This time, the tents were pitched over at Yavapai College -- on the sidewalk next the performance hall and down the hill in the sculpture garden. Logical since the sponsors were Friends of Yavapai College Art.
The Skull Valley bolo tie and rock art guy was there as were members of the Mountain Artists Guild.
All manner of crafts -- and a mysterious hand reaching under the necklaces! A muchly tattooed lady, known either as Sally or Betty, also resided with the beads.
About the time I was admiring the dolls, I got the old "no pictures" call. It's really hard for me to wrap my mind around the idea that there are people out there so bereft of ideas that they copy the real artisans' work, but apparently that is the case.
However, my neighbor's son allowed me to photograph his paintings.
The most civilized aspect of the entire show -- a table of goodies for the tired, famished and thirsty. The picture here is a reflection in those remarkable big glass doors of the performance hall. Note photographer.
Down in the sculpture garden, the booths were less crowded together ... and the photographer was more welcome!
I got a kick out of the cactus made from welded horseshoes. Then one look at the fibre arts booth and I wanted it all!
Jewelry Guy's arrangements certainly caught my eye.
So -- how to call it? I'd say this show was an unexpected and welcome encore to the summer scene at the Square. The setting is a very pleasant change and there is plenty of room for more artists and craftsmen. Now all that is needed is a lot more publicity!
After reading a big write-up in the Courier, I decided that I should take a gander at what was happening in the so-called McCormick Street Arts District for the 4th Friday Art Walk. The short walk extended from the sign above near Gurley Street to the sign below at the Willis Street end. Of course, I had to show up early, as it would have been dark at opening hour (6 p.m.), though I'm sure I missed a lot, including fire dancers.
The action included thrift shop and collectibles as well as art: Ripple Repeats (above) and the House of Plenty (below).
The real art action had been organized primarily by Eye on the Mountain Gallery, which featured huge panels assembled and painted by Kingman artist Mikel Weisser.
An example: a conquistador among the barren Mexican mountains (above, below). Weisser told the Courier that he works with found and cast-off materials, as well as left-over paints.
More of his work. The street showing was organized because the gallery was too small to really hold and highlight Weisser's big works.
The main feature was a five panel description of the stages in a mountain sunset. The panels were distributed among the galleries and shops taking part in the street fair. Number one is above, the subsequent panels follow in order below.
I have to admit Weisser's art is more likely to get my vote than his politics, which you can read about at his blog "from the left coast of Arizona." Read it here.
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