Ann Arbor Art Center

Person, Practice: Solo Show by Meg Gizzi Opening Reception
2024-05-10 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the opening reception of Meg Gizzi's solo show, Person, Practice which combines ceramic objects and actions to craft external, physical metaphors that explore the internal, metaphysical landscape of selfhood.

ABOUT MEG GIZZI

Meg Gizzi is a ceramicist and educator born and raised in Michigan. She currently resides in Ann Arbor, working and teaching across Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. Meg received her Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Design with a concentration in ceramics from the University of Michigan Stamps School of Art and Design. She then completed the Post-Baccalaureate Ceramics program at Michigan State University, during which she began her career as a ceramics teacher at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center. Currently, she teaches at the All Seasons Senior Living Facility, Yourist Studio Gallery, and is a lecturer teaching Introduction to Ceramics at Eastern Michigan University and Beginning and Advanced Ceramics at the University of Michigan Residential College. In addition to her career as an educator, Meg is a working artist, striving to produce ceramic objects with meaning and purpose. Her work has been featured in student shows at the University of Michigan Stamps Gallery, Residential College Gallery, and Stamps Senior Show, the national juried show untitled 2.0 at the Athens Arts Gallery in Athens, Indiana, and the 100th Annual All-Media Exhibition at the Ann Arbor Art Center. Most recently, she debuted her first solo show, Ways of Being, at BARICKUDA GALLERY at trustArt Studios in Ann Arbor, MI.

Link

Instagram

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

A2AC Shop Letter-Writing Drop-In Workshop with Hearty Greetings
2024-05-11 12:00 - 18:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Take a moment to explore the lost art of letter writing! Participants will have the opportunity to sit down with beautiful letterpress printed stationery sheets adorned with historic type cast graphics, and write a letter to a loved one using a selection of vintage typewriters. Once you have recorded your perfect sentiment, you can close your envelope for your letter using a wax seal. Bring the family and record your thoughts to your loved ones in style with this fun interactive workshop!

No registration is involved as this is a drop-in workshop.

ABOUT HEARTY GREETINGS

Hearty Greetings is a one-woman-owned business focused on:

Letterpress stationery, invitations, and cards.

Handcrafted books, journals, and albums.

Handmade prints and works of art.

Owner Laura Beyer has had an affinity for books since childhood, so amassing vintage printing equipment only makes sense as an adult😅. In an increasingly digital age, she has always been a sucker for snail mail, maintaining pen pal correspondence over the decades 💌.

Laura's work has been collected by colleges and universities, private collections as well the Detroit Institute of Art. She has 20+ years of printmaking experience in academic and professional studios and set up her own art studio in 2012.

Website

Instagram

A2AC Shop Spring Pop-Up
2024-05-11 12:00 - 18:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
As the warmth of spring blossoms around us, immerse yourself in a delightful celebration of the season at our enchanting pop-up event! We're thrilled to showcase the talents of three extraordinary local artisans, who will bring hand-made charming decorations, delectable treats, and indulgent self-care products.

FEATURING

BUBBLE BABES SOAP

Hello! We are the Bubble Babes and are so excited that you're here. Our names are Noonie and Sylvia, and we are a duo that started our journey into cold process soap making in 2019. We craft our products in Ann Arbor, MI (Go Blue!). After much experimenting (and more experimenting), we decided to share it with the world in 2020 and put our products up for sale online. Our team is proud to be woman-owned, diverse, inclusive, and empowering!

Website

Facebook

Instagram

ELLEN'S FINE GOODS

Hi! I'm Ellie.

I grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and made my way through many careers before realizing that I wanted to work in a kitchen.

I received my BFA in Photography from the Stamps School of Art and Design in 2003, and a few years later moved out to Brooklyn with my sister to pursue a career in photography.

In New York, I worked for an amazing photographer named Sheila Metzner who played a crucial role in my development as an artist.

In 2011 I moved back to Ann Arbor, and started working for the Ann Arbor Film Festival.

I have always worked in restaurants, and I taught myself how to cook, bake and decorate along the way. It wasn’t until I was in my 30’s that I realized this was my creative outlet all along.

