Sick of winter? These upcoming markets will make it seem like spring in Michigan
There will be plenty of options to shop locally, from home goods to apparel and food products, all from local vendors throughout the state.
Here's what to know.
Head to Elk Rapids for the Arts & Crafts Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 24 on River Street. There will be several more shows held throughout the summer. The event will feature more than 60 artisans and crafters with art and homemade products including jewelry, home decor, candles, ceramics, apparel, photography, specialty food, skincare, woodcrafts, coastal art, soups and more.
In west Michigan, the Grand Rapids Spring Craft and Vendor Market, hosted by Hometown Vendor Market, will run April 12-13 at Tanger Outlets Grand Rapids. The market is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 12, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 13. The events will include local vendors, seasonal treats, handmade gifts, specialty items and more.
More: Best music museums in US. Motown Museum hits the right notes, USA Today readers say
A holiday-themed event in southern Michigan is the Easter Craft Show at Westwood Mall in Jackson from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 12. The event will feature a free indoor Easter egg hunt, an Easter bunny appearance from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., along with shopping with more than 75 local small businesses and crafters. Hosted by Fishville Farms Events, the show will be a food drive for the Jackson Interfaith Shelter, with donations of non-perishable foods and personal care products accepted.
Michigan Makers will host its second annual Spring Market at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 12. The event will feature 400 vendors selling products like jewelry, baked goods, woodworking, candles, boutiques, home decor, bath/body/soaps and more. Entry to the show is free, with a $10 cost for parking.
Flint Handmade will host the 17th annual Flint Handmade Spring Craft Market at the Flint Farmers Market in downtown from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27. The event will feature more than 20 local artisans selling knit and crocheted items, hand-poured candles, home decor, jewelry, greeting cards, bath and body products and more.
Merchants and Makers will host the second Young Entrepreneurs Merchants and Makers Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 at Central Park Place in Grand Haven. The market will feature more than 60 young makers selling their products.
The Davisburg Antique Festival is May 3-4 at Springfield Oaks County Park in Davisburg. The event will be an opportunity for antique lovers to shop for local finds.
A Spring Artisan Market is from noon-7 p.m. March 22 at Modales Winery in Fennville near Saugatuck. The market will include artisanal foods, handmade goods and more.
The Handcrafters will host a Spring Fling March 28-29 at Embassy Suites in Livonia. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 28, with sip and shop from 4-6 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 29, with sip and shop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The annual Downtown Plymouth Spring Artisan Market will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3 in downtown Plymouth. The event typically features more than 50 vendors and nonprofit organizations, with artisanal products like jewelry, pottery, soaps, candles and more.
The famed market's Saturday market takes place year-round.
The Tuesday flower market is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 9. The Summer markets run from June to September, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday.
More: When does spring begin in Michigan? We're just a month away
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Spring markets in Michigan. Where to find cool things in 2025
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42 minutes ago
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31 Amazon Dresses That'll Get Compliments
A square-neck balloon-sleeve dress perfect for playfully twirling around in warm, sunny weather. You'll be giving off such a fun and flirty energy, people won't be able to do anything other than smile when they see you. Promising review: "It's super cute, comfortable, and I received a ton of compliments on it. Ordering another color because I liked it so much." —Amber NelsonPrice: $43.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 22 colors) A ruffled, smocked-bodice open-back maxi dress so you can truly feel like a bohemian princess! Whether you wear it halter style or strapless, it's a stunner. Promising review: "This dress is absolutely stunning! Love how flowy it is, the bohemian look, and how sexy the back of the dress is. Received so many compliments. Perfect dress for a vacation. Bought it for my trip to Bali and couldn't be more pleased." —Carolina OrozcoPrice: $35.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 29 colors) A gorgeous polka-dot halter dress because it's super chic and trendy yet somehow also gives off retro vibes??? Not sure how we managed to strike the absolute perfect balance between old and new here, but I ain't mad about it, that's for sure. Promising review: "I bought this to wear to a Derby party. I got so many compliments and so many people said they were reminded of Julia Roberts in the movie Pretty Woman. I used the belt from the dress and tied it around my hat to coordinate the look. Can't beat the price either!" —MermaidPrice: $16.