Summer 2009 Art Festivals in Southeast Michigan

Royal Oak Clay, Glass, and Metal Show

June 12th-14th, 2009

Where: Royal Oak, Michigan, on Washington Avenue

Royal Oak's Clay, Glass, and Metal Show is a judged art festival that focuses on artisans who work mostly with one of the three elements they showcase in this festival. If any of these three mediums are of interest to you, you won't want to miss this art festival. If you're not sure, I suggest that you go and see all of the wonderful types of things that can be made and shared with clay, glass, or metal.

They will also have activities for kids in the Creative Arts Studio tent, as well as entertainment, and food and drink provided by local restaurants. Some artists will be giving demonstrations on their techniques as well.

I suggest visiting their website for information on when the tents will be open.

Northville's 21^st Annual Art in the Sun

June 27th-28^th, 2009

Where: Northville, Michigan

The Northville Arts Commission is encouraging people to celebrate art again this summer with their 21^st Annual art festival, Art in the Sun.

Over 100 artists will be in Northville, showcasing their best work in many mediums, and facing the judges. Northville has really made an effort to boost local interest in their local galleries and craftspeople over the past few years, and it shows in their art festival. Atop the artists who have come for the festival, several local galleries and shops will be offering special discounts to festival-goers.

You can also expect entertainment and some great food.

Also take note of Northville, Michigan's First Friday Art Walk, which takes place on the first Friday of every month. Local galleries and craft shops stay open from 6-9pm on the first Friday of the month for an art-friendly event. If you can't make the art festival, or even if you can, you might want to drop in and see what good information and deals you can find on the first Friday of every month. Check their website for schedules and participating galleries.

Ann Arbor Street Art Fair
When: July 15^th through 18^th, 2009

Where: Ann Arbor, Michigan

The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is one of the best art festivals in Michigan (and, according to some top ten lists, the country) and this year they're celebrating 50 years of bringing some of the most talented artists together in an enthusiastic environment.

Ann Arbor's Street Art Fair is one of 4 art festivals run in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and they're all top-notch. Besides all of the unique and beautiful art in a wide variety of mediums, there are also life performances both on the streets and on the Ingalls Mall Lawn. They're very family friendly, with workshops for children. The art festival is also eco-friendly, with workshops to give you tips on repurposing goods as well as information on environmentally friendly art supplies. Last year's art festival had a workshop on building a green house from old windows. Ann Arbor's Street Art Fair is also striving to become a Zero Waste event.

To get a jump start on the event, they're also having a townie street party with performances, food, and family-friendly activities on Monday, July 13^th.

Go, enjoy your summer. Get some new ideas and see wonderful things at an art festival or two. Bring a friend and have a blast this summer.