In 2016 I left my job at the AAFF and enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Schoolcraft College. During my time at Schoolcraft I worked for some amazing instructors, who helped me refine my skills and pushed me to become the chef I am today.

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LILAC AND BLUSH

hi, i’m nora, the owner and artisan of lilac and blush.

i am forever inspired by color and texture- i am endlessly entertained by the gradations of a sunset and i love wandering through the pages of a design magazine- so it brings me great joy to assemble flowers and bouquets with a creative spirit, an eye for aesthetics, and attention to detail.

with scissors, glue, and a rainbow of italian crepe paper, i transform paper to petal as i handcraft each piece of the flower and build each blossom. i handcut, sculpt, and carefully place all of the petals, sepals, and leaves- i love the mix of creativity and precision of paper flowers as well as the magic when form and charm are born from a simple piece of paper and a dose of handiwork.

lilac and blush was born in 2020 during early corona when i was able to devote more time to the business itself after several years of diving into the art of creating paper flowers. lilac and blush are colors that i featured in an early collection and in an early bouquet in which i felt the beautiful and intuitive journey of colors and blooms come alive.when i’m not making paper flowers you can find me dreaming of new orleans, searching for moments of kindness and connection, watching cheers, wandering trails and shorelines, waiting for opening day of baseball, listening to mt joy and lord huron, learning tarot, or forever starting a new book.

it has been a pleasure to bring lilac and blush to life and to bring a little beauty to the world through paper and flowers. thank you for stopping by- enjoy exploring!

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Summer Art Classes Open for Members
2024-05-15 07:00 | MI
Summer Art Classes open for A2AC Members on Wednesday, May 15, at 7am. Load up your summer with art before the term opens for all on Friday, May 17, at 7am, and make sure you score the class you've been waiting for.

BECOME A MEMBER

Summer Art Classes Open for ALL
2024-05-17 07:00 | MI
A2AC Summer Art Classes open for all on Friday, May 17, at 7am. Find the perfect summer class for you today!

Teen Art Camps Open for Registration
2024-05-17 07:00 | MI
Teen Art Camps are coming soon! Registration for four weeks of teen summer camps opens on Friday, May 17, at 7am,* with a sneak peek dropping on Monday, May 13.

• Features 4 different weeks and topics to choose from

• Full-day art camps, 9am-4pm, Monday through Friday

• Develop and strengthen artistic skills in an area of focus

• Led by talented, experienced artists and educators

• For ages 13-17

*Reminder: There is no early registration for members for camp programs.

ABOUT OUR ART CAMPS

A2AC Murals Walking Tour
2024-05-31 18:30 - 19:30 | MI
Join us for our A2AC Murals and Alleyways Tour where we guide you through downtown Ann Arbor to see and speak about many of the vibrant artworks in the urban landscape! The tour will include an overview of the A2AC Art in Public Program and lead the group to an array of mural and alleyway installations within a ¼ mile of each other. For each project seen, you will learn about the artist, the context and content of the project, and how specific works transformed from ideas to physical creation. Depending on the tour date, the tour may also highlight newly completed or in-progress projects! The tour will end back at the Art Center and attendees can continue to enjoy downtown Ann Arbor by exploring local shops, museums, and restaurants!

CANCELED: A2AC Author Series presents ZAFTIG: An Interdisciplinary Author Event
2024-06-01 15:00 - 17:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
CANCELED DUE TO SICKNESS:

The A2AC Author Series in partnership with AADL's 5th Ave. Press presents the book launch of ZAFTIG by Molly Pershin Raynor.

From 3-4pm, there will be a reception with drinks and small bites featuring a gallery viewing of art and writing by Molly and 6 other Southeast Michigan writers, including Carlina Duan, Kristen DeLeon-Hamilton, Onna Solomon, Ciatta Tucker, Ash Arder, and Michelle Yang.

From 4-5pm, Molly will read an excerpt from ZAFTIG with live music by Josef Deas and will be joined by guest poets: MARS Marshall, Venus Pasha, Carlina Duan, Brittany Rogers, Onna Solomon, Kush Thompson, Maria Theochrakis, and Ain't Afraid (Sakinah & Zakiyyah Rahman).

The release includes a weekend-long multimedia exhibit exploring ZAFTIG’s themes of cultural reclamation, immigration, food, ancestors, and gender.

With support from

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

ABOUT FIFTH AVENUE PRESS

Drawing Worlds: The Art of Comics and Beyond Opening Reception
2024-06-14 18:00 - 20:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the Drawing Worlds' opening reception. Find the AADL's Summer Game Code for this event, create your own button, and participate in one of the community comic art projects found in the gallery. This is a family-friendly event.

Some artists will be in attendance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Counted/Uncounted: So You Know Us: Paloma Núñez-Regueiro Opening Reception
2024-06-14 18:00 - 20:00 | MI
Join us for the opening reception of Paloma Núñez-Regueiro’s solo show.

The Opening is in conjunction with the A2AC Gallery reception for Drawing Worlds: The Art of Comics and Beyond.

The artist will be in attendance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION

Quick Draw! An Evening of Live Comic Art and Drawing
2024-06-27 19:00 - 21:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for Quick Draw! featuring live drawings by Southeast MI artists, including those from the Drawing Worlds show, as well as pop-up vendor Athenaeum Comic Art. Grab a drink from our friends at the Beer Grotto, watch the artists in action, peruse Athenaeum Comic Art's original collection, and participate in one of the gallery's collaborative projects.

Some artists will be in attendance

With support from

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRAWING WORLDS

Social Justice Printmaking: The Art of Paloma Núñez-Regueiro
2024-06-28 19:00 - 20:00 | MI
Artist and printmaking Paloma Núñez-Regueiro will discuss her installation, Counted/Uncounted: So You Know Us: Paloma Núñez-Regueiro currently in the A2AC Spotlight Gallery, and her social justice-minded studio practice.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION

Stratum and Breadth: Large-Scale Contemporary Printmaking Opening Reception
2024-07-26 18:00 - 20:00 | MI
Join us for the opening reception of Stratum And Breadth featuring a chance to chat with the artists and the guest curator, with music by DJ Loamsy.

Guest curator and some artists will be in attendance.

This event coincides with the opening of the A2AC Spotlight Gallery's Ann Arbor Abstractions: Photographic Work by Lawrence Hamilton.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION

Ann Arbor Abstractions: Photographic Work by Lawrence Hamilton Opening Reception
2024-07-26 18:00 - 20:00 | MI
Join us for the opening reception of Lawrence Hamilton’s solo show as well as a short artist talk at 7pm in the Spotlight Gallery.

This event coincides with the opening of the A2AC Gallery's Stratum and Breadth exhibition.

The artist will be in attendance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION

A2AC Author Series: Stratum and Breadth
2024-08-01 19:00 - 20:00 | MI
The A2AC Author Series is part of the A2AC Exhibition department's interdisciplinary Arts mission and features MI-based writers whose work builds connections with the A2AC Gallery's visual art shows.

Join us Thursday, August 1, for an evening of poetry and nonfiction writing that speaks to the interconnectedness of all things. This event will be surrounded by the large-scale artwork featured in the Stratum and Breadth gallery show. Thea A. Eck, A2AC Galleries Director, will moderate the Q&A.

Authors:

Ashwini Bhasi

Shannon Daniels

Zilka Joseph

Alison Swan

Keith Taylor

This August event is supported by Schuler Books.

The 2024 A2AC Author Series is proudly funded in part by Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION

Fall Art Classes Open for Members
2024-08-14 07:00 | MI
Fall Art Classes open for A2AC Members on Wednesday, August 14, at 7am. Become a member and supporter of one of the oldest arts institutions in Michigan to ensure your place in the class you want before enrollment opens for all on Friday, August 16.

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

Fall Art Classes Open for ALL
2024-08-16 07:00 | MI
Fall Art Classes open for ALL on Friday, August 16, at 7am.

SEE ALL UPCOMING CLASSES

A