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in eight colors) An off-the-shoulder skater dress for something simple and sweet that you can easily dress up or down, depending on how fancy the event you're attending. Promising review: "I tried this dress on after ironing it, and I loved it so much. It was the perfect fit and it was very very good quality. I got so many compliments on this dress, and I felt super beautiful. I will definitely be ordering more colors. If you want to buy this dress, DO IT!! 🧡 You definitely won't regret it. I wore this dress for a proposal, and it definitely stood out a lot!" —Alexia EstrellaPrice: $46.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 12 colors) A super-soft ruffle-sleeve cotton dress so elegant, it's practically begging you to wear it to your next brunch. Promising review: "I absolutely loved this dress. Bought this one and two others off Amazon for family pics, and this one was the winner. I was so glad I wore it, too, because the pics came out perfect. If you have a large chest, it might be an issue, but I'm 36A, so I had no issues. This could easily be dressed up and would make a great Easter, wedding guest, or summer party dress." —LindseyPrice: $14.98+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in 13 colors) A ruffled, smocked-bodice midi dress, since wearing this dress is by far the easiest way to communicate to everyone that you are indeed a royal and are busy doing royal things, like frolicking in a field and being glamorous for the paparazzi. Promising review: "I have worn this dress every summer for the last two years, and I get so many compliments on it. It is so comfortable and cute. You can even go braless at a larger size! I have never bought clothing on Amazon, so I guess my bar was low, but I bought a second identical dress because I love it so much!" —Elle $38.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in nine colors) A lightweight and very flowy tie-back mini dress that can be worn on or off the shoulder, so when it's finally time to leave the office, you can just slip down the sleeves, and voilà! you've got your happy hour 'fit. Compliments allllll day long. Promising review: "I'm definitely buying more of these dresses, they're very comfortable. I got so many compliments the entire day. It fit nicely but I just ended up safety pinning the dress to my bra." —CopePrice: $29.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 11 colors) A gorgeously romantic floral print midi dress, because as if the puff sleeves weren't already cute enough, there's also a ruched and ruffly tie-front bust. Ready for your romcom moment? Because this dress sure is! 😍 Promising review: "One of the cutest dresses I have ever purchased! I have thick arms, and the sleeves didn't cut off my circulation. It isn't see-through, which is nice, and I got a lot of compliments on it." —LaurenPrice: $36.99 (available in sizes S–XL and in seven colors) A gorgeous flowing maxi dress if you want to be the belle of the ball... or backyard BBQ. Doesn't matter where you are, all eyes are gonna be on you in this number. Promising review: "I love this dress and get compliments every time I wear it. I do add a small belt to the waist when I wear it for a little more definition. It's a lovely dress and I would buy another in a different color." —Bridget M. ParmenterPrice: $42.99 (available in sizes S–XL and in three prints) A boho-inspired embroidered baby doll dress so effortlessly cute and comfy, you might find yourself wearing it seven days a week (and I wouldn't blame you if you did). Promising review: "This dress is very loose, but it's exactly what I wanted. I wore it to a casual spring Bat Miztvah party held on a Sunday afternoon. It turned out to be the perfect outfit and I received lots of compliments. Would absolutely recommend if you are looking for something easy and/modest to wear to an event. Works well with different shoes! I paired it with mustard yellow wedges, but it looks good with boots or sandals, too. I have yet to wash it, but the quality is fair and seems on par with Free People or Anthropologie" —J-DubzPrice: $40.21+ (available in sizes S–1X and in six colors) An off-shoulder maxi dress that's basically the top dog of versatile dresses. You'll love this simple and sophisticated staple piece and definitely get a ton of use out of it. Promising reviews: "Everyone loved this dress! Got so many compliments!" —frank eastburn"A MUST BUY!!! I got it in green and get sooo many compliments. Everywhere I go, literally, people compliment this dress. I am thinking of buying in another color." —Kristina DifelicePrice: $39.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and in 31 colors) A darling A-line midi dress perfect for graduations, casual weddings, backyard parties, or really any time you want to skip the shorts and pants! Pretty sure this little number has rightfully earned a degree in cute summer fashion. Promising review: "This dress is very soft. I love the pockets. I was able to have my cellphone, lip gloss, my keys, and more without anyone seeing it or bulging. The length is perfect. I got so many compliments today. I wore it to church, but it would be cute for many occasions, dressed up or down. Great price for a versatile spring/summer dress." —Crystal KingPrice: $19.99+ (available in sizes S–3X and in 39 colors and patterns) A ruffled, flowy, smocked-bust midi dress, since it has a classic aesthetic you really can't go wrong with. It's pretty, comfortable, and will pretty much never