Art is everywhere.
We pass by it in the halls, see it on the streets in our cities, and attend museums where it is celebrated.
Here in Ann Arbor, we have our own way of celebrating art over a few days in the summer.
After missing it in 2020, The Haven of Ann Arbor is happy to welcome back the 2021 Ann Arbor Art Fair!
The Ann Arbor Art Fair is one of our favorite events here at The Haven of Ann Arbor and for good reason. Spanning three different sections of downtown across three separately juried art fairs, the Ann Arbor Art Fair is the biggest juried art fair in the nation. Over 400,000 guests attend the event featuring over 1,000 different artists every year.
Because of certain restrictions and safety precautions, this year’s fair will go only three days instead of four, so mark your calendars:
JULY 15 – 17, 2021
Thursday, July 15 • 10 AM – 9 PM
Friday, July 16 • 10 AM – 9 PM
Saturday, July 17 • 10 AM – 7 PM
As you can see from the map above, the three fairs span 30 city blocks from Ashley to Forest street.
There will be more space between booths for this year’s event and will include multiple vendors from around Ann Arbor, as well as hundreds of local and national artists.
Unfortunately, no entertainment stages or food vendors will be attending to keep large crowds from gathering in one area.
Three Fairs, One Event
The Ann Arbor Art Fair is divided into three separate fairs: The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair, and The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair.
This is “the Original” as they call it. Hosted by non-profit arts organization The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, Inc. with a “mission to increase public knowledge and appreciation for contemporary fine arts and fine crafts by creating opportunities that connect artists, the Ann Arbor community and the general public to their mutual benefit, including a top-quality juried street art fair.”
Their featured artist is Betsy Best, a printmaker working exclusively with linoleum and wood.
“The Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair distinguishes itself by showcasing an eclectic mix of the finest art by talented artists alongside its local businesses amid the beautiful skyline of Ann Arbor’s historic theater district.”
Their featured artists range from photography to sculpting to painting and beyond. Discover them here.
They will also include a plethora of merchants and vendors to enjoy while exploring the vast array of art and artists this section has to offer.
The Summer Art Fair stretches from Ann Arbor’s charming downtown to the campus of the University of Michigan. The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair is run by The Guild of Artists & Artisans, a “non-profit Artist Membership Organization whose mission is to provide marketing opportunities to artists.”
It is the only show run by the artists.
Shuttles will run from multiple locations and paid parking can be found downtown. Information for transportation and parking can be found here.
Questions? Comments? Let us know in the comments section below!