Visited the Art In The Park event today located in Plymouth. This art fair is the second largest in Michigan and has been in production for 36 years. Founder, Dianne Quinn retired last year and passed the reins to her daughter, Raychel Rork. She is still very involved and helped her daughter ensure the event went off without a hitch.
There were over 400 artisans who participated, assorted food vendor and musicians to enjoy. There was much to see and I would recommend planning to spend the day checking it out if you can. I actually attended for only half a day and did not see everything I wanted to within the four hours. Artisans featured paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, woodwork, photography, folk art, clothes, toys & much more.
This event is very organized and you notice it with the attention paid to details that often seem overlooked at similar events such as the ease of parking. We parked in the ACH parking lot that offers the Bianco Touring Motor Coach shuttle buses to and from the event with tickets only $3.00 per person. Taking the shuttle is well worth it as it is not too far from town (though not within walking distance) and it sure beats hunting for a parking spot for an hour like we experienced for the Saugatuck art festival last year. I have to give props to organizers, Quinn and Rork for offering such a service and helping to keep the town less congested so the community can simply enjoy the event.
I found a couple treasures to come home with me such as a pretty “Tree of Life’” bracelet from Wagman Jewelers. I also purchased a Christmas present for my Mom from the Scrabble Chick and some Doggy Deli organic peanut doggie treats for Gucci & Tucker. We saw our friend, Neil Weaver, who had a booth at the event. Neil is a talented photographer of Michigan’s beautiful landscape. I found yet another photo to add to my wish list called “Grand Island Ice Curtains”. I highly recommend checking out his work at www.neilweaverphotography.com.
I had never been to Plymouth prior and found the town to be very inviting. The homes in the area feature beautiful architecture character with well-groomed lawns that one instantly envies and wonders if a professional landscaper does the upkeep. I am sure some of the homes are historic landmarks and I am eager to learn more about the area in future visits. The town itself is quaint with unique storefronts, a good selection of restaurants and overall appears upscale but inviting. I can’t wait to go back and experience additional adventures to share.
The Art In The Park event is a 3 day festival and they do have a website you can visit to start planning your own adventure for 2016. Check it out at www.artinthepark.com