go out of style. Promising review: "It is soo cute and soo comfy. It is the perfect length, especially since I am chasing a toddler all day — not too long to trip and not too short to be picking up my kid all day. I get constant compliments on it. I wish it came in all sorts of patterns and colors!! Soo cute. It washed really well. I hung it to dry and it is wrinkle-free and soft! BUY IT!!" —Justin M DealyPrice: $47.99+ (available in sizes 0–12, XS–XL, and in seven colors) A tiered denim baby doll dress here to challenge everything you thought you knew about denim. Yes, this still has the same timeless aesthetic and endless versatility you know and love, but it's way more adorable and nowhere near as restrictive as jeans. Promising review: "I LOVE this dress. I have gotten so many compliments on it. I packed it for Vegas and it didn't wrinkle. It's lightweight and long enough for my liking!" —HollubPrice: $44.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 27 colors) A ruffle-sleeve maxi dress since the deep-V, high slit, and wrap design are an absolutely stunning combo, which means you'll be turning heads left and right as you strut the streets. Promising review: "Lots of compliments every time I wear it!!!" —JPPrice: $39.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 18 colors) A ruffled, strapless maxi dress if you've always loved the sleeveless look but have been too worried about it how it might fit to ever wear one. This beauty has a tie-front in the bust area and a stretchy elastic bodice, so you can be sure you'll get a snug and secure fit in addition to all those compliments. 😉 Promising review: "I get so many compliments on this dress, it is comfortable and cute. It's true to size. And can be dressed up or dressed down." —SimplyTayPrice: $18.50+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 13 colors) A glamorous halter-neck maxi dress since pit stains are never the vibe (and definitely not how you get compliments). The cut of this dress doesn't leave much fabric directly under your arms, which means you'll get the high-end, luxe style while skipping the sweat and hassle. Promising review: "I had to go to a funeral in Texas in triple-digit heat. This dress was perfect. I got so many compliments (not what I was looking for at a funeral...), and it was so comfortable. It wasn't too sheer at all. Very elegant. Classic dress you could wear for a lifetime." —KelarooPrice: $17.99+ ( available in sizes S–XL and in 11 colors) A lace mini dress just as cute from the back as it is from the front. Not only is the tie-back charming as all heck, but it also makes for a pretty much perfect fit (especially since the straps are adjustable too). Promising review: "One of my favorite dresses to wear during the summer time. I get a lot of compliments!" —MaryPrice: $39.98+(available in sizes XS–XXL and in 36 styles and colors) A darling faux wrap dress since it's really hard to go wrong with something this cute, comfy, and fun — especially when it has pockets. Promising review: "This dress is spectacular. The sunflowers pop, the comfort is phenomenal, and I received many compliments when wearing this dress. Great for work or for a summer party or event. It was perfect to pack for my work travel and was not wrinkled at all. LOVE IT." —Colette ValleePrice: $48.99 (available in sizes 16–24 and in 13 colors/patterns). A stunning floral halter dress that will have you radiating pure joy as you receive compliment after compliment. Plus, the top can be worn in different configurations! Promising review: "I always get so many compliments on this dress. It can pass off as a wedding guest dress, but it can also be worn for dinner! It is comfortable, and the pockets are everything. The length works for heels or sandals. Breathable material! Recommend! " —ColiesAmazonClosetPrice: $39.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 21 colors and patterns) A tie-front dress for when you're feeling ~sweet 'n sassy~. In fact, it'll transition quite nicely from cute cafe to swanky speakeasy... and you'll be getting compliments all the while! Promising review: "You can tie the front as tight a you need. Received so many compliments… the perfect summer dress! (Packs well and steams well too!)" —LainniePrice: $29.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 23 colors) An ultra-unique bodycon dress with an asymmetrical shoulder ruffle if you want to stand out from all the other guests at that upcoming wedding. It's gonna be all eyes on the bride... and then all eyes on you. Promising review: "Got so many compliments on this dress. Wore it to a wedding and it was perfect! Very snug-fitting (like the product pictures show). The sleeve part covers the chest part of the dress, so I didn't even need to wear a bra." —Erica $35.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in 13 colors) A button-down shirt-dress with ruffle details made to be worn in any and all gardens, fields, and parks — which is exactly where you'll want to rock this outfit! Promising review: "I love this dress! I bought it as a last-minute thing because my family was asked to sing at a benefit over the weekend, and I wanted a new dress to match the rest of our group. I loved the retro look of this dress and thought it was too cheap and cute not to try. This was a win, and I got so many compliments on this dress that even some of my friends bought one. It wasn't too short, which is always a plus! It was below my knees and long enough for me to wear heels with. It did not show any wrinkles from sitting that night either, which is also huge! I would definitely recommend this product, and already have!" —Amazon CustomerPrice: $35.