5th Annual Townie Street Party to kick off the 50th Anniversary Street Art Fair

It's the official opening event of the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, with lots of music, food, and fun! Come kick up your heels and break in your dancing shoes in preparation for the 50th Anniversary Street Art Fair. A terrific line up of nationally known local musicians will be on hand to help us launch the festivities, presented in partnership with The Ark. Bill Kirchen and the Hammer of the Honky Tonk Gods, with special guest George Bedard, reunite in Ann Arbor... [7.8.09]

Download: Official Map of all Four Ann Arbor Art Fairs [PDF]

The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority provided this map to explore all four Ann Arbor art fairs: The Original, The Summer Art Fair, The South University Art Fair and The State Street Art Fair. Find out where the music stages will be and where to get food. Look at where to park your car or take the shuttle. Download and print off a copy and take it with you to the fair! [7.13.09]

PREVIEW: What to Expect at the 2009 Ann Arbor Art Fairs

For 50 years, artists with amazing talents and unsurpassed skills have returned each July to the streets of Ann Arbor, exhibiting in the genuine Ann Arbor Art Fairs, displaying their latest work and engaging the imaginations of more than 500,000 annual fairgoers. The varied parts of the Fair fit together to form an amazing impression–filled with sound and color and mystery and drama, creating an intriguing event with more than a dash of style. No matter what direction you take, no matter where you took, you'll discover colors and sights that will energize and captivate, and maybe even change your life. That's the incredible power of art. [7.14.09]

PHOTOS: 5th Annual Townie Street Party kicks off the 2009 Ann Arbor Art Fairs

AmericaJR.com's Gloria Rzucidlo was LIVE at the 5th Annual Townie Street Party on Monday, July 13. The 5th annual event serves as the official kick off to the 2009 Ann Arbor Art Fairs. You'll see photos of Golden Limousine's free tour of Ann Arbor, The Back Alley Gourmet, mini golf for the kids, Stucchi's ice cream and Bill Kirchen and the Hammer of the Honky-Tonk Gods featuring George Bedard performing. You'll also see the kids artzone and much more. [7.15.09]

WATCH: Exclusive Interview with Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair Operations Manager Chaely Chartier [Quicktime Video]

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo spoke one-on-one with Ann Arbor Summer Festival Operations Manager Chaely Chartier. Hear about some of this year's highlights, how far some of the artists traveled to be there and more about the Mutual of Omaha Animal Kingdom. Find out how the economy has affected this year's art fair. [7.16.09]

PHOTOS: 2009 Art Fair at Briarwood Mall outside the Sears entrance

The Ann Arbor Art Fairs consist of four juried art fairs in and around downtown Ann Arbor. This year marked the first-ever Art Fair at Briarwood Mall, held in the parking lot of Sears. There was about 25 art booths set up with everything from paintings to drawings to jewelry and furniture. Over 30,000 people park their cars at the mall and take the bus to the fairs. So why not have an art fair right there? That's precisely how it came to be. [7.16.09]

WATCH: Interviews with Fairgoers at the 2009 Ann Arbor Art Fairs: Part One [Quicktime Video]

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo spoke with many fairgoers at the 2009 Ann Arbor Art Fairs on Thursday afternoon. You'll hear from Julie Barr of Ann Arbor, Chris and Maya Kulick of Breckenride, Colorado, Juliana Wise of Ann Arbor, Kelsey of St. Clair Shores, MaryKatherine of Shelby Twp., Madeline of Rochester, Maura of Northville and Laura Schneiders of Maryland. Quicktime is required to watch this video. [7.16.09]

WATCH: Exclusive Interview with Ann Arbor Street Art Fair Executive Director Shary Brown [Quicktime Video]

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo spoke one-on-one with Ann Arbor Street Art Fair Executive Director Shary Brown. Find out how the art fair is celebrating its 50th anniversary. How has attendance been this year? How many of the artists are new from last year? Why is she stepping down as Executive Director after many years? Learn more about the art fair exhibit at the Ann Arbor District Library. [7.17.09]

PHOTOS: 2009 Ann Arbor Art Fairs Artist Booths and Food Vendors

The Ann Arbor Art Fairs consist of four juried art fairs in and around downtown Ann Arbor. You'll find pictures of all four art fairs inside and some of the food vendors as well. There are pictures of paintings, drawings, jewelry, leather, ceramics, glass, prints, clothing, accessories and much more. Just about every type of art you can imagine is inside. We're giving you a look at some of the 1,100 artists that are at the four festivals. [7.17.09]

WATCH: Interviews with Artists at the 2009 Ann Arbor Art Fairs: Part One [Quicktime Video]

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo spoke with many artists at the 2009 Ann Arbor Art Fairs on Thursday afternoon. You'll hear from Shawn Malone of Marquette, MI; Christopher Belleau of Providence, RI; Seymour Mondshein and Lisa Martin of Rosemont, NJ; and Gregg Billman of Gainesville, FL. Also look for musical performances by The Bob Skon Trio and The Macpodz. This is part one of two. If the video does not load, wait a few hours and check back. [7.17.09]

PHOTOS: 2009 Ann Arbor Art Fairs Entertainment and Musicians

The Ann Arbor Art Fairs consist of four juried art fairs in and around downtown Ann Arbor. You'll find pictures of The Macpodz, The Sugar People, Tone & Niche, Four Finger Five, The Bob Skon Trio and Unveiled Bellydance. Also, look for pictures of street performs and relaxing music by David Young and the Amazonas Band. [7.18.09]

WATCH: Interviews with Artists at the 2009 Ann Arbor Art Fairs: Part Two [Quicktime Video]

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo spoke with many artists at the 2009 Ann Arbor Art Fairs on Thursday afternoon. You'll hear from Andrea Anderson of Farmington Hills; Delores Fortuna of Galena, IL; Michael Mode of New Haven, VT; Kathleen Eaton of Sleepy Hollow, IL; and Marc Sijan of Milwaukee, WI. This is part two of two. If the video does not load, wait a few hours and check back. [7.18.09]

WATCH: Interviews with Fairgoers at the 2009 Ann Arbor Art Fairs: Part Two [Quicktime Video]

AmericaJR.com's Jason Rzucidlo spoke with many fairgoers at the 2009 Ann Arbor Art Fairs on Thursday afternoon. You'll hear from Doris Goodlock of Adrian, Tina Rodriguez of Milan, Hannah Hunter of Ypsilandi and Kevin Peck of Ann Arbor. Also, look for an interview with artist Xavier Nuez of Fremont, California. Quicktime is required to watch this video. This is part two of two. If the video does not load, wait a few hours and check back. [7.19.09]

PHOTOS: Street Art Fair 50th Anniversary Exhibit at the Ann Arbor District Library

The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009. The Ann Arbor District Library at 343 S. Fifth Ave. is hosting an exhibit featuring art pieces from past art fairs. The exhibit is on display through August 30, 2009 in the basement of the library. Take a look back at the last 50 years of the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair. [7.20.09]

Sales are Up at the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, most artists say

The Ann Arbor Art Fairs wrapped up last Saturday with many happy artists who said they made a profit over the four-day festival. Fair weather with comfortable temperatures brought out the crowds. Even with Michigan's struggling economy, people still decided to purchase art and keep it a part of their lives. The Street Art Fair celebrated it's 50th anniversary with a special exhibit at the Ann Arbor District Library. A new art fair started in the Sears parking lot of Briarwood Mall. [7.21.09]

WATCH: Jason Rzucidlo Highlights the 2008 Ann Arbor Art Fairs [Quicktime Video]

PHOTOS: 2008 Ann Arbor Art Fairs: Four Juried Art Fairs