The Youth Art Fair makes its first showing in the fair footprint
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Ann Arbor Art Fair’s directors today officially announced the complete lineup of artists, musical acts and entertainment offerings at this year’s event and what else fairgoers can expect to experience.
The expected half a million attendees to this year’s Ann Arbor Art Fair – one of the Midwest’s favorite traditions – can visit the booths of the nearly 1,000 participating juried artists, listen to live music performed from the fair’s three stages, observe onsite art demonstrations, hear from international artists at featured exhibits, create their own art in art activity zones and frequent Ann Arbor’s thriving community of local businesses.
“This event is an all-encompassing celebration of arts in Ann Arbor,” said Karen Delhey, executive director of the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair. “Every single block, every single corner will have art to admire, art to create, art happening live, art to listen to and more.”
With artists’ booths spanning nearly 30 blocks, the Ann Arbor Art Fair is composed of three independently juried, nonprofit art fairs that run concurrently: the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original; the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair; and the Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair. Artists, art collectors and admirers alike gather in downtown Ann Arbor each July for the nation’s largest juried art fair.
THE ARTISTS
In addition to being the nation’s largest juried art fair, the Ann Arbor Art Fair consistently ranks as one of the top fairs and brings in incredible artists of various mediums from across the country. For example, William Kwamena-Poh from Savannah, Georgia paints beautiful watercolors, Matthew Naftzger from Milwaukee, Wisconsin creates intriguing metalwork “relic” pieces and Stephen Brucker from Camillus, New York flameworks delicate glass sculptures. This year’s artist lineup also includes returning artist Diane Hawkey, who creates mixed media pieces using fiber, glass, metal and clay, and first-time artist Amy Song will bring her unique wood fired pottery ceramics. For a complete list of the 2024 Artists, visit theannarborartfair.com/artists.
THE EXHIBITIONS AND GALLERIES
The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair is proud to partner once again with the Prison Creative Arts Project to bring another impactful exhibition titled, “We Roar.” The exhibit showcases extraordinary artwork and poetry by 40 people imprisoned in England and the U.S. Each participant received three pieces of inspiration and was challenged to respond creatively. Theresulting artworks and writings resonate with a passion and humanity thatcannot be ignored. The pieces will be on display at the corner of South University and East University streets during the fair, with a digital version screened in prisons across Michigan and 10 participating UK prisons. The booth will also include hands-on art making activities for attendees to create their own works of art inspired by the pieces in the exhibition.
The University of Michigan’s Stamps School of Art & Design is excited to present the inaugural Stamps School of Art & Design Pavilion, an outdoor art gallery right outside the Diag (near the corner of State Street/North University), showcasing a diverse array of artwork from its talented students. This vibrant display will highlight the creativity and skill of emerging artists, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience fresh and innovative pieces in an open-air setting with seating and refreshments nearby.
Additionally, Michigan’s Stamps School of Art & Design will host an engaging, all-ages bookmark making workshop from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. July 20, for fair attendees on Ingalls Mall near the Art Activity Zone. This hands-on workshop, led by curator and art educator Asmaa Walton, will invite participants to create personalized bookmarks and share the importance of art books.
LIVE ART DEMONSTRATIONS
Every day at the Art Demo Zone on Ingalls Mall, attendees can observe and enjoy live demonstrations by The Ann Arbor Potters Guild, showcasing their intricate craftsmanship. The Toledo Museum of Art will also be there, captivating audiences with live glass blowing.
On State Street, fairgoers can experience a variety of artistic demonstrations, including face painting, street art, 60-Second Speed Skechers, and street performances by Tumbleweed Circus and Eric Scott Baker the Smile Maker. The talented Michigan Silversmith Guild can be found at South University once again this year.