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 18 colors) A super versatile V-neck midi dress that strikes the perfect balance of comfy (hiii jersey fabric!) and chic. If you need a versatile travel dress, look no further! Promising review: "I love this! I was able to pack it in my suitcase, and it didn't have a wrinkle. I layered a black and white long swimsuit cover-up over it, and it was stunning! I got so many compliments. I also like the slightly longer length in the back. It makes it feel a little more dressy!" —Jeff $10+ (available in sizes XS–XXL, two fabrics, and in 11 colors) A stunning ombre maxi dress because it looks like a vibrant painting come to life... so yes, people will likely stop, stare, contemplate your beauty, and maybe even wonder why you're not on display in the Louvre (jk jk). 😍 Oh, and it's also available in a bunch of other colors and patterns, including solids. Promising review: "I love this dress. I get compliments everywhere I go. It's buttery soft. Bodice fits my DDD top in a perfect way. It offers plenty of coverage with the adjustable straps. It's not see-through. It is just a fun and happy dress. You can dress it up or keep it simple. Colors are beautiful" —ABPrice: $29.99+ (available in sizes S–5X and in 40 colors and patterns) A wrap V-neck swing dress with thick straps so you can twirl the night away with confidence and grace without stopping every five seconds to adjust a strapless bra... because it's hard to focus on all the nice things people are saying to you when you're busy doing that. Promising review: "I wear this in the office and everyone compliments it. Love it!" —moondogPrice: $29.66+ (available in sizes XS–3X and in 18 colors) A tiered maxi ready to be paired with any and everything you can think of. Jackets, shawls, strappy gladiator sandals, hats, totes... you get the point. Promising review: "I bought the navy blue to wear to my son's graduation. I wore a white denim jacket with it. I got so many compliments! Wore it again to work and got tons of compliments. This dress is gorgeous and cute. I love the weight of the fabric too." —sk94Price: $18.96+ (available in sizes XXS–5X and in 14 colors) A deep-V faux-wrap dress because even though it looks like it's made from a super elegant material that would be uncomfy to wear all day, it's actually a soft and stretchy cotton blend. All the comfort and all the compliments! Promising review: "I love these dresses. I purchased a black one a year ago and continuously receive compliments whenever I wear it. I love it so much that I just purchased two more in additional colors. It's the perfect dress for almost any occasion!" —Amy JPrice: $31.90 (available in sizes S–XL and in 17 colors) A swing dress simply begging to be paired with a sunhat, sandals, and fresh baguette. It's giving ~French countryside~ in the best way possible — and fyi, the buttons are just for show. Promising review: "I just love these dresses. I am normally all for buying a variety of styles in clothing, but I have come back and bought 5 of these dresses over the past year. Lol. They breathe well in the heat, come with POCKETS, and are just so comfortable. They can be worn in the winter with a sweater as well. I do not have to wear a slip under them; they are thick enough that it is not needed. I receive so many compliments in this dress, from friends and strangers alike. My daughter calls them my 'compliment dress' because I am approached a lot when I am grocery shopping or eating out by strangers who want to know where I bought this dress and how much they like it." —Amazon CustomerPrice: $29.49+ (available in sizes XS–3X and in tons of colors and patterns) A lace cocktail dress if you don't have a lot of fancy jewelry or accessories to pair with your dresses — the delicate lace on this number ~does the work~ all on its own to bring in the compliments. Promising review: "I LOVED THIS DRESS. It was so cute. The lace material was so nice! It didn't feel or look cheap. I am so glad I purchased this for my wedding rehearsal; everyone complimented it. It was so worth the money, it actually looked like it would be more expensive. The length was good, above the knee. I am glad I got the size I did, it was comfortable, not tight on me at all, and felt amazing all night! So happy I got it!" —VickiPrice: $37.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL, three sleeve lengths, and in six colors) A backless number with adjustable spaghetti straps and pockets, so you can soak up as much sun (and compliments!) as possible in the sunny summer weather. Promising review: "I absolutely love this dress! I bought this for a wedding that I had back in March, and it was perfect for the occasion. The color was great, and it fit true to size. The straps are adjustable, though, so you can loosen or tighten them. I loved the length of the dress as well as the fact that it had pockets! The best discovery to make in a dress is that it has pockets! I am a D cup and chose not to wear a bra with the dress, and I was comfortable and had no slippage as I danced the night away. I got so many compliments, and everyone thought that I spent well over $100 on this dress, which was great considering it was only $25. This dress is an absolute must!" —F. SteinfeldPrice: $28.44+ (available in sizes XS–XL, and in 11 colors)
Forbes
5 hours ago
- Forbes
When Apparel Is Resistance: The Historic Style Of Movements For Change
