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Monday, 26 July, 2010 1:15 AM

Ann Arbor Art Fairs give extra color amid storm and sweat

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The four day stretch of four portions of the 2010 Ann Arbor Art Fairs stuck to its Saturday conclusion despite closing out with a tempestuous atmosphere. Storms would continually rock the Friday proceedings, while Saturday morning was drenched in ongoing downpours.

Ron Binermele of Toledo, Ohio purchased four paintings at the South University Art Fair. He said he has attended every Ann Arbor Art Fair since its beginning, back in 1960.

"They're tuscany, I bought a large one and three smaller ones," Binermele said. "I spent a lot of money. We're helping the economy in this city. They were from two different artists. One's going in ours [living room], the other three are going to our son's house in Alexandria, Va. It's a great fair, it's always enjoyable. Doesn't seem to be as crowded as it has been in the past."

For the times of day that did count, each of the art fairs were outstanding in the display of nationwide masterworks and otherwise unsellable arts. The storms seemed to diminish the amount of purchases according to most artists, while the opposite occurred amid the fewer.

“A lot of artists did better last year, but I’m doing better this year,” said John Whipple of Winter Park, Florida, who works mostly consisted of metal-based works painted with charcoal and oil.

Ann Davidson of Sandusky, Mich. and Susan Wilder of Yale, Mich. visited the Ann Arbor Art Fairs for the very first time.

"It's awesome, a lot of different vendors and we spent a lot of money," Davidson explained. "It's very difficult to do in one day. We bought jewelry, artwork, our straw hats that we have on, kettle corn, more jewelry. We'll be back next year. Make sure we bring our straw hats and some type of bag to carry our stuff in.

"It's huge, it's huge," Wilder said. "It was just great, unbelieveable. A lot of great vendors from all over. We seen some from Argentina and didn't know they come up from all over the world."

Elsewhere, several exhibited works equaled in awe over their creativity and visual punch. Chief among these was the paper-constructed “The Great Birthday Escape” by Tiffany Ownley of Rutherfordton, N.C., and a life size metallic archer built by Fred Conlon of Salt Lake City.

The factor that makes it one of the highlight works of the four days is that, when the wind is nonexistent, it would shoot flames through its placed arrow via a gas tank nestled in its quiver.

Holly Hutchinson of Livonia, Mich. has been to every Ann Arbor Art Fair since the 1970's. She is a big fan of Marina Terauds' artwork and owns over 30 of her prints.

"It's fabulous, we've had a wonderful time," Hutchinson explained. "We've been here since 10:30 and we're not done yet. I collect her work. My house is full of it. Some of my friends collect it and I give them as gifts a lot. I love her work. So I follow her to all around, everywhere."

For more information on the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, visit artfairs.visitannarbor.org.