Art In The Park.....

Our annual Art in the Park festivities were really great this year with a record number of booths.. rumor had it at over 800 ! Not too shabby ....

However the really big Kahuna of Art Fairs is the Ann Arbor Art Fair

Many of the artists that came to ours here in our home town will pack up shop tonight and than head over to the "Big One" in about 10 days...

It's a lot of fun... so much so that I went twice..

Once on Saturday with Maria.. and again today..
Now you know I must have liked it because it was hotter then Hades on a Hot Day.


I really felt bad for this Live Art Entertainer in all the heat...
But ....He seemed oblivious to heat and to the crowd... That is UNTIL someone dropped some dough in his can.
Then he would hang on to his victim until the next person came and dropped more money.
Quite a lucrative venture if you don't mind blood poisoning from the paint melting into your bloodstream.. I had to donate...
This is live art as well.. Note the painted dude sitting on the stool... with the artist eating lunch next to him.. I still can't figure out what exactly they were selling?

This particular picture does not feature Art or Artists.. but rather a favorite little spot of Mr R's and mine.. Grape Expectations..

Nothing like sitting under one of the umbrella's and sipping a little wine ... conversation...goat cheese and crackers.. and friends.. ( Just Saying)This particular art form always amazes me.. It's kind of the Fred Sanford Art Look... If you are old enough to remember Fred Sanford owned a junk yard..

All of these pieces are made of old junk.. Car parts.. Pipes... pans...etc.. all welded to make exotic whimsical animals..
( The hand in this picture * taken by accident looks like it's holding the metal cat's tail )

More large metal pieces.. only a little more sophisticated...

Maria liked the giant dragon fly

As well as the ginormous goldfish...
The funny thing is...

It's not just about the art.

This is a great venue to people watch..

This gentleman was jamming out to the band..He was about as cute as they come.. shuffling around with his cane dancing to the jazz band.

I overheard someone in the crowd say he was a regular at the free band concerts given in the park over the summer. Apparently he busts a move there too..I had total bag envy when I saw this lady's tote.. I mean think of all the crapola you could put in that sucker!!!

The Mr Miyagi lookalike here was a hoot...I would have loved to buy one of his Bonsai trees... but would have to fund it with some Obama money to afford it.. Who knew teeny tiny trees could be so expensive?

Did I mention it was hot??? It was hot enough make the hairs on your head stand straight up !!! and I am not even kidding ... see...
I still don't know how I feel about this booth... You see it had really beautiful paperweights..

in all sorts of sizes....and colors

The guy selling them said they even glow in the dark... So I had to take a look see..

But upon closer inspection I noticed that they were made of real (once live)

jellyfish !!!

I mean it's a cool idea..... they were beautiful and all but .. kinda mean don't cha think? I took this one to show my brother .... He likes his Harley in fact he like just about anything Harley.
Maria lingered at this glass booth.. again Just beautiful pieces..
So tempting...
The workmanship was unreal and the colors were magnificent
Considering just about any of these could have gone home with her... I admire her restraint.
Button button.. where is my button... probably on this mannequin...

The fountain downtown is definitely a wonderful meeting spot...

Every summer people of every size shape and color can be found downtown in the park just enjoying the weather... music and each other..

Some of the younger crowd gathered with their little ones for a puppet show getting ready to start.Maria had me try these little beauties ... Sweet Potato thin chips..

My first try..

OH MY !!!

These and a cold lemonade were just the ticket... But in case I haven't mentioned it .

IT WAS HOT.. and we'd had enough of a good thing..

It was time to head home..

On the way out I saw this awesome piece..

S.L.U.T.S.

Sophisticated Ladies United To Socialize....

Everyone knows how much I LOVE to socialize..

But I never knew I was such a S.L.U.T. s

Get out there and enjoy each other....some ART.... and make some memories