On the unexpected pleasure front, holiday edition, I visited an artist’s market at Springboard for the Arts in St. Paul last week.
(Not clear to me how google summaries arrive, but Springboard has a good one: “We’re here to equip artists with the tools to make a living and a life, and to build just and equitable communities full of meaning, joy, and connection.” Think job board, a directory of opportunities, and a guaranteed income pilot, all to help young artists make their way in the world. Outstate, too.)
My husband and I wandered the tables admiringly, and were caught by a smiling young person and a sheet of cardboard semi-hiding several more. It said “Doodles” and “Today’s Theme, Last Minute Gifts.” Did we want a “doodle portrait”? Well, of course we did. Absolutely.
A children’s choir sang carols nearby as we answered a series of questions. What was a favorite color? Did we want blush? Would we like a touch of holly? We were handed a slip of paper with those details, and pushed it through a low slot marked “Insert cash slip”. We stood on a taped X on the floor. There was a flash. Five minutes and a few carols later, something appeared through another slot, this one marked “Pick Up”.
And there we were, framed in blue, with blushing cheeks and that touch of holly.
Thank you, @MiQustudio. A bit of backtracking calls these artists “MN’s 1st Korean-Style Photo Booth”. I had no idea, and meeting a new idea is the very definition of joy. And apparently, you can book it!
I peeked behind the cardboard to say hello and wish them happy holidays. They looked up with nods and smiles from their creating.
Our holiday doodle portrait…I think it looks just like us!
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Photo by the author.
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