Shadow Art Fair

I like the Shadow Art Fair because it’s Ypsi’s thing, and because they have it twice a year, so as opposed to the Ann Arbor Art Fair, it’s nice for holiday shopping since they have a winter one too. I like that it’s a Corner Brewery, but they need to figure out their space situation. It’s wayyyy crowded in there, like claustrophobia-​inducing crowded, plus you can’t see the art when it’s a crowd 5 people deep. Suggestions: heat the substantial beer garden with space heaters and provide tents. Then move overflow people out there for beer drinking/​socializing/​eating and use all or most of the inside space for booths. That’s my strategic planning insight. The art is cool, hand-​made and means a lot to the people who make it. It’s mostly not fine art, and some borders on ridiculous (like tinfoil hats… actually for sale…) but there’s lots of creativity happening here. Also unlike the Ann Arbor art fair, if you find something here and want to buy it, you might actually be able to afford it! What a concept. Art + fun, interesting people + beer = funtimes. One big issue I have though: they’re really leaving out a lot of people with their 21+ rule. Yes, I realize it’s a brewery, and it’s probably the law, but there are tons of college students (hello, this is a college town!) who would come to this who aren’t 21 yet, or high school students for that matter, but Corner’s rule is 21 or «with a parent.» Get some wristbands or stamps or something for the under-​21ers and let them come!

Something about indie art fairs makes me feel all warm and cozy and inspired. All the creative people with cool ideas and quirky things to sell… I’m in luuurve. Examples: knit hats with built-​in knit beards. Because, why not? Cakes that look like art pieces. Hand-​silkscreened posters. Upcycled vintage jewelry. Homemade soap. Hand-​tooled leather and wood tools. Original paintings and drawings, letter-​pressed cards. All sorts of things that your own friends and neighbors have made, by hand. Awesome.
It was a bit crowded in here — I loved the vibe of Corner Brewery but just wish there had been a bit more space. It was hard to spend a lot of time at any one booth because I felt like people were waiting to move through and see everything. Maybe they could spread the booths out a bit more, have some over by the bar next time? Even with the crowds and the mild jostling, I had a great time at the Fair and will definitely be back for the July event.