One found treasure already in her bag and on her way to buy a woodpecker, Amy Gilstad was walking among a hundred white booths, each hiding a unique artistry.
This was the 24th year that Gilstad was visiting the Midland Art Fair on Saturday. For her, it is about finding different treasures and having a good time.
“Art evokes a feeling,” Gilstad said. “There are some things that you see, and it’s just that something speaks to you.”
She loves the festival because of the diversity of art that's included. For example, there's more new glass work this year.
For another aficionado, Lauren Curtis, visiting the Art Fair has been a family tradition. She said she has been coming here for decades with her mom, grandma and others to see all the different artists.
“I love this festival because it’s an opportunity where I can actually support a local artist and bring that into my home and have collections of goods from people all over,” Curtis said. “I think what art means to me is capturing beauty of nature.”
Curtis said besides the family bonding, the fair is also a chance to support people in the arts and their creativity and to gain inspiration for her own artwork.
Linda Chamberlain is a painter from Bay City. She used to come to the fair when it was taking place in the Midland Center for Arts, and this is her second year displaying her art in Midland’s downtown.
“I’m a portal and (art) is just my observations of the world,” Chamberlain said. “I’m first generation on my father’s side of the reservation, so I do a lot of homage to the earth and those that have been here before. That’s why you see animals and the natural world. In my interpretation, this is a reminder that they were here first.”
Beth Nova, programming coordinator for the Midland Center for the Arts, co-organized the event and is excited that the fair brings business and a feeling of community to Downtown Midland.
“As Midland Center for the Arts, we’re really excited to be a part of the community,” Nova said. “We’re excited to give back and create events like this that bring people downtown, bring value. This is a big weekend for us.”
Nova said there are 110 artists from all over the country and over 1,500 people in attendance this year. The Art Fair continues through Sunday afternoon.
Corrine Roberts is one of those artists. She came to the fair for the first time from the Grand Rapids area.
Her art is pen and watercolor illustrations and illustrated books in a whimsical fantasy style.
Roberts said she had a great turnout, because people were interested in her unique fantasy stories.
“I’m doing castles and fantasy scenes, (and) it’s a little bit of an escape,” she said. “I like to wind down and just go into those worlds and create those things that I really enjoy, and I'm very glad I got to pursue a passion.”
Another artist, Saginaw’s Emily Davis, is proud to be making her art as well. She is a ceramic artist who makes functional work such as tableware and dinnerware.
“Art for me is anything that looks good,” Davis said. “It makes you feel good ... It’s something to be proud of displaying or using in your kitchen."
Sydney Markey and Ali Sheffer found art with a purpose – they bought a pair of rings for another friend.
They also both liked the music playing at the fair and the variety of booths and people.
“I really like it here because it feels like the art is very interactive,” Sheffer said. “You can purchase it and wear it and put it up in your home. It’s just (to) express yourself and ... support local artists.”
Markey agreed.
“Art means that people can express themselves ... everyone has a different way of doing that,” Markey said. “It really shows people’s personality and what they get to enjoy.”
Similarly, Nova said that it is important for artists to show their work, and for the community to be exposed to local talents and have a welcoming downtown.
“Art is what makes life beautiful,” Nova said. “If we didn’t have art, life would be boring ... I love the fact that we are creating a space to support our local artists.”
Editor's note: Midland Center for the Arts is a sponsor of WCMU. We report on them as we do with any other organization.
