Ann Arbor: home of the University of Michigan; the Big House; Zingermann’s Deli; and for four days in July— the largest art fair in North America.
Ann Arbor Art Fair - Come One Come All!
For more than 50 years, the Ann Arbor Art Fair has been inviting artists from around the country to display their artwork. The Art Fair is composed of four separate smaller art fairs. This year more than 1,000 artists had traveled to the city to partake in this famous outdoor art festival.
Located in the heart of a busy college town, you can feel a little overwhelmed at first. As you stroll through the fair the diversity of the artists is astounding. The small streets are packed with white tents, each one containing works completely different from the next. From handmade birdhouses made from antique barns to skateboards with pop culture’s greatest icons engraved on them, you’ll always be left guessing what could be at the next booth. Paintings, glassware, furniture, jewelry, photography, pottery and much more are waiting around the corner.
The Ann Arbor Art Fair holds a lot more than just art. Next to a flowing fountain is a small stage where musicians perform live throughout the festivities. Feeling peckish? No worries! Along with your classic fair food there is also a multitude of delicious restaurants a stone’s throw away.
Artists Put Their Heart On Their Sleeve…Or Canvas
The passion and dedication to art and expression is palpable as you traverse through the fair. The artists endure blistering heat or pouring rain to show their work and spread their love for their craft. One artist I spoke to, Jerry Brem from South Carolina, explained to me that it was his first time at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. Utilizing multiple mediums Jerry creates not just a beautiful work of art, but an experience for its viewer. Like most artists there he is more than happy to discuss his process and to spread his enthusiasm.
If you are looking for a weekend getaway next summer, this writer hopes you can make it to the next wonderful Ann Arbor Art Fair.
If you would like to learn more about the Ann Arbor Art Fair and the artists that participate head to the Ann Arbor Art Fair website.
And find more samples of Jerry Brem art here.