Martin Luther King III speaks at the 2020 'Commitment March: Get Your Knee Off Our Necks,' at the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 2020 in Washington, DC, on on the 57th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s March on Washington, and his 'I Have A Dream' speech in 1963. (Photo by) Getty Images 'Sometimes the clothing manifests the ideology,' my friend Josh Johnson said to me. We were sitting in a law firm conference room in what was once a Studebaker dealership, a beautiful historic building owned by my friend Bob Cox, who gave us the space to have a complicated conversation. I had been wanting to explore some rather complex ideas related to the tense political situation we are all living through right now. Johnson is an education and activist, and as long as I have known him he has been working to improve our community. His tireless efforts include work with our local public radio station, WFSU, and he'd interviewed me earlier this year for his show The Warehouse, a series of weekly conversations with people in our area working in the arts. Johnson teaches high school and college courses and he's the CEO of 621 Gallery, a nonprofit arts programming and exhibition space that is something close to the last bastion of an arts center in Florida's mostly arts-free capital. Very seriously, our city leadership has almost no interest in saving our tiny arts district, which was decimated by tornados last year. It's a part of town right near Florida Agricultural & Mining University, one of our nation's many exceptional Historically Black Colleges and Universities. So please know, when I say we don't have a performing arts venue or city art museum, I am not being hyperbolic. But that is a different conversation. I asked my friend to have a conversation about what apparel means to resistance, because regardless of political persuasion, I believe that we dress in a manner that reflects our beliefs. Everyone is divided right now, it feels important to examine why and how, the nuances seem particularly important. Flower Power by Bernie Boston for the now-defunct newspaper The Washington Evening Star. Taken on October 21, 1967 / protester George Harris placing a carnation into the barrel of an M14 rifle held by a soldier of the 503rd Military Police Battalion (Airborne) The Washington Post via Getty Images I started with a hard question. I asked him about the extremes we see in images of ICE agents and the communities they are arresting, the way their unofficial store bought face coverings impact the way we see them, the way that regardless of opinion about the need for what they are doing, the look of the ICE agent almost instantly became ubiquitous in American culture. 'The famous picture in the 1960s,' Johnson continued, 'of the young man who was a part of the flower we power movement sticking the flowers into the barrels of guns. The soldiers juxtaposed against him did highlight who was who and which sides were which.' In the protest photograph the distinctions are clear, and perhaps that explains part of why the image remains powerful after so many decades; it is clear who is good and who is bad. This sort of simplicity, the absolutes of black and white, are rarely reflections of the real world. There probably isn't anything in existence that doesn't exist in grey scale, and when we are making decisions about who is who, thinking in degrees makes everything exponentially complicated. This was not always the case. Without judgement about whether the casual nature of clothing worn to protests today is a good thing or a bad thing, it is objectively true that the clothing worn to protest, historically, was a much more formal affair. 'A lot of the time,' Johnson said, ' activists are dressed exactly like their opponents. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who had a deep problem with Bull Connor in the 1960s, you can't find very much difference in the way that those two men were dressed. They're both in suits of their time, ties of their time, shirts of their time, shoes, whatever. Sometimes that juxtaposition gives weight to the activism. I do not think that those points are either mutually exclusive or are necessary because sometimes it just happens how it happens.' Josh Johnson, educator, arts advocate and activist. Courtesy of Joshua Johnson I have been feeling like when I watch or read the news, increasingly there seem to be examples of cultural identity in dress, and through a media lens, it is hard not to worry that those divisive visuals are being exploited for attention. There is a lot of money involved in Americans hating or fearing communities that look different than their own. 'It's a Cultural tribalism,' Johnson said. 'Cultural Tribalism is something that either separates people within a culture or groups people together to show the distinctions of culture. Many times, this is a helpful thing or a point of pride for cultures. The poncho and the sombrero is something that an authentic indigenous Mexican man or woman is proud of. The dashiki is something that an indigenous Ghanaian is proud of.' While preparing for our conversation, I'd found Daisy Maldonado's article in Vogue about young Mexican Americans using traditional dress as a form of resistance. I asked Johnson what he thought about this, and like the educator he is, his answer was an analogy. 