Meanwhile, the Boogie-Woogie Playing Piano Man, Mark Lincoln Braun, will return for his 45th year to the Boogie Woogie Piano Lounge on North University Avenue. Ann Arbor’s own world-renowned artist David Zinn will also be back with Chalk the Walk, creating his original 3D temporary chalk art creatures on Liberty near Fifth Avenue. Additionally, sidewalk chalk will be available throughout all fair hours, inviting fairgoers to unleash their creativity and add their own mark the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
PARTNERSHIPS THAT PROVIDE ART ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONE
Everyone has the chance to be an artist at this year’s Ann Arbor Art Fair. A variety of art activities, hands-on workshops and interactive exhibits offers attendees countless opportunities for creativity and self-expression. Fairgoers can enjoy activities with the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), Clay Works, Be Creative Studios and the University of Michigan Natural History Museum in the Art Activity Zone on Ingalls Mall. Plus, there will be a WHOA! Silent Disco dance party on Ingalls Mall from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 18 and 19. Over on William Street is the Creative District in partnership with Creative Washtenaw, Art in the Streets and more. Additionally, the University of Michigan’s Art Initiative with partner University of Michigan Library can be found with Eli Lilly and Company next to Ragstock off Liberty with two art and science related hands-on art making activities. Fairgoers can learn more about all of these activities at theannarborartfair.com/art-activities.
“It’s a celebratory time in Ann Arbor, as the city marks its 200 years and the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original celebrates its 65th year,” said Angela Kline, executive director of the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original. “We’re looking forward to sharing art in all forms with the community for years to come.”
UPLIFTING BLOOMING ARTISTS
From the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair’s Emerging Artists Program to the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original’s NANA (New Art, New Artists) Program, new and growing artists can experience showing at a fair and receive valuable mentorship. The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair’s Youth Art Fair takes place in the fair footprint for the first time this year and the State Street District’s Youth Talent Show takes place on the Street Stage on William Street.
Additionally, the State Street District has partnered with Michigan Arts Access and Creative Expressions, near the corner of Liberty and Maynard, to provide professional arts opportunities for artists. These collaborations aim to support and elevate the talents of creative individuals, offering them platforms to showcase their work and connect with a broader audience.
TASTY EATS
A diverse mix of cuisine will be offered, including local downtown restaurants and food vendors throughout the fair. These places are the perfect spot for fairgoers to get out of the sun, cool off and grab a bite to eat.
Additionally, the new Grab & Go food program makes it easy to enjoy delicious food ready to go from local restaurants and marketplace vendors, with booth numbers for fair attendees to easily find exactly what they’re craving: statestreetdistrict.org/grab-go. Attendees can find Grab & Go locations on the map and look for clear signage at the booths throughout downtown.
The Big Bite Tour will also be offering free snacks for attendees of all ages on William Street.
SHOP LOCAL
The Ann Arbor Art Fair encourages fairgoers to support the downtown’s blustering community of local businesses. While browsing art throughout the streets, guests are invited into Ann Arbor’s many businesses with booths including, but not limited to, Bivouac, Dawn Treader Book Shop, Douglas J Aveda, Elmo’s T-Shirts, Four Directions, Himalayan Bazaar, MIX the Store, Pitaya, Ragstock, Red Yoga, Sam’s Store, Sandy’s Boutique, SEE Eyewear, The M Den, University Flower Shop, University Vintage and Van Boven Menswear.
“While you’re supporting the fair’s artists, please also continue to support local restaurants and businesses, who have generously welcomed the Ann Arbor Art Fair into their space for three days,” said Angela Heflin, executive director of the Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair. “Your support has a significant economic impact that helps support artists and sustain our vibrant small business community.”
The Marketplace
The MarketPlace at the Ann Arbor Art Fair honors the roots of Bargain Days. More than 60 vendors, including local Ann Arbor businesses, will offer a diverse range of affordable items featuring hand-crafted goods, custom jewelry, treats to go, handmade bath and beauty products, custom wearables and more.
THE MUSIC
Three live entertainment stages will add to the atmosphere of Ann Arbor during the fair to fill the streets with the sounds of musical talent. *Stage lineup information can be found in separate attached document.
Stage on Main: Summer Sounds Presented by WEMU 89.1, Featuring The Ark
Presented by WEMU 89.1, the Stage on Main will feature musical artists in partnership with The Ark, a nonprofit organization with a live music venue in downtown Ann Arbor. Located at the corner of Main and William streets, each evening the stage will bring a sampling of what The Ark does year-round to the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
The Stage on Main will also feature performances and presentations from the Neutral Zone, the Prison Creative Arts Project, Out Loud Chorus and Saline Fiddlers. Additionally, The Amplify Project and Washtenaw Community College (WCC) will curate a set of local acts, many who are direct products of WCC’s arts programming and degree programs and span a wide range of genre and flavor, certain to bring a pleasant flair to the day’s activities.
