Polaroids, community, and crafts : The importance of doing it together

The following thoughts are brought to you by Marlee Grace Cook-Parrott, intern for the Market presented by the Avenue for the Arts.

I look around and find more inspiration and sensation in every person and in every day. Moving to Grand Rapids to be a human, a working artist, and a participating member of the community is a challenge and a responsibility. The harder I work at my own projects the more I come across incredible people working hard at their own craft. Being here for more than a year, I am just now finding the importance in doing it yourself, and making the transition into doing it together.

I recently met Rachel Lipscomb and Anthony Riskey, two hard working breakers (the correct term for break dancers) from Traverse City. They shine a big light on this city and are ready to take on all that it has to give. They are talented dancers and cook up a mean cilantro pesto. Spending time with them has brought much joy to my days and nights. Check out Rachel's Etsy filled with the best in vintage clothes and kitsch.

Rachel makes her extra bucks at the Electric Cheetah and is a hard working photographer. She has a new series of double exposure polaroids that you can check out on her blog. This Saturday will be her first time participating in The Market. She will have old and new prints for sale! You can also look for her entry in ArtPrize at the Women’s City Club.

Anthony and Rachel are just one example of people flooding in to be a part of this homegrown art scene. Bringing their humility and willingness to an art community that is still finding its own unique voice. Michigan is booming and people are coming together. The Market is an important beginning framework for many new artists. It provides a financially accessible way for folks to get involved, and is an opportunity to connect and network with other working artists.

It’s possible to work less hours at a restaurant job. It’s possible to make your living off your craft. But it takes a lot of hard work, and even more so it takes the support of your peers and fellow artists. Showing up to events, taking time to express your appreciation for local art and music, and to spend more money on local handmade goods and less money on chain store trash are just a few ways to start reaching out.

If we all keep communicating and supporting one another, this city can be everything and anything we want it to be. Keep showing up, keep putting in the work. Get out your glue stick and your knitting needles.  Put the pen to paper and the paper to the pen. Stick around and see what happens, and in the meantime tell all the babes who fled Michigan that if there is a time to be here, it is now.

This month is also vendor appreciation month! So if you bring along a crafting comrade you get two booths for the price of one! What a deal! We’ll also have shirts for sale!

Check out this amazing line-up of entertainment : IT’S FREE : Shane Trip, Four For Smoking, DJ Freddy Fresh, Kate Rehmus doing ZUMBA!, Everyday Pompei, Astro Bats, and Cangue League Orchestra. Holy Moses, did I mention it’s FREE?

So come down to the 100 block of South Division this Saturday August 13th from 4-9 p.m. to be a part of the magic. As a vendor, a shopper, or just passing by. It’s important. Be here.