If you don’t hear a lot from me these next few days, it’s because I’m busy getting ready for the Shadow Art Fair (SAF). I’ve got all kinds of planning meetings and press things scheduled, and, on top of all of that, Linette and I are trying to crank out a little, mini issue of “Crimewave.” (The thought also crossed my mind, as I was painting my living room this morning, that maybe I should try to do some simple, little paintings, but, so far, the prototypes – which I’ve been painting with my feet while working on other things – haven’t gone so well.) Anyway, if you can make it to the SAF on Saturday, I’d love to see you. Stop by my table and say, “Hi.” Or, better yet, just silently hand me cash.
And, you should come even if you don’t like “Crimewave.” Linette and I are just two out of the 50 or so people that will be sharing their work. For a list of everyone on the roster this time, just click here. As you’ll see, it’s a pretty eclectic group. Here, to give you and idea, is a clip from the most recent press release, written by my friend, Jennifer:
…This time, it is a twelve-hour, all-ages, free event showcasing the work of over forty local and regional, independent artists and live performers. Artists range from local car salesman, painter, and coffee roaster, John Roos to Madison, Wisconsin recycling artist Emily Kircher to Mt. Pleasant linoleum print artist Yu-Hsuan (Sherry) Lin to Chicago greeting card company Nourishing Notes. Items available at the event include clothing, accessories, prints, leather, photography, painting, zines, comics, records, home goods, stencils, and greeting cards…
And, before you start writing me letters about how the SAF doesn’t represent local artists, I should add that 90% of the people/groups participating are from southeast Michigan. We did, however, as the clip from the press release above points out, bring in some people from outside the region this time around. These people were creating interesting, unique work, unlike anything we saw being made in the area, and we thought their presence would inspire people.
So, come out if you can… And, I was just kidding earlier when I said that I just wanted your money. I’d do this even if there weren’t a chance to sell some of our moldy, old magazines. It’s a great event to just to walk around, talk to people about why they do what they do, and get inspired… So, if you want, leave your money at home. The important thing is that you come out and see that, believe it or not, really interesting stuff is happening all around you.
For those interested in learning more, the “Ann Arbor News” ran a piece about the Shadow in today’s paper. There hasn’t been a ton of press this time around, but what there has been has been good. I know it’s probably not warranted, given how many people showed up for our last two events, but I’m afraid that no one will come… Which leads me to my next request… If you have the time and access to a printer, I’d appreciate it if you would print out our flyer and tape it to your car window (preferably facing out) or something.
Oh, and there will be bands playing outside the Brewery, in the beer garden. They include Patrick Elkins, Black Jake and the Carnies, Martes Martes, Lyman Rhodes, and Annie Palmer. It should be a good show, and it’s free.
11 Comments
You know. It’s cool. No, really Mark, we’re cool. So what, if for the third straight time my SAF entry “Babes of the Michigan Militia” calendar was rejected by the SAF police, I mean “organizers.”
So what if I’ve got 3,000 calendars sitting in basement, waiting to be sold. Calendars, whose proceeds would’ve gone to buying ammo to defend our Constitution.
Your loss. I’ll still go to this lame little “art” fair of yours.
(Psssst! To anyone who wants to buy one of my “too hot for the SAF” calenders, just knock on the stall in the CB men’s room and say, “I’m looking for something special”! Then slide ten bucks under the door. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.)
Ol’ East, you’re a funny guy. One time I got cornered at a bar in South Lyon by a Michigan Militia member. It was pretty crazy. He told me that some dark night, when nobody expects it, the Michigan Militia will take over the White House and overthrow the government. He kept trying to get me to come over to his house and show me some videos that would, “blow my mind.” Well, I got out of there as quick as I could, but I am glad to see that they have such a great calendar.
On behalf of Black Jake and assorted Carnies, let me say, we’re damn proud to be included, on behalf of design militia and high caliber militia alike, in one of the great events of Ypsi’s hyper-eclectictricity.
And, while any excuse to drink Corner Brewery beer is a good one, this has to be one of the best.
Though this may not help you sleep at night, know that we’re your neighbors, and we’ll all be wearing Ypsipanties up the cracks in our heart.
If you build it, they will come.
So, Black Jake, you’re the one responsible for overrunning my front lawn with Crabgrass.
I like your music – keep up the good work.
Ghhaaa!! :( I’m going to be so close – but so far away. It really, really, really kinda’ pisses me off that I’m going to miss it again.
Cousins, the poor guy probably just wanted to show you his collection of “Babes of the Mich Militia” videos.
I think it was probably “The Making of the Michigan Militia Swimsuit Issue.”
Ha ha..yes…I should have gone!
Thanks Cousin. Sorry about the crabgrass in your lawn. You must live downwind of the Cross/River location where we practice.
(BTW, I ain’t Black Jake, just a common Carnie.)
Hey Mark – nice article in today’s Ann Arbor News!