Advertised as the country’s best and biggest art show, the Ann Arbor Art show has given Ringelstetter the go around many times in the past. With 1,500 artists coming in from all over the country, it can be an overwhelming experience for both patron and supplier. The four day stride of the show can really take a toll on the artists with the showtimes stretching from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.. The last time Ringelstetter made an appearance at this venue in 2019 there was a wicked storm that led to the blog “Ann Arbor Horrors”, and he vowed he would never go back.
However, this was the show he won his second National award at and with the events we all experienced in 2020 he decided to give this show a second chance. Much to his surprise it turned out to be one of his best shows ever with a final payout of $20,000 that has now set him up for the rest of the year and given him the opportunity to forgo his winter tour in Florida so that he can help his budding apprentice kickstart his career as a touring artist while he paints originals live on the street. This was a surprising turn of events for both artists, but they’re thrilled with the new direction their careers are heading, and it’s all thanks to the Ann Arbor show and it’s wonderful buyers. It just goes to show that life can switch things up at any moment when you keep yourself open to possibility.
Darienne Keniece