Art or Enterprise?

Tom Urich ️
Jul 25, 2017 · 3 min read

The 2017 Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is now history. Another chapter is closed. But we learned something different this time around.

Working as a “Boothsitter” is one of the most interesting ways to experience this fabulous event. You get to meet the artists up close and personal — you get to meet the people and passers-by on a unique trajectory — and you get a feel for the life of a gypsy, or what I humorously call an “Art Fairy.”

You might call it being able to play-act the part of a Carny.

“I’d like to guess your weight.”

CAUTION — Adult-themed video clip https://youtu.be/yJJA6WRpvlg

But seriously Folks, there was a unique aspect of my service as a booth-sitting volunteer which followed me around for 4 days. I had become a Good Luck Charm. Whenever my assigned artist and booth were in action — that being the artist removed and me behind the display — I began selling the art. It was uncanny. I had become The Art Fairy.

This is where it is made. Also in the heart.

A Bit of Irony, Too

There were two artists in particular who had the same perspective on ArtPrize (in Grand Rapids) as I developed. In fact — one had 2 female assistants who actually worked for ArtPrize (not as interns) who supported the same thought. ArtPrize is not a legitimate art fair. It is an art competition. Take all of the beauty of creativity and innocence and sincere humanity and throw it out the window. It’s a den of greed. Take renowned art critics from across the land and ply them into a position to somehow ‘legitimize’ the enterprise of putting on a big theme park in downtown Grand Rapids.

The Frost is Off of the Lily.

But in Ann Arbor?? I can make a lot of friends, artists or Carnys, happy. Call me a jerk.

E. Douglas Wunder of Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Visit me at About Me

Yours

Tom Urich, CTA

Tom Urich ️

Written by

If you tell the truth, it becomes a part of your past. If you lie, it becomes a part of your future.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade