Ann Arbor Art Center

Call for Varied Vessels Show | Spotlight Gallery
2025-01-01 08:00 - 2025-01-26 23:59 (America/Detroit)
The A2AC Spotlight Gallery’s new call for submissions is for a multi-medium show titled The Varied Vessel: A Tribute to its many Forms and Mediums.

*All work must be for sale. The aim is for people to utilize a variety of artistic handmade objects in their daily lives. Work must not exceed a price point of 200 dollars. Works can encompass a wide variety of materials (ceramic, glass, metal, wood, etc.) and forms. Examples include: cups, vases, salt and pepper shakers, planters, bowls, etc..

DEADLINE:January 26th, 2025 at 11:59pm EST

The Anne & Howard Cooper Spotlight Gallery at the Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC) is a flexible exhibition space on the 2nd floor in the heart of the art education area. The Spotlight Gallery showcases artists working in the context of contemporary craft as well as painting, printmaking, and illustration.

APPLY TO THE CALL

2025 Spring and Summer Art Camps Preview Begins
2025-01-10 00:00 - 23:59
Summer will be here before you know it, and so will our Summer Art Camps in Downtown Ann Arbor! Get a sneak peek at our 2025 Spring and Summer Art Camps on Friday, January 10, 2025. See what weeks may be a good fit for your creative ones, then be sure to put Friday, January 24, 2025, at 7am on your radar when registration opens.

Jim Rehlin Tribute Showcase
2025-01-13 10:00 - 2025-02-28 19:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
The A2AC Shop's Tribute Showcase celebrates Jim Rehlin’s extraordinary body of work and honors his legacy as a beloved artist and longtime shop contributor. In recognition of Jim's enduring impact on our creative community, all sales from the showcase will directly support the A2AC's mission to foster and uplift artists within our community.

ABOUT JIM AND HIS WORK

SHOP JIM'S WORK HERE

A2AC Social 2025 Tickets On Sale for Members/Past Attendees
2025-01-15 07:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Grab your friends and escape the cold at the Ann Arbor Art Center on Friday, March 14, 2025, for our third annual A2AC Social!

Four art experiences commissioned from local artists, custom cocktails, and delicious small plates come together for an immersive night out.

SESSIONS TIMES:

SESSION 1: 5 PM – 7:15 PM

SESSION 2: 8 PM – 10:15 PM

ON SALE STARTING:

Wednesday, January 15, for Members/Past Attendees

Friday, January 17, for ALL

(Yes, you CAN purchase a group of tickets, and we will keep your group together!)

BECOME A MEMBER

SEE PICS FROM A2AC SOCIAL 2024

Realty: New Work by Brian Spolans Opening Reception
2025-01-17 06:00 - 20:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the Opening Reception of the Spotlight Gallery exhibition Realty: New Work by Brian Spolans. This thoughtful exhibition explores the relationship with our homes since the pandemic as we enter an affordable housing crisis as told through printmaking and mixed-media works by Southeast Michigan-based artist Brian Spolans.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

A2AC Social 2025 Tickets On Sale for ALL
2025-01-17 07:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States

MLK Day Drop-In Event
2025-01-20 11:00 - 14:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Drop into the A2AC Gallery on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 20, anytime from 11:00am - 2:00pm for a meaningful and creative art activity celebrating community and connection! Using a variety of materials, participants will have access to everything they need to design and create a quilt square that reflects what they love and value about community. Individual squares will be stitched together to form a collective quilt, symbolizing the harmony in diversity and the strength of communal spirit. The completed quilt will be displayed in the A2AC Gallery window on Liberty Street.

This event is free and open to all ages and skill levels. All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. This activity is first-come, first-serve, while supplies last.

Select materials for the event were generously provided by

2025 Spring and Summer Art Camps Registration Opens
2025-01-24 07:00
Warm and sunny days are coming soon, as are the A2AC Spring and Summer Art Camps! Put Friday, January 24, 2025, at 7am on your calendar because you do not want to miss out on registration opening up for our Spring and Summer Art Camps in Downtown Ann Arbor. To prep you for everything you need to know about the camps, we're opening up a Preview on Friday, January 10, 2025.

PREVIEW OUR CAMPS TODAY

Mas y Mas Opening Reception
2025-02-07 18:00 - 20:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the Opening Reception of the next Spotlight Gallery exhibition, Mas y Mas.

Mas y Mas by Kimberly LaVonne is a vibrant celebration of heritage, memory, and identity. Drawing from her Panamanian roots and childhood in Ciudad del Saber, LaVonne crafts hand-built ceramic forms inspired by Pre-Columbian Coclé pottery. Through intricate sgraffito carvings, she layers imagery of Molas, folklore, and personal memories, infusing each piece with the lively spirit of Panama’s culture and environment. Bold patterns, rich symbolism, and a striking palette reflect her ongoing journey to stay connected to her heritage while addressing themes of activism and belonging.

ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION

Galentine's Day: Make a Bookmark Drop-In
2025-02-08 13:00 - 17:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
The Ann Arbor Art Center is excited to welcome folks into our A2AC Gallery for Main Street Ann Arbor's annual Galentine's Day 2025!

This year, the A2AC is partnering with the Ann Arbor District Library to bring you a bookish drop-in event on this joyous occasion. Stop into the A2AC Gallery on Saturday, February 8th, anytime from 1:00-5:00 pm and make a one-of-a-kind bookmark—the perfect Valentine's gift for the book lover in your life. Using various materials, participants will have access to everything they need to design and create a unique bookmark to keep or give away as a thoughtful gift.

This event is free and open to all ages and skill levels. All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. This activity is first-come, first-serve, while supplies last.

In addition to our drop-in event, the A2AC Shop will be open with plenty of additional gifts for all your loved ones! On February 8th, 2025, all jewelry will be 10% off to celebrate Galentine's Day.

In partnership with

LEARN MORE ABOUT GALENTINE'S DAY 2025

Spring Art Classes Open for Members
2025-02-12 07:00
🌸🎨 Embrace Your Creativity this Spring! 🎨🌸

Whether you're a budding artist or looking to brush up on your skills, join us for an inspiring journey through colors, techniques, and expression with our Spring Art Classes.

Open for Members on February 12, at 7am.

Open for ALL on Friday, February 14, at 7am.

BECOME A MEMBER HERE

SEE ALL UPCOMING CLASSES

Spring Art Classes Open for ALL
2025-02-14 07:00
🌸🎨 Embrace Your Creativity this Spring! 🎨🌸

Whether you're a budding artist or looking to brush up on your skills, join us for an inspiring journey through colors, techniques, and expression with our Spring Art Classes.

Open for ALL on Friday, February 14, at 7am.

SEE ALL UPCOMING CLASSES

Valentine's Day Card Drop-in
2025-02-14 12:00 - 15:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Dive into the spirit of love and creativity as you design your very own heartfelt cards using a variety of provided materials at our free Valentine's Day Card Drop-In this Friday from 12-3pm in the A2AC Gallery. Whether you want to express your affection to a partner, a friend, or a family member, this is the perfect opportunity to let your artistic side shine!

Please note that all children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Youth Art Month: Recycled Material Sculptures Drop-In
2025-03-02 13:00 - 15:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us in celebrating Youth Art Month with a creative, eco-friendly twist! The Ann Arbor Art Center invites artists of all ages to our Gallery for a free drop-in event focused on recycled material sculptures. With a wide variety of materials to utilize, participants will have the opportunity to design and craft one-of-a-kind sculptures. While you're in downtown Ann Arbor, be sure to explore the incredible student artwork featured in the 2025 Youth Art Month exhibition!

This event is free and open to all ages and skill levels. All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For safety reasons, any use of hot glue must be handled by a parent, guardian, or A2AC staff member. This activity is first-come, first-serve, while supplies last.

Presented in partnership with

Varied Vessel Opening Reception
2025-03-07 18:00 - 20:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the Opening Reception of Varied Vessel: A Tribute to its Many Forms and Mediums in the A2AC Spotlight Gallery on the second floor of the A2AC in Downtown Ann Arbor.

From the every day to the extraordinary, Varied Vessel celebrates the boundless creativity of functional and sculptural forms. This multi-medium exhibition showcases vessels in their many expressions—crafted from ceramic, glass, metal, wood, and more. The show features cups, vases, bowls, planters, and beyond, highlighting the artistry and innovation that shape these essential objects.

Featuring: Alison Bank, Cathy Barry, Cathy Beal, Jessica Brooks, Erin Mae Burcham, Anna Burke, Seder Burns, Molly Cooke, Susan Crowell, Steven DeBano, Audrey Dorman, Brian Durham, Ken Estell, Sean Evans, Sierra Fancher, Dave Fischer, Mary Fortuna, Taiki Fujimori, Stassia Fulmer, Beth Gonzales, Lavinia Hanachiuc, Josey Hanish, Lyn Horvat, Emily Jenkins, Chris Kamykowski, Hosanna Kline, Lynn Kryska, Lisa Kurek, Andrew Kyte, Lindy Lee, Natalie Liu, Tricia Martinez, Tempest NeuCollins, Christine Obeid, Mo Osborne, Mistique Ott, Cynthia Pachikara, Alex Pratt, Thom Price, Zac Raska, Michael Ross, Emily Schidhouse, Beth Schulte, Anna Schwartz, Zena Segre, Juliana Sheehan, Alec Smith, Patty Smith, Robin Suter, Matt Tucker, Genevieve Vanzandt, Deborah Wood

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Youth Art Month: Movable 2-D Characters & Collaborative Stop-Motion Animation Drop-In
2025-03-09 13:00 - 15:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
View Stop Motion Animation

The Ann Arbor Art Center invites you to the A2AC Gallery to get creative, collaborate, and celebrate Youth Art Month! All ages are welcome to design, create, and animate their own unique, movable, 2D characters who will come to life in a collaborative stop-motion animation. Whether you're a young artist, or just young at heart, drop by and get creative in honor of Youth Art Month! While you're in downtown Ann Arbor, be sure to explore the incredible student artwork featured in the 2025 Youth Art Month exhibition!

This event is free and open to all ages and skill levels. All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. This activity is first-come, first-serve, while supplies last.

Presented in partnership with

A2AC Social 2025
2025-03-14 17:00 - 22:20 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT!

Grab your friends and escape the cold for a night out in Ann Arbor at the A2AC on Friday, March 14, 2025, for our third annual immersive fundraiser, the A2AC Social, featuring four art experiences commissioned from local/regional artists!

In partnership with

Presenting Sponsor

Friend Sponsor

Artist Sponsor

Off the Screen! 63rd AAFF Opening Reception
2025-03-21 18:00 - 20:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the Opening Reception of the 2025 Off the Screen! exhibition in participation with the 63rd installment of the Ann Arbor Film Festival, the oldest avant-garde and experimental film festival in North America. Featuring work from Yazmin Dababneh, Paul Echeverria, and Maddie Shubeck, this exhibition includes a darkened gallery experience and moving images.

Refreshments provided by Big City Small World Bakery.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

ABOUT THE AAFF

Garden Goods Drop in the A2AC Online Shop
2025-04-07 10:00 - 2025-04-13 23:30 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
The wait is over! Spring has Sprung, and so has our Exclusive Garden Goods Drop! Discover a handpicked selection of garden goods from local artists, available Online April 7th and in the A2AC Shop April 14th.

SHOP THE ONLINE SHOP

Earth Day Special: Sugar Coated Opening Reception
2025-04-12 18:00 - 20:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the Opening Reception of Sabrina Kliza's Spotlight Gallery exhibition, Earth Day Special: Sugar Coated. Inspired by Before It’s Gone by Jonathan Vigliotti, this exhibition explores the consequences of sugarcoating climate truths, using glitter and bold visuals to lure viewers into confronting urgent environmental realities.

ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION

Artini 2025 Tickets on Sale for Past Attendees/Members
2025-04-23 07:00 - 2025-04-25 06:59
The A2AC is excited to welcome you back downtown for Artini 2025. That’s right–our annual cocktail crawl fundraiser is BACK on Saturday, June 21, coinciding with another great event downtown, the AADL's Make Music Ann Arbor! This year, many of the finest bars and restaurants in Ann Arbor will create the city’s most musical martini. Sip, enjoy live music, and vote for your favorite mixed cocktail! We can't wait to celebrate with you in the closed-off summer streets of Main Street Ann Arbor and beyond.

Members and Past Attendees–keep your eyes out for an email on April 23 with an exclusive ticket link before tickets go on sale for all on Friday, April 25.

BECOME A MEMBER HERE

SEE PICTURES FROM ARTINI 2024

Garden Goods In-Store Drop in the A2AC Shop
2025-04-24 10:00 - 17:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States

Artini 2025 Tickets on Sale for ALL
2025-04-25 07:00 - 2025-06-16 08:00
🎶🍸 Artini is back—and it’s hitting all the right notes! 🍸🎶

Join us on Saturday, June 21 for Artini, Downtown Ann Arbor’s favorite summer cocktail crawl and fundraiser! This year, we’re mixing things up with a melodic twist to celebrate alongside AADL’s Make Music Ann Arbor—making for one unforgettable night of sips and sounds.

Join Ann Arbor’s top bars and restaurants as they shake and stir their take on the most musical martini. Wander the closed-off, sun-soaked streets of Main Street and beyond, enjoy live performances, and cast your vote for your favorite cocktail creation!

Let’s raise a glass to good vibes, great drinks, and a city that knows how to throw a summer party. Cheers!

LEARN MORE & BUY TICKETS TODAY

Presented by

With support from

With support from

SEE PICTURES FROM ARTINI 2024

A2AC PlayLab: Exploring Dance with Marly Spieser-Scheider - Ages 7-12
2025-04-26 10:00 - 11:30 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
In this workshop, caregivers and their child will learn about the elements of dance as they physically explore time, space, and energy. We will also consider the relationship between our minds and our bodies and explore how our movement can tell stories and communicate our emotions. We will think about our bodies in relationship to other people and learn to move together and work together to make a dance. This workshop will be playful and collaborative and will emphasize the fun and joy of movement while also highlighting foundational ideas about dance and encouraging critical thinking, respect, and cooperation.

This is a free event, but as space is limited, we ask that you register to reserve your spot. Once spots are filled, you will be put on a waitlist. You will be automatically notified if a space becomes available. Please register for the age group appropriate for your child. One registration will cover both the caregiver and the child.

A2AC PlayLab is supported by a grant from

REGISTER FOR APRIL 26 PLAYLAB FOR AGES 7-12

JOIN THE WAITLIST FOR APRIL 27 PLAYLAB FOR AGES 3-6

LEARN MORE ABOUT PLAYLAB

A2AC PlayLab: Exploring Dance with Marly Spieser-Scheider - Ages 3-6
2025-04-27 10:00 - 11:30 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
In this workshop, caregivers and their child will learn about the elements of dance as they physically explore time, space, and energy. We will also consider the relationship between our minds and our bodies and explore how our movement can tell stories and communicate our emotions. We will think about our bodies in relationship to other people and learn to move together and work together to make a dance. This workshop will be playful and collaborative and will emphasize the fun and joy of movement while also highlighting foundational ideas about dance and encouraging critical thinking, respect, and cooperation.

This is a free event, but as space is limited, we ask that you register to reserve your spot. Once spots are filled, you will be put on a waitlist. You will be automatically notified if a space becomes available. Please register for the age group appropriate for your child. One registration will cover both the caregiver and the child.

A2AC PlayLab is supported by a grant from

JOIN THE WAITLIST FOR APRIL 27 PLAYLAB FOR AGES 3-6

REGISTER FOR APRIL 26 PLAYLAB FOR AGES 7-12

LEARN MORE ABOUT PLAYLAB

Analog or Digital Opening Reception
2025-05-02 18:00 - 20:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the Opening Reception of Carrie Vander Veen's Analog or Digital in the Spotlight Gallery. In Analog or Digital, artist Carrie Vanderveen explores the intersection of technology, nature, and human connection in a rapidly changing world. Her layered gouache paintings celebrate the handmade and the sensual as a counterbalance to digital overwhelm, using natural imagery as both metaphor and source of solace. Blurring the boundaries between analog and digital, Vanderveen's work invites reflection on what we value, how we connect, and how we might find meaning in the midst of constant change.

ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION

Bloom Fest: Paper Flower Workshop with Nora Fradin
2025-05-10 13:00 - 15:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Celebrate things in Full Bloom! The A2AC Shop is celebrating Bloom Fest on May 10 in Downtown Ann Arbor.

Drop in to the A2AC Gallery from 1-3pm for a Paper Flower Workshop with artist Nora Fradin (Lilac & Blush) to make your very own blooms. The cost is $5 per bloom.

Additionally, visitors can shop local art from 10am-7pm in the A2AC Shop.

ABOUT NORA FRADIN (LILAC & BLUSH)

Nora Fradin is the artist and owner behind Lilac and Blush, a creative studio dedicated to the handcrafted magic of paper flowers. Inspired by color, texture, and the beauty of everyday moments—like a sunset’s gradient or the pages of a design magazine—Nora brings a unique blend of artistry and precision to each bloom she creates. Using Italian crepe paper, scissors, and glue, she meticulously cuts, sculpts, and assembles every petal, sepal, and leaf by hand. Her work captures the delicate charm of real flowers while celebrating the transformative power of craft. Lilac and Blush was founded in 2020, following years of exploring paper flower art, and takes its name from an early bouquet that sparked a joyful connection between color and creativity. Through her work, Nora invites others to find beauty in the handmade and delight in the simple magic of paper turned to petal.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NORA

SHOP LOCAL IN THE A2AC SHOP

Summer Art Classes Open for ALL
2025-05-16 07:00 - 2025-07-11 07:00
🎨 Brush up on summer fun with the A2AC with a Summer Art Class! ☀️

Registration opens for Members on Wednesday, May 14, at 7am, with general registration opening for all on Friday, May 16, at 7am.

Tune into a Sneak Peek on May 12 to see what creative joys we have in store for you before registration opens.

BECOME A MEMBER

SEE ALL UPCOMING CLASSES

A2AC PlayLab: Exploring Yoga with Marly Spieser-Scheider - Ages 7-12
2025-05-31 10:00 - 11:30 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
In this workshop, caregivers and their child will learn foundational principles of the yoga philosophy and focus on the ideas of awareness and non-harming. We will explore yoga postures and talk about what it means to move with intention. We will also consider how the body and mind communicate with one another and learn how our body and breath can be tools to engage with and sooth our mind and emotions. These workshops will encourage curiosity, experimentation, and fun while also encouraging self-awareness, compassion, and confidence.

This is a free event, but as space is limited, we ask that you register to reserve your spot. Once spots are filled, you will be put on a waitlist. You will be automatically notified if a space becomes available. Please register for the age group appropriate for your child. One registration will cover both the caregiver and the child.

A2AC PlayLab is supported by a grant from

REGISTER FOR MAY 31 PLAYLAB FOR AGES 7-12

JOIN THE WAITLIST FOR JUNE 1 PLAYLAB FOR AGES 3-6

LEARN MORE ABOUT PLAYLAB

001/164: A Poster Show by Jacob Rosenburg Opening Reception
2025-06-06 18:00 - 20:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the Opening Reception of 001/164: A Poster Show by Jacob Rosenburg in the Spotlight Gallery on the 2nd floor of the A2AC. About the Exhibition

Through his work, Jacob tells personal stories and perspectives, hidden in layers through the art of gig posters. As he screen prints these posters, the soundtrack to his life is forever visually volumed; ready to be combed over like a box of records. Jacob asks for you to comb over these stories like you would through that box of records or merch at a show, and select one to take home. As posters are taken, the show will continue to visually change until the merch is “sold out.”

LEARN MORE