'As a journalist,' Johnson told me, "I had the grand pleasure at the beginning of this year to interview Roy Wood, Jr. And in one of his routines he says these very overtly political things that are wrapped up in comedy. He goes off in a very real moment and says, and I'm paraphrasing here, that sometimes it is incumbent on us to fall back and believe what people are saying. That their experience is really happening and us not having to critique that experience as being right or wrong.' Joshua Johnson and Roy Wood, Jr. in February of 2025. Courtesy of Joshua Johnson 'As a man and not as a journalist,' Johnson said, 'I believe that a return to culture is always a healthy thing for an individual. Not only does it secure that individual's knowledge of themselves, it also exposes other people to a way of life that is just simply beautiful, no matter who you are. Culture cannot inherently be bad when we're talking about people. Now, there are obviously visceral and terrible things about all cultures, all cultures come with good and bad, but culture cannot be inherently bad. I think a return to cultural garb can only signify a good thing. As a non-political statement, America is an experiment based on the idea that cultures will come together. So, anything that's the antithesis of that seems anti-American.' I asked Johnson if he felt like, in any way, there was a look specific to activism. And while my question was clumsy he understood the root of it and that was the question my friend answered. 'The uniform of activism is something that has been talked about and debated,' Johnson told me, 'you really have to boil it down to the fact that an activist doesn't look any specific way. However, we would be glib to think that whether it's Chairman Fred Hampton from the Black Panther Party, or whether it's some foreign dictator, that counter-cultural apparel adds to the seriousness of an activist.' A Make America Great Again Hat; photo illustration from June 23, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Peter Dazeley via Getty Images) Peter Dazeley I've been trying to deal with the hyper awareness I've noticed in myself when I encounter someone wearing a red hat in public. I want to understand that response. 'Whether we like them, love them, hate them, despise them, their existence is an organic representation of populism,' Johnson said. 'Sometimes populism is the type of populism we like. Sometimes it's the type we don't like. That's the nature of populism. What populism is always going to do is give us very organic things of that movement. Going back to the hats, it wouldn't be possible to organize and facilitate anything counter because it wouldn't be organic. Some people might want a counter uniform, that can only happen if another movement arises in response and comes equipped. But that's the beauty of populism. You can't manufacture it. Now, don't get me wrong, you can do things to co-opt it. But the feelings and the sentiments and the loyalties that will allow people to want to wear something has to be natural and organic. It has to come from a place of either deep passion, deep feelings, or deep aggrievement.' All of the public discourse right now does feel emotionally driven, and to some extent that is rational. It makes sense that we would have strong feelings about the state of the world. The world is scary and the general state of the planet feels a lot less stable than it did not long ago. Josh Johnson speaking at an Art District revitalization effort he spearheaded after building a coalition of local arts organizations. Courtesy of Joshua Johnson Johnson still remembers his debate team coach, Ms. Sears, and the music she would play on team road trips. Johnson credits his coach and the experience with opening his ear to music he might not have otherwise discovered. Teachers like Ms. Sears inspire their students to grow up and find vocations instead of careers. Mentors are vital to anyone seriously interested in learning, to people growing or developing anything. But the relationship is good for the mentors too, I don't think we talk about that enough, how mentoring is symbiotic by nature. How mentoring is a closed loop system that teaches self-regulation. 'Joining that debate team was the start of my life,' he said to me. 'It was my baptism. It was an outward expression of an inward change.' One of the many great things about America and American culture is how we, most of us anyway, allow teenagers to try on identities during this developmental stage. It's simple to divide kids up by cafeteria tables in content for a screen, but in the real world, students are much more empathetic and sensitive to the needs of others than they were when Josh and I were students. Greta Thunberg, then a teenager,speaks at the 'Fridays For Future' Denver Climate Strike on October 11, 2019 (Photo by) Getty Images I asked him about his work as an educator and how he saw his students reacting to all the forces he and I were discussing. Josh and I are both millennials, but all generations get castigated for their perceived faults as they near their majority. I was curious about their response; of course it was related to music. 'I teach college level kids and I teach older high school level kids,' Johnson told me, 'the high school seniors in dual enrollment classes. The time when people start to begin figuring themselves out.' 'People are trying on their identities to see what fits and to find out what feels comfortable for them,' he said. I love this quote, 'a good educator shows you others. A great educator shows you yourself or brings you back to yourself.' So, if somebody walks in my classroom, no matter which classroom it is, wearing the t-shirt of a band, whether it's Nirvana, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, S.L.Y and THE FAMILY STONE, the Eagles, whatever, there's a resurgence in the band t-shirt. The music shirt stamps a person as cool, because it makes you look like you've got this seasoned taste that you maybe shouldn't have. It propels you into the zeitgeist as being one of the cool kids. I want to turn that on its head. I'll say, I'll give you extra credit if you can name two or more songs from the band that you have on your shirt. A hundred percent of the time, they can't name one song.' Sly Stone of Sly And The Family Stone posed in London on 16th July 1973. (Photo by) Getty Images This surprised me a little, but probably because I own far too many obscure tees that I wear in hope of someone appreciating the niche interest. An entirely different sort of conversation than my friend was describing. Was it about the graphics from the album covers or tours? 'They like the idea of people thinking that they like Nirvana, because Nirvana is cool,' Josh said with a smile. 'But when they can't name a song, two things happen there. First thing is they don't get the extra credit. The second thing is, now they live in a world where they're aware that people might converse with you about who you think you are or the identity that you're trying on. So if you're smart, you'll learn a little of the context of what comes with the uniform, not just put on the uniform. If you're going to wear a S.L.Y and THE FAMILY STONE shirt, maybe you ought to listen to If You Want Me to Stay or Family Affair , so that at least you don't make a fool of yourself and have to prove the identity that you're trying on.' The last question I asked my friend was enormous, but after such heavy contemplation, I wanted to be certain that we both left ready to return to our respective work. So I asked him what he felt was worth working for, above and beyond all else. He grinned before he answered me. Educator, arts advocate and activist, Josh Johnson. Courtesy of Joshua Johnson 'The cheap answer,' Johnson said, 'which I don't want to give you, is everything.' Josh and I first became friends when we bonded over a mutual desire to find ways to help our community be better for more members of our community. So I smiled right back at him and gave him the space to complete his thoughts. 'Access has always been the most important thing in all of my work,' Johnson told me, 'education, activism, politics, art and culture... To me it has been nothing but a pursuit of challenging the notion that some people should and some people shouldn't, or vice versa. That doesn't matter, I think everybody should have the same access. I do believe that access is the greatest education because it's oftentimes exposure.' 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Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
29 Things To Put An End To Your Search For A New Hobby
The Reverse Coloring Book to bring a quirky little twist to my homebodies who want a relaxing activity as they lounge on the couch. Instead of coloring within the lines, you actually add the lines — the perfect activity for those who prefer sketching over fiddling with a bunch of different colored pencils. Whimsical? Absolutely. A beginner's guide to calligraphy because you're tired of the chicken-scratch handwriting on your ~fancy~ cards, and it's about time you have penmanship that actually screams, "Why yes, I *am* a sophisticated adult." "The Secret Soup," a whimsical, colorful addition to the TikTok-famous Magic Puzzle series that has taken social media by storm. This isn't just any regular ol' puzzle but an adventure with optical illusions, a ton of Easter eggs, and a ~magical~ twist at the end! This has 1,000 pieces, so you'll certainly be occupied during your evenings at home. A beginner's embroidery kit for adults, because you would love for your hands to have a task to do as you marathon the latest season of 90 Day Fiancé. And nothing says "relaxing night at home" like stitching a vase full of flowers as one of the characters on the show throws a real vase during an argument with their S.O. A National Geographic geodes science kit that'll make for a ~smashing~ hobby. People, young and old alike, will have so much fun discovering the hidden beauty inside each and every unassuming rock. A gorgeous pastel paint-by-number so you can create an artist-level masterpiece even if you're a complete painting novice. Time to open a museum in your honor — or, you know, you can display your works of art on your fridge like every other budding talent. A copy of The Book of Myself: A Do-It-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions, perfect for recording those precious experiences and memories that have defined your life. This is a soothing activity to do on your night off if you're looking for something that is sure to bring a smile to your face. A mushroom growing kit you can grow right there in the package, so you can add some earthy flavors to that meal you've got whippin' up in the kitchen. Your fresh pasta dish will now finally have that extra flavor kick it's been missing. Or a beginner-friendly Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit — in other words, a smart garden so you can grow the plants you've always wanted, even if you live in a teensy tiny (and somewhat gloomy) apartment. You can select grow pods for cilantro, basil, lavender, wild strawberries, thyme, chili peppers, and more! A small DIY cheese kit so you can learn how to make creamy, delicious batches of cheese in just half an hour — perfect for that date night dinner you plan on whippin' up. A copy of Burn After Writing, a guided journal that has gone viral across all your fave social media platforms, thanks to the deep prompts and series of questions that help people truly examine their feelings in new and unique ways. Get ready to change your perspective — this book will help you view your life through a completely different lens. A beginner's sushi-making kit to fulfill your nigiri dreams of making your own personalized sushi Every. Single. Night. Now you can experiment with all types of weird, creative flavors without having to deal with the waitress at your favorite Japanese spot side-eyeing you. Do you think honey goes with crab and avocado?? Time to find out. A set of Shrinky Dinks sheets, because you've been looking for a craft hobby lately, and making tiny works of art is just about quirky enough to really get your attention. Pretty soon, you'll be making enough to start handing out cool lil' knick-knacks to all your friends. "You get a keychain! And you get a keychain!! EVERYONE GETS A KEYCHAIN!!!" A beginner-friendly diamond painting coaster set to add a bit of ooh là là to your coffee table. You know what's better than colorful coasters? Sparkly colorful coasters! Time to order a pack (or two or three) ASAP. A beginner-friendly vintage-style tarot deck that's so much cooler than a regular old deck thanks to the sophisticated design, large size, and nice weight. You're gonna be reading the future for everyone — from your neighbor to your cat. The newest version of the (waterproof!) Kindle Paperwhite to carry an entire library's worth of books, so you're always entertained during that eight-hour flight, that poolside vacay, or just lounging around the couch as you wait for all your chronically late kids to finally get dressed to go out for the evening. You can even customize the covers and fonts so you can finally have the library of your dreams. 📖 PLUS a bright, oh-so-cheerful "Book Club" reading journal perfect for tracking all of your adventures and the characters you've met along the way. You can review up to 80 of your fave (or absolutely despised) books, load up on the details, and even complete reading challenges. The next time you're racking your brain tryna figure out the name of that one book you read with a dragon, all you need to do is thumb through this journal! And it even has bonus pages, like TBR lists and reading goals. A ridiculously fun Tiki Toss ring game so you can flaunt your athletic ability and completely school all your friends when you debut this game at your next house party. This game is super-duper easy to set up and learn, so you can quickly teach your buddies and have an even easier time turning it into a proper drinking game. A flower press kit to preserve a rose from the bouquet your special someone gave you. 🌹 Don't be surprised if you start saving any and every petal and leaf that catches your eye for scrapbooking, decorating, and gift wrapping. Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking — the beloved cookbook that has cemented itself in the Cookbooks Hall of Fame. This'll teach you how to whip up pure, Italian recipes so authentically delicious, the local Nonna's will give you their stamp of approval. Some people spend all day thinking about the Roman Empire, you'll spend all day thinking about Roman ricotta. Or Small Batch Bakes, a baking book with a bunch of delicious recipes that use a minimum amount of ingredients and equipment — perfect for those of you who wanna learn how to bake without dealing with the tons of extra dishes you definitely don't want to tackle on your night off. Plus, these tiny treats are great if you want a sweet snack, but don't want a bunch of leftovers taking up space in the fridge. A DIY hot sauce making kit to help you experiment with 🔥🌶️ spice levels 🌶️🔥 and create the perfect sauce tailored to your palette. This comes with guided instructions and ingredients so you can get started on making delicious sauces right from your kitchen. Wreck This Journal, a guided journal full of prompts such as "eat some candy and lick this page," and "poke holes in this page using a pencil." Write, shred, tear, and create by following the instructions, and allow it to guide you to throw caution to the wind and have fun wrecking everything. A Stealth core trainer to turn core training into a game, so you can focus on beating your high score on games like "Speed Gliding" and "Galaxy Adventure" — instead of the burning of your abdomen. A starter's weaving loom kit so you can create beautiful pastel tapestries, coasters, and bookmarks. Coziest. Hobby. Ever. A spin and paint art set techinicallyyyyy made for kids, but trust me, you'll end up having way more fun with it than you thought. Plus, when you display your genius neon splatters on your wall, your dinner guests are gonna think you managed to get your hands on a real Jackson Pollock. A unicorn slime-making kit so you and your kiddos can spend some quality time together crafting a big ol' glop of glittery slime. A 5-pound bucket of Crayola Air Dry Clay because you've always wanted to try pottery, but actually taking classes and cleaning up the mess is... a lot. Instead, can just pull out this clay, shape it, and let it air dry — no oven or heavy cleaning required! After it dries, you can even paint it to make a truly unique work of art. A string art kit so your hobby can generate some unique wall art that'll definitely impress your friends when they come over for dinner.