The Fountain Stage Presented by 107.1
The Fountain Stage is presented for the first time by Ann Arbor’s 107.1 with DJ Scott Vertical to emcee daily the finest in local music and performances. In honor of local music legend Johnny Williams, the Fountain Stage will host the Johnny Speakeasy Benefit every evening of the fair. Attendees can cool off in the shade of the tented stage.
The Street Stage on William Presented by Michigan Public
The Street Stage on William is presented for the first time by Michigan Public, “your public radio source for NPR and Michigan news, events, politics, arts/culture, environment.” The Street Stage will be located on William Street just west of Maynard and offers a wide variety of music and entertainment from many great local groups and bands. New this year is a tent for fairgoers to take a break in the shade.
The Ann Arbor Art Fair runs 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 18 and Friday, July 19, and
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 20. To view a downloadable version of the fair’s map, visittheannarborartfair.com/map.
TRANSPORTATION
Folks can get to and from the fair with National Trails Shuttles and around the fair with The Art Go Round powered by May Mobility. National Trails also offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles across its fleet, including mid-size and full-size air conditioned motor coaches as well as school buses. The vehicles are designed to effectively meet the needs of various wheelchair types and sizes to provide accessibility across the board. Information about parking and road closures can be found at theannarborartfair.com/parking.
SPONSORS
The Ann Arbor Art Fair proudly welcomes its first ever Presenting Sponsor, Eli Lilly and Company. The medicine company began its sponsorship with the fair in 2022 and has participated by providing free community health screenings and clinical study information to attendees within the fair’s footprint. In addition to its role as presenting sponsor, Lilly will have four screening stations throughout the fair.
The Ann Arbor Art Fair’s Premier Event Sponsors include Ann Arbor DDA, Big Bite Tour, Destination Ann Arbor, Detroit Area BMW Centers, LaCroix, Michigan Lottery, Sharpie and The City of Ann Arbor. The Art-Go-Round is presented by May Mobility. The Free Wheelchair Rental Program is presented by Trinity Health.
Other Committed Sponsors include AARP, All American Gutter Protection, Bank of Ann Arbor, Broadway in Detroit, DTE, IR Code, Leaf Filter, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Lume Cannabis Co., Matrix Home Solutions, Michigan Public, 107.1, Pet Supplies Plus, Power Home Remodeling, Renewal, Residence Inn by Marriot, Revival Research Institute, The Ann Arbor Observer, The Graduate, University of Michigan Credit Union, Victor’s Home Solutions and WEMU 89.1
Community Sponsors include Catalyst Media Factory, Creative Washtenaw, Main Street Area Association, May Mobility, National Trails, State Street District and University of Michigan. Binson’s is providing wheelchairs for the Wheelchair Program and Huron Valley Ambulance (HVA) is the Health & Safety Sponsor. Absopure is this year’s water sponsor and Underground Printing is this year’s T-shirt sponsor.
Supporting Sponsors include ARC Document Solutions, Bamboo Ann Arbor, City of Ann Arbor Fire Department, City of Ann Arbor Information Services, City of Ann Arbor Police Department, Dollar Bill Printing, Elmo’s T-Shirts, FedEx, Knights Ann Arbor, Marquee Arts, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Parrish Framing, Prison Creative Arts Project, The Ark, The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, The Pioneers and Washtenaw Community College.
ABOUT THE ANN ARBOR ART FAIR
The Ann Arbor Art Fair is a Midwest tradition that draws close to half a million attendees over three days in July. As the largest juried art fair in the nation, the Ann Arbor Art Fair features nearly 1,000 artists and a footprint spanning 30 city blocks in downtown Ann Arbor. The Ann Arbor Art Fair is composed of three independently juried, nonprofit art fairs that run concurrently: the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original, the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair and Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair. For more information about the Ann Arbor Art Fair, please visitwww.theannarborartfair.com.
Source: Ann Arbor Art Fair