Art Fair Dating
Ah, the summer art fair. Artists set out paintings and sculptures on a blocked-off street so that town residents can come browse and maybe even buy something. Add some beer and wine to the mix, and it’s a perfect way to spend a lazy summer weekend afternoon.
But do singles ever meet at these things?
To my untrained eye, every Silicon Valley art fair has the same artists setting up the same old booths. There’s the woman with paintings of jazz musicians, and the man with photographs of Nepal. There’s the woman playing a dreamy recorder, literally putting infants to sleep. There’s the aging cover band belting out “Bobby Magee”. And don’t forget the face painting booth for kids.
Still, I force myself to attend at least a couple art fairs every year, sometimes with my kids, sometimes alone. (My plan to bring an ex-girlfriend along with me never panned out.)
Most of the time, the adults I see at art festivals are seniors, or families with infants, or couples getting trashed from too much Chardonnay.
But I see enough 30- and 40-something women browsing solo to keep me going to these things.
Sadly, I’ve never successfully gotten a date with any of these women. Oh, I’ve tried starting conversations, but the women seem to be in attendance merely to take in the slow and eclectic vibe of the event – not to meet men.
Yeah, yeah – maybe they’re dating someone, maybe they don’t like me, maybe I should brush up on some sweet pick up lines, maybe they save their flirting for girls night out at the bar. Bottom line, art fairs have not been good to me.
So this past weekend, when I read there was an art fair in Fremont, a family-oriented town thirty minutes away, I made plans to attend. I’d put on a Polo shirt and cargo shorts, and get my flirt on.
And then I remembered, I hate art fairs. They’ve sucked as a place for me to meet women. I didn’t feel like getting trashed on Chardonnay, or hearing yet another bad rendition of “Bobby Magee”. I wasn’t going to buy a painting.
On that note, I made like Lance Armstrong and got in a hella bike ride.
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Comment by Cathy
| August 3rd, 2009
No, no, no, you are sending out the wrong message to the universe. One can’t go to art fairs in hopes of meeting women. One must go to art fairs for the sheer enjoyment of being surrounded by art.
Then and only then, once your motives are pure will you meet a woman. Shame on you for not having pure motives!
Cathy´s last blog .."Can Do" Kate Gosselin
Comment by MindyMom
| August 3rd, 2009
Well Cathy sure did a good job of throwing your own words back in your face!
I like going to art fairs every once in a while, but I’ve never been alone. It’s always been either with my kids or a date but I’m sure if I went solo I’d be receptive to the attention of a single (non-creepy) guy. It seems like your game has been off lately, David. What gives?
MindyMom´s last blog ..The Night of the Catman
Comment by Just Me..
| August 3rd, 2009
I have to, sort of, agree with Cathy.. While being receptive to the idea of meeting someone, you can’t attend events like these for the sole reason of meeting someone.. I mean, do you really want to find ’someone’ who enjoys attending art fairs if you don’t?
The bike ride was a better choice.. :)
Just Me.. ´s last blog ..Caught a Break and a running account of tonight..
Comment by Barry
| August 3rd, 2009
Ah common on. No way he goes anywhere without a pure motive. You tell’em David!
Barry´s last blog ..What You Need to Know About Teaching Children Respect
Comment by Honey
| August 3rd, 2009
I LOVE street fairs. Though at this point I can only afford the food booths (where you buy pickled garlic, bbq sauces, dip mixes, that sort of thing) and some of the crafty items. So far, I can’t afford any actual art. But I’m excited for the day!
Honey´s last blog ..Success: Trappings v. Substance
Comment by krn
| August 3rd, 2009
Maybe you could bike to an art fair next time? That way, you have a destination for the ride where you can hang out and chill for a bit, maybe grab a quick bite, smile at a few ladies and head back.
Okay, okay…you’re probably onto me…I admit I’m only suggesting that due to my own attraction to a slightly sweaty man in those fabulous leg and firm buttocks hugging shorts. I like polos and cargos just fine, but ummm…yeah. *whistles*
If you’re having fun and being friendly, you will attract fun and friendly, remember? You’ve mentioned this well known law of attraction here before, right?
Have a good Monday~
Comment by Erica
| August 3rd, 2009
I get what you’re saying. I plan on going to some events to specifically flirt. Whether my vibe is totally wrong or not, the flirting is what I look forward to. But then – I’m really super at doing things the wrong way. :)
Way to get your bike on, killer.
Erica´s last blog ..I’m supposed to do what???
Comment by Paula
| August 3rd, 2009
Art rocks.
Paula´s last blog ..The neighbor thinks MY yard is an eyesore? Huh?
Comment by Danielle
| August 3rd, 2009
I have never been to an Art Fair, but we have “First Fridays”
which is the 1st Friday of the month in the art district. They have wine and you go from gallery to gallery. Lots of fun and I am sure it could be a pick up haven.
Good luck when you go to your next one.
Comment by dadshouse
| August 3rd, 2009
Mindy – not sure Cathy’s advice goes against stuff I say. I agree you should do things you enjoy, for the sake of enjoyment, and experience the moment for what it is. But sometimes you have to put yourself into situations where the opposite sex hangs out. (Note to single women – eat dinner or grab a drink at the bar of a nice restaurant, and you will meet single men.)
Just Me – I don’t want to be dragged to art fairs by a girlfriend who enjoys them. But I also don’t expect to drag a girlfriend to Raiders football games. It’s totally fine for men and women in a couple to have different interests.
Comment by Sandra
| August 3rd, 2009
Aawwww, no love at the art fair ? Cheer up, not all is lost…..
I have a present for you, as a Shakira fan, here is her latest hit……
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBJzZts4qZo
Get a load of that, hot female Latina energy for you. There is another version in Spanish if you’re feeling especially caliente.
Sandra´s last blog ..Marry, F*ck, Kill
Comment by Lance
| August 3rd, 2009
I love art fairs and I go just for the art. Never successfully PU’ed a chick there, either, but I haven’t tried real hard. I’ve had much more success with street type parties that include bands, something with more energy. Went to an outdoor BBQ festival that included bands and that was a virtual meat market.
Comment by T
| August 3rd, 2009
I do love art fairs myself. But a hella bike ride is always a good thing!!
;)
T´s last blog ..Another triathlon complete!
Comment by The Exception
| August 3rd, 2009
I hope you had a wonderful ride – more fun to meet women on your bike than looking at art… right?
The Exception´s last blog ..Capturing Summer Evenings – Memoir Monday
Comment by notasoccermom
| August 3rd, 2009
I love art shows but I usually take it in with my kids, we stay til twilight in the summer nights.
We have some really great and talented local bands and I love the mix of music.
I think I would even love to stroll alone through the booths feeling the night air sipping a tantalizing drink… listening to the sweet melodies…
And then when I least expect it. he will show up
notasoccermom´s last blog ..Facelift
Comment by eathan
| August 3rd, 2009
This sounds like the Scarborough Affair.. I haven’t gone to those in years. Last time I went I was in my early 20’s. In the Dallas area.. there’s lots of mid 20’s people there.. and it can be a beer fest. I remember meeting several women there.. but there were plenty of older ones (wrench) I avoided also.
eathan´s last blog ..The Swirl Cockblock