Impressions of the East Lansing Art Fair

The American-style food from an American food truck, which was quite expensive and salty for me.    

   From Dahyeon: 

    I’d like to tell you something about the East Lansing Art Festival. There are so many things I’d like to share with you, but for now, I just want to tell you three of them.

    First of all, I am going to introduce the core of the festival, the booths. There were a variety of booths featuring jewelry, paintings, photographs, and ceramics. There are about 135 booths, so you're likely to find one that suits your taste. In Korea, the main purpose of the artists at the festival is to sell their artworks. However, unlike in Korea, I felt that the artists at this festival had another meaningful goal — to connect and communicate with others. It was truly beautiful to see the artists talking with tourists about their work. If you want to experience meaningful conversations with artists, just come and enjoy the festival!
    Next, I’d like to talk about the food because food is, of course, an essential part of any festival. At the festival, I tried American-style food from a food truck for the first time, and it was amazing. I had a beef and cheese sandwich with French fries. It was definitely saltier and greasier than Korean food, but freshly fried French fries are always the best. After that, I got a chocolate and vanilla ice cream in a waffle cone. The ice cream was delicious, but the waffle cone was mind-blowing. It was very crispy and amazing. If you ever visit, make sure to try that ice cream!
    Lastly, I’d like to talk about the music that brought the festival atmosphere to life. Unlike in Korea, there weren’t any big official music performances. Instead, there were buskers playing drums, violins, and other instruments in different corners of the festival. Even though it was raining, seeing people truly enjoying their music in the middle of the festival made me feel happy too. There was also a woman dancing alone on stage to upbeat music. Her confidence was so radiant that you could feel it even from far away. After her performance, the entire audience cheered for her. It was such an exciting moment! The stage wasn’t very big, but I actually liked that — it felt more intimate and friendly. It even made me wonder if I should try busking myself next time. Maybe you should give it a try too!
-Dahyeon

From Omer:

    The 62nd annual East Lansing Art Festival unfolded over a sunny Sunday in mid-May, transforming M.A.C. and Albert Avenues into a vibrant open-air gallery. More than 200 juried fine-artists displayed works ranging from delicate ceramics and mixed-media paintings to bold metal sculptures and upcycled glass-bottle lamps, while food vendors served international-style street fare in a bustling outdoor court. With over 60,000 art lovers wandering through booths, the festival’s free admission and thoughtful accessibility features—like ASL interpreters and multilingual signage—made creativity and community truly open to all. 

    Interactive demonstrations added another layer of discovery: you could watch a caricature artist sketching playful portraits, wander past a “WoodChic” booth showcasing letter-shaped wooden trays, or admire eco-friendly animal sculptures welded from recycled metal parts. Nearby, Michigan State University students hosted the Spartan Tent, inviting visitors to explore student-made crafts and learn about the MSU UAB Spring Arts and Crafts Show on campus. From engraved stone mementos to cozy cat-tower furniture complete with a lounging feline model, every corner of the festival celebrated imagination, sustainability, and the simple joy of making—and sharing—art. 

    So in my opinion, I think that it's an event worth visiting and enjoying; it lightens your mood and day, and refreshes your soul. I would highly recommend it. 

-Omer 

Wonderful fabric artworks which caught my interest

From Sohei:

    During the MSU festival, I found something truly special three fabric art stationery that immediately caught my attention. Each stationery features a unique and colorful collage made from fabric, stitched together with intricate details.  

    There are three reasons why I chose these letter sets: First, the designs felt very American to me. I wanted a souvenir that truly represents the atmosphere and spirit of Michigan. 

    Second, the colors are vivid and uplifting. When I look at them, they make me feel cheerful and inspired. 

    Finally, they are simply beautiful. The use of fabric to create texture and depth makes each card feel like a small piece of art. When I use them to write letters, I will feel like I’m sharing a part of my Michigan experience with the receiver.  -Sohei 

 From Suguru:

    The East Lansing Art Festival was held on cold days from 17-18 May. I went there both days because Saturday’s weather was rainy and wet. It was too cold for me. Sunday's weather was also cold. However, the festival had a lot of people and a warm atmosphere. There were many booths side by side in downtown main street and a wide variety of arts what there are remake coins, natural stones. Among them, I’ll introduce the most impressive products or artists. That are only three in total. 

    First, an artist was a student in MSU 24 years ago. She draws oil paintings of a rural Irish scene. The reason why it left me strong impression is her character, regardless of her arts. While we were talking, she gave me a cookie. It was delicious. 

  

The photo of sun eclipse which had
a strong impression on me. 

    Next, there was a photograph of a solar eclipse. It takes two hours to take. The contrast has strong impression between dark and brightness  

    Lastly, I’d like to introduce a leather goods store. All of the products were made from finest, full grain calfskin. They were cut by hand, and decoratively embossed. The leather goods will soften and mellow with the passing of time. 

    The festival is not in Japan. So, it was a valuable experience for me.  

-Suguru 

From Tomo:

The East Lansing Art Festival is an annual event that takes place in the heart of downtown East Lansing. This festival features a wide variety of art forms, including painting, photography, sculpturers, ceramics, and handmade crafts. In addition to the visual arts, there are also live music performances, food vending art, and family-friendly activities that make it a fun and lively experience for visitors of all ages. The event is free to attend and brings together artists from across the country. 

When I visited the festival, I enjoyed walking through the many booths showcasing unique artworks and handmade items. I saw beautiful oil paintings and delicate watercolor works. Also, I saw a variety of organic products, such as soaps and skincare items. Each booth had its own charm, and it was interesting to talk with the artists about their creations. Although I found many items appealing, I felt that the prices were a bit high for my budget. Still, for anyone who loves art, handmade goods, or simply wants to enjoy a creative atmosphere, I would definitely recommend checking out this event. 

-Tomo

A bag of caramel popcorn which is
bigger than Vinny's face.