Artists Jerry Berta and Madeline Kaczmarczyk are veteran exhibitors at the South University Art Fair.

The married couple, from Rockford, have booths next to each other on South University Avenue. They can be found in booths 80 and 81.

They are sharing some thoughts during the fair:

12:21 p.m. Wednesday, Jerry:

As we got here to set up on Tuesday we were greeted by Yercho and Manuiel from YCI Clothing; they asked how our year has been. We have been exhibiting our artwork alongside their sidewalk sale since 2003.

All the merchants here are so happy to see the artists. Pizza House continued in its wonderful tradition of a great artist dinner.

We touched base with our friend, Steve Howell; he came all the way from Florida to sell his beautifully decorated function ceramics. This was his only show he drove out of Florida to do this year: "Ann Arbor was the only art show worth taking a risk on." Check out his artwork in booth #86 on South U.

This morning, Expresso Royale offered a free drink, the only requirement was to sing a few bars of your favorite song. I sang, "Wasted Away in Margaritaville." I was rewarded with an iced mocha. It is a good time to support your favorite artist. It is part of a national stimulus package. Every dollar you spent goes right back into the economy. Buy Art — it is good for you and good for America!

1:46 p.m. Wednesday, Jerry:

Favorite T-shirt so far. "Pink Floyd" worn by Steve Reed

2:20 p.m. Wednesday, Madeline:

Set up on Tuesday always makes me optimistic and hopeful. We are constructing our booths, touching up paint and planning our "shade defense" for the show. Lots of time to get things right.

Hellos to other artists — friendships started years ago with the the art fairs as a common bound. Artists are mostly a really supportive group. We are all in this together.

Wednesday starts off with a bang. Great weather and (gratefully!) sales! Who buys today? Some early birds and collectors seem to buy as soon as they see something they like. Others like to get an overview first and then come back for favorites. (Don't wait too long!)

Don't forget to hydrate, take breaks and be a "be back"!

5:06 p.m. Wednesday, Jerry:

Make sure you take a very good look at Deborah Banyas & T. P. Speers amazing creations at the corner of South University and East University avenues.

Buy Art and Buy it often!

8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Madeline:

Iced coffee? Chocolate ice cream? Just a mainline of dark chocolate? Half hour to go — and it has been a long day!

I think I can make it!

We will all rest well tonight!

7:57 a.m. Thursday, Madeline:

"Sales stories' from Wednesday:

Sweetest: Two friends walk into my booth. One admired a piece, but could not bring herself to buy it. Her friend mouthed, behind her back, "I'm buying it for her." She discreetly back handed me her credit card and walked out. Five minutes later she walked back in where I handed her the card, receipt and small package.

Made me laugh: A woman with her adult son come into my booth. She carefully looked at the work and choose a piece. The entire time her son transacting business via a cell phone. She looked at him and said, "I really like this." Not missing a beat of his call, he hands her a checkbook. Turning to me she states, "It's so much easier going shopping with your son rather than your husband."

Kind of poignant: A woman returns late in the day after looking at my work in the morning. She had decided on a beaded perfume bottle. "I don't know if I should tell you what I will be using this for." "Try me — I'm open to new ideas," I said. The best dog EVER had passed. Some of her would be planted with a tree and the rest would be sealed in the perfume bottle. "Honored" is a little too strong, but I was touched.

7:57 a.m. Thursday, Jerry:

Sales stories: Wish I had some!  However as an artist, my optimist view is that everything will turn out fine. It only takes a couple of sales to turn a bad day into a good day. My best day for sales is the day when people buy my art, it can be any of the four days of Ann Arbor.

Buy Art, it good for you and it is good for America.