Local Artist Looks Forward to Getting Back on Grand River

Editor's Note: This is the first in a short series profiling artists who will be part of this weekend's Art on the Grand art show in downtown Farmington.

If you trust the National Weather Service, the sun will shine this weekend for Art on the Grand's second year on Grand River in downtown Farmington.

The annual event opens Saturday at 10 a.m., between Grove Street and Farmington Road. Farmington Hills artist Dennis O'Neill will be one of 115 artists displaying their works all along Grand River.

Even though the weather wasn't perfect last year, O'Neill, 71, gave the annual art festival "an A for the whole thing." He said having a good crowd made all the difference when it comes to sales, because that increases the chances of making a sale.

"If there are a lot of people there, the artists forget about their problems," he said. "And it was packed."

A retired home improvement business owner, O'Neill said he always wanted to be an artist, but couldn't paint or draw. Finally, 25 years ago, he found a class taught at by internationally renowned raku artist Robert Piepenberg. He audited the class for three years and found a talent for the Japanese pottery style.

"Not many people do (raku)," he said. "It takes a lot longer to do than a plate or a cup. But if I had to make living out of making pottery, that's what I'd do."

When he retired seven years ago, he "got serious about doing shows" and started out traveling to other states and doing seven or eight a year. Now Art on the Grand is one of about five shows he'll attend this year. He had a booth at the May 14 and 15, which ended early because of bad weather, and he'll be at the Royal Oak Clay, Glass and Metal Show June 11 and 12, Funky Ferndale and Common Ground's festival in Birmingham, both in September.

He had a booth when Art on the Grand was part of the Farmington Area Founders Festival, but said separating the show and holding it in June made the show "10 times better", because there's more room.

"I love doing (shows)," O'Neill said. "I do fairly well, it pays for my clay and my time, and a summer vacation. I'm happy."

What you need to know

Art on the Grand will be held Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 on Grand River, between Grove Street and Farmington Road, including the street in front of in downtown Farmington. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Grand River closes at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 3, to allow the artists to set up. The road in front of the downtown Starbucks will close at 11 a.m. on Friday.

The Art on the Grand pre-glow will be held Friday, 6 p.m.-11 p.m. in the , as the “Grapes on the Grand” wine/beer tent officially opens to the public. Entertainment by top 40 cover band Killer Flamingos, admission is $5.

The Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market will be held Saturday as usual, but will move to the Downtown Farmington Business Center parking lot.

The Farmington Downtown Development Authority website's Art on the Grand section has a complete hour-by-hour guide to events and entertainment, including Saturday's 90 Point Wine Tasting 5-Course Dinner and Wine Stroll. Find it at downtownfarmington.org