University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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.Artists and tKeit wa es line tKe streets endlessly, mimes and muscians perform on tKe co ne s o| tKe Diag... BEYOND Politics and culture converge at;AH- T R weather, delicious food, and a few hundred thousand people spending time in Ann Arbor. Sound a lot like a football Saturday? Maybe, but not for four days during the month of July. The quiet atmosphere that envelopes Ann Arbor after the majority of students leave for summer break was shattered as nearly 1,000 artists and crafts people gathered from South University to Main Street to exhibit their wares and cre- ations. At first glance, the fair seemed in- timidating. Artists and their wares lined the streets endlessly; mimes and musi- cians performed on the corners of the Diag providing entertainment for those who needed to take a break from explor- ing. Fairgoer and LSA senior Erica Rosenthal commented that she, never felt so relaxed or had seen everyone so laid back as now at Michigan. Wandering from booth to booth, art lovers remarked on the high prices. I wanted to buy a painting to hang in my room, but I don ' t have enough money for anything. The prices are crazy! said Saralyn Sacks, LSA senior. Diverse was only one way to de- scribe the art that was featured. Besides the typical jewelry, T-shirts, and ceram- T ics found at many art fairs across the country, there were several non-tradi- tional forms of art reflecting different cultures and popularly discussed social issues. Various artists chose to express their personal beliefs within their me- dium regarding several social issues. One artist ' s etchings of endangered species earned him an Art Fair ribbon. Many summer Ann Arborites were not as enthusiastic about the four day extravaganza. Their peaceful summer was disrupted as thousands of people from around the country poured into town. Restaurants were filled, and streets were closed making the already impos- sible traffic situation in Ann Arbor even more unbearable. LSA senior, Pam Marshall, was not too happy about the thousands of people who invaded town for the weekend. The people come and trash everything. They leave their gar- bage all over and don ' t show any respect for the beauty of the town especially during the summer. Despite some complaints, Art Fair was a success not only bringing politics and culture to the students but also bringing over $ 1 ,000,000 to the City of Ann Arbor.-Jermi er Morrison 16 MICHIGAN LIFE

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ClTYOFFERS Summer in Ann Arbor, full of poten- tial and excitement, had its charm dur- ing the evenings. Starting in mid-June and lasting through mid-July, Top of the Park Festival provided free nightly entertainment for the students and the Ann Arbor community. Sponsored by the City of Ann Arbor, the event took place at the top of the parking structure near the Power Cen- ter, hence its name. The Festival had been staged for the past several sum- mers; and the attendance continued to increase. Some people brought lawn chairs to sit on for the duration of the Festival, while others brought blankets. Many came with friends or family to sit, relax, and enjoy the free entertainment. Jennifer Jacobs, an LSA senior, said, It gives me a chance to be with my friends after a long exhausting day at work. Students and community members came to mingle and take advantage of the summer nights. The weather per- mitted for most of the events to run smoothly, yet a few nights were dis- rupted with rain. Poor weather caused some to leave early, but many came prepared for the weather changes with blankets, umbrellas, and the like. I was really excited to see Raiders of the Lost Ark because I had never seen it before. But then it started raining and we had to leave, said Tamara Psurny, a School of ;A variety of ente ainment was offered during Top of the Park ' s three week span, includ- ing Mr. B, a popular Ann Arbor band. Marc Hines plays his saxophone for the audience. Tamara Psumy Art student. Although the movies did not start until dark, people arrived early just to enjoy the live concerts. Set against the background of the setting sun, local bands from reggae to jazz were given a chance to demonstrate their talents. Food stands sponsored by Zingerman ' s, Amer ' s Deli, and other local establish- ments provided munchies for the mov- iegoers. Others brought their own snacks to keep the event as inexpensive as possible. Although Top of the Park was free of charge, the sponsors did ask for donations. T-shirts were also sold to h elp reduce the cost of the Festival. Once night fell, the crowds settled in for the evening ' s feature. Bringing back an old theater tradition, each feature was preceded with a Disney or Warner Brother ' s cartoon. Citizen Kane. West Side Story. Breakfast at Tiffany ' s, and Bambi were just a few of the wide variety of pictures shown. As June Hoprasart, an LSA senior, said, I really enjoyed going to the Top of the Park because it provided opportunities for my friends and I to see a classic movie for free and people watch at the same time. As Top of the Park ended, Ann Arbor ' s charms started costing money once more and the parking structure was again used for cars.-Charles Chou io ajit ' i- TOP OF THE PARK 15

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EMONADE Steel drummer, Robert, entertains these fairgoers with vibrant sounds from his music on Maynard Street. The sounds of Art Fair were all around, with solo performists during the day and bands on the outdoor stage at night. -Becky Steider - Lines like these found at every food and drink stand turned what should have been a quick stop for food into a long wait. Th e large variety of food was accentuated by the typical fair food like elephant ears. -Beck} Steider Laking time out from exploring tHe crafts, John Igelsias Boothman has a sketch made of himself. Many artists worked on their crafts while waiting for customers, but Byron Hunter had to wait for costumers to practice his craft. - Becky Steider .Art Pair Was filled with every kind of artist from professionals, to hobbyists, to ama- teurs. Brad Battey, a high school student from Livonia, saw Art Fair as an excellent opportunity to earn some extra cash while maintaining his violin skills. -Tamara Psumy AH ges participated in tKe Art Pair. Dayna Stahl and Blythe Peltier created their own art for free at a children ' s booth sponsored by the Ann Arbor YMCA.-Tamara Psumy ART FAIR 17