the Kerrytown neighborhood. I can't sing
this restaurant's praises loudly enough - fantastic sushi, incredible
service and very, very reasonably priced. Our clan arrived rather
close to closing last summer, and the staff at Yamato showed us in
anyway, and stayed open an extra hour and a half to accomodate us!
The service was pristine, and we're still drooling about the
incredible quality of the food an entire year later. Our group will
be visiting Yamato on Saturday night just a bit earlier than last
year.
If you're not in a sushi mood, there are a number of other
restauarants that should delight you.
Cafe Felix - Specializing in Tapas (exquisite Spanish dishes in small
portions - the idea is for everyone in your party to order several,
and pass them around the table). Terrific atmosphere, outdoor seating
is available, and pricing is moderate. 204 S. Main
The Chop House - premium meats and fresh fish. Excellent service,
very relaxing. Moderate to pricy, but worth it. 322 S. Main
D'Amato's - Incredible Italian! My UM medical student friend takes
advisors he wants to impress there, and everyone swoons. If you like
a little wine with your pasta, D'Amato's offers 32 different kinds to
choose from. 102 First St
Of course, you'll probably want directions/maps for these restaurants.
Those are had easily enough by visiting:
MapsOnUs
http://www.mapsonus.com
I hope you enjoy the Fair, Tom! And if you go to Yamato before I make
it in on Saturday, leave some fishie for me!
--Missy |
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