It’s almost here! The Ann Arbor Art Fair is the largest juried art fair in the entire country, and it draws over 500,000 visitors each year. This year, it runs from Thursday July 20, through Saturday July 22. It is an incredible gathering of talented artists and performers, and whether you’re just browsing or shopping for spectacular art, the Art Fair has something for everyone. Technically, the Art Fair is made up of three separate juried fairs, but the logistics are the same for all of them. Parking is no fun, though, so come stay with us at The Newton and we’ll drive you to and fro, prepare delicious breakfasts to fuel you, and have the courtyard hammock ready and waiting for you to relax after a long day! 

If three days of Art Fair is too much for you, here is a glimpse of the fantastic arts scene around Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor - check these out and make it a long arts-themed weekend!

• The Ann Arbor Art Center is very active in the Art Fair, but all year round it hosts exhibitions, workshops, and classes. The A2AC Murals initiative has sponsored 16 gorgeous murals around downtown Ann Arbor, and one in Ypsilanti; there is a walking tour on the website, and the murals are worth checking out.

• The non-profit Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti hosts exhibitions and workshops, along with a twice-monthly Fine Arts Club where local artists can gain exposure and community for their work. There’s also swing dancing every Friday with beginner lessons ahead of the main event.

• Several other Ypsilanti galleries feature the work of Michigan-based artists. We love 22 North, The Gallery at Stone and Spoon, and The Michigan Art Gallery.

• The Deep End Cafe and Gallery in Ypsilanti is a mission-driven café that features the work of underrepresented artists and writers. They have an artist talk on Thursday July 20 with the current exhibition’s artist, Dillan Steele. 

• Here at The Newton, we’ve partnered with Aligned Exhibits to feature the work of local artists. We love the intensely creative community we’re in, and being surrounded by the work of these talented people!

(Artist Laila Kujala is one of two artists whose work is displayed at The Newton right now. Studio photograph credit Aligned Exhibits.)

To cap off what’s sure to be an excellent weekend, join us for a Michigan Beer Tasting on Sunday evening (7/23) with long-time beer writer and enthusiast Patti Smith. Patti will walk you through a sampling of eight Michigan beers, and explain the nuances of tasting and judging beer. Chef Allison will be preparing some perfectly paired snacks!