Ann Arbor Art Fairs -  The fairs are here! I've just gotten home from my first pass through and was impressed with what I found. In past years it can seem like as you walk the streets, you see so many of the same faces, with the same art work in the same locations. This year really felt different. We started down on Main Street enjoying the "The Guild" Art Fair portion.  Right off I was drawn into Doug Spalding's space (www.spaldingstudio.com). I have been a big fan of his tile work for a long time.. seeing a sampling of it for sale year round the Ann Arbor Art Center, and owning a piece myself. Along with his ever amusing art tiles and sculptures, this year Doug won the prestigious award of having one of his tiles be the inspiration for all of The Guild's Art Fair souvenirs.  Posters, T-shirts... and best of all Bragging rights!! Keep up the great work Doug and congratulations. 

I was compelled to stop two more notable times along Main Street. A very talented glass blower from Providence RI by the name of Christopher Belleau really wowed me with his amazing Waves of Water created from formed blown glass in layers of blues and greens. Glass is such a unique art form and unless you've given it a try you may not realize the depth of skill that goes into the creation of a piece. I have never before seen creations like these glass waves and was truly impressed with their beauty. (www.belleauartglass.com, www.gallerybelleau.com)

Then a wonderful Ann Arbor fixture is "Fun & Functional Art" by Esther Kirshenbaum. (www.funandfunctionalart.com) We couldn't help but smile as we looked at each of the pieces. Using primarily metal, Esther Kirshenbaum creates wall art that is just what she says... Fun and functional. She cuts lively faces and personality into the metal and then forms it into functional wall hooks. So no matter where you hang it, there is a constant jovial spirit in the room for everyone to enjoy.

Then we headed up Liberty street. Liberty street was a mixed bag, broken up by the long block of 'non-profit' booths that solicit there. However, not to be missed was DK Glass.. 

with Glass City Putters. (www.dkglass.net)  Here was yet another glass artist breaking all of the rules. What is the one rule of glass... Don't knock it with anything.. or drop it... Right? Well, David has proven that he is a true rule breaker, and a true artist as well.  Through DK Glass, he has created a golf club.. Made From Glass!!! If you are a golfer, or not, you can't mistake the true beauty of these clubs. They are putting wedges, with true golf handles and grips, then attached to the bottom is the hardened, glass, putter head. As with all hand crafted glass work, each is a one-of-a-kind creation that any stylish golfer would long to use on the course. These were beautiful, unique and Not-To-Be-Missed!!

There is a fantastic new round of art down at the fair this year and some extremely innovative artists representing a wide variety of media. I'll be back down each day this week and will share more highs and lows as I see them.

Peace-Love-Art