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Posted on Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 8:10 a.m.

Corner Brewery hosts final run for Ypsilanti's Shadow Art Fair

By Lisa Carolin

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The15th annual Shadow Art Fair was held Saturday at Ypsilanti's Corner Brewery. With most of the core organizers moved away, remaining founder Mark Maynard decided it was the time for the Shadow Art Fair to gracefully retire.

The fair offers an alternative to the annual Ann Arbor Art Fair with a focus on artists, photographers, jewelers, clothing designers and more, but most importantly, it's Ypsilanti's own fair.

"It's like anything," said Chris Sandon, one of the organizers and founders of the Shadow Art Fair: When you know it's going to end, you appreciate it that much more. "Today we have our all-star vendors, and we have the standard fun vibe."

Saturday's Shadow Art Fair featured many of the organizers' favorite vendors and bands as well, and Maynard says it's really just "a big party."

"I like the way everything is set up," said Ypsilanti resident Jim Harrington, who was purchasing a Shadow Art Fair T-shirt. "It's a bummer that this is the last one."

Milan resident Ashley Shaffer saying she enjoyed the atmosphere of the fair, as well as being able to enjoy a beer in the bar/restaurant side of the building.

"It's smart to serve beer to people buying art," said vendor Matt Feazell, an artist from Hamtramck, who's been selling at the Shadow Art Fair since it began in 2006 — some years there were two art fairs, which is why Saturday's was the 15th.

"A lot of customers come back to this fair — too bad it's ending," Feazell said.

Vendor John Zeichman, who owns what he describes as a "craft inspired mutlimedia printing company," said he definitely supports the organizers of the fair.

"I feel like this is a good way to go out," he said.

"It's eclectic, cool, weird art here, and there's no pressure," said Sean Hickey, who was working at the VG Kids screen-print booth. "It's a bummer, but understandable that this is the last one."

Shadow Art Fair venders are selling one-of-a-kind pillows, night-lights, cards, T-shirts, belts and even Sundaes, like the "Sundae Bloody Sundae" with pomegranate and vanilla ice cream served in an edible glass.

"People have expressed sadness and are disappointed to see the fair go, but they want to be celebratory today," said Morgan Cox, who was in charge of the fair's T-shirt table.

Comments

Lisa D

Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 2:06 p.m.

Thanks to Mark Maynard and the other Shadow Art founders and organizers for creating and offering this remarkable Art Fait that provided such fresh, cutting edge, unique and memorable art works and interactive experiences. You'll be missed, but never forgotten! Lisa Dengiz

cinnabar7071

Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 10:08 p.m.

I'd have to have a couple of beers to consider calling some of that art.

AdmiralMoose

Mon, Jul 22, 2013 : 4:04 p.m.

Cinnabar, did you actually *go* to the Shadow Art Fair? It would be really out of character for you.

ahi

Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 7:24 p.m.

"belts"

Goofus

Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 3:29 p.m.

No reason to be sentimental...Just call it something different next year and keep it going. Worked for the Muddhouse/Ugly Mugg.

AdmiralMoose

Sun, Jul 21, 2013 : 2 p.m.

Don't forget about the music. There were a number of local bands that added so much to the friendly, DIY spirit of the Shadow Art Fair. Our family and friends had a wonderful day.

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