Thursday, July 16, 2020

Cancelled!

Today, July 16, would be the start of the annual Ann Arbor Art Fair, which has taken place every year since 1965. This year, such an event is unthinkable. Right now, as in almost every past year, I would be an early bird, walking around as the booths open up and the artists begin their sales.

One of my favorite sites at the fair is the Carl Milles
fountain called "Sunday Morning," shown here during a past art fair.
During the most recent few art fairs, it's been the central site for food vendors.
This year on the University of Michigan campus: the fountain remains
inside of its winter plywood protective covering. Very few people are on campus.
I am especially sad that we can't even enjoy this extraordinary work of outdoor art!
Around the fountain each year, people eat at tables provided by the fair. This is a photo from last year.
The fountain in 2008.
Around the fountain: enjoying the Art Fair in 2016.
Art fair dining last year.
artfair3501
The one thing I won't miss: the actual food served by the mobile vendors who bring their trucks to the art fair.
I think they are the same vendors that set up at local carnivals all summer long.


Last year at the Art Fair. Another tradition missing in 2020: the annual t-shirt designed by a selected artist.
A favorite vendor: Marvin Blackmore in 2016.





Blog post and all photos © 2008-2020 by mae sander.

11 comments:

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Yes, it's truly sad how all these summer and autumn events have been cancelled. It looks like it must be a great fair and lots of vendors will lose a great deal of money because of this virus. I especially like the t-shirt created by a chosen artist. Sad times all around, but I agree, the food vendors are the same every year and nothing is ever healthy. BTW, that is an amazing water feature and art sculpture.

Angie's Recipes said...

What a pity! Here almost all the events and folks festivals this year are cancelled...even Oktoberfest Munich..sad, but to help prevent the virus spread, you have no choice.

My name is Erika. said...

I love a good summer craft fair and sadly its not the same this year. But thanks for sharing these past photos. I don't know if it's nice to be reminded what will come again or if its just sad that they can't happen now.

Tandy | Lavender and Lime (http://tandysinclair.com) said...

That's sad for the artists and the buyers. Why is the fountain covered up?

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

It is sad events like this art fair are all cancelled this summer. It is the best thing, to be safe and spread the virus. The food trucks usually have some tasty food. The fountain and tables look nice too.
Have a happy day and a great weekend!

Iris Flavia said...

This was a sad post for sure.
IF our Magnifest will take place I´ll take extra-pics to cheer you up.

David @ Spicedblog.com said...

We have the same thing happening here. Our county fair is always a fun activity at the beginning of each Autumn, but it got cancelled weeks ago. I'll miss it for sure! In fact, I just saw that the 2021 Rose Parade got cancelled. I get it, but all of these traditions that we're missing are sad. Hopefully doing this will help us beat the virus!

Nil @ The Little House by the Lake said...

I feel for all those vendors! Most events, fairs have been cancelled everywhere.

Catalyst said...

Our local officials refuse to mandate face masks and thousands of people walk around without them every day. But most of the arts events, car shows and concerts have all been canceled or postponed.

Phil Slade said...

It is very sad that all of us have lost many of the activities we took for granted. Your summer fair loos especially vibrant and exciting. All those tempting foods too. Such a shame.

Jeanie said...

I really feel for the artists who rely on that as a primary or at least a huge part of their income each year. I try to support artists as I can, since I know they're really challenged this year. Plus, it's always a mega event for the city too. How sad...