APRIL 19, 2024 WASHTENAW COUNTY Undercover art intel: Gilbert Sam Struggling veterans on the street need help too. Gilbert Sam is a U.S. Army veteran who discovered that he had real art talent at the age of 23 when he met a homeless man who created macrame art. This man used very thin yarn and created intricate designs. When he learned this new art form, the man taught Gilbert a few ideas and how to make patterns. They had a lot of fun creating necklaces, bracelets, anklets and chokers. He then passed on the art form to Gilbert. Then, one day, he got up and told Gilbert, “Look buddy you got this now,” and with that he went on his way. This art form helped Gilbert out of a lot of bad spots. He used this macrame style for some time in the 2000s. Later he discovered paracord (the lines attached to parachutes) and he works in this style to this day — from dark black, to neon yellow and all colors in between. Traveling on his motorcycle all over the western United States, he visited many places in California and Nevada. Each year he would travel back to Ann Arbor for Hash Bash to sell the artwork he made during winter. As soon as the last Michigan football game took place, he would hit the road with his CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 100-pound backpack. He came back to Michigan more permanently in the late 1980s. Revenue from selling his art helped with basic needs such as shampoo, conditioner, clothes and other necessities. Considering the massive economic and wage difference in goods and services as well as food and snacks, Gilbert feels that art helps him get back on his feet at the end of the month. He sells around 10 items a day. This puts money directly in his hands so he can get extras that very day. Gilbert got into paracord for therapy. One day when Gilbert was out and about with his artwork, this gentleman surprised him by buying out all his items that very day. He made around $80 so he could chill for the rest of the day. Gilbert Sam's paracord bracelets. Gilbert makes kids’ bracelets as well, and kids love the bright colors. It makes them happy! So come get a paracord bracelet or keychain at his location next to the Knight's restaurant across from the Michigan Theater. He is usually there on Mondays and Fridays in the morning around eight or nine until 11. He loves talking to customers and passersby about his military service and riding his motorcycle across the nation. GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library The Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library is a non-profit organization that sells gently used books and other items at low prices with proceeds going to support Ann Arbor District Library services and programs like the Summer Game! Anyone can become a member and receive a quarterly e-newsletter, an invitation to an appreciation luncheon, and more! Visit faadl.org for more details. Save the Date for the Friends Spring Bag Sale Saturday, May 18 • 10am–4pm Sunday, May 19 • 1pm–4pm Downtown Library The Friends will hold a huge bag sale in preparation for their upcoming move to Parkland Plaza! Fill a bag for $5! exp. 01/31/2025 Thousands of books in many subjects, including hundreds of kids’ books available. Come early for the best selection! 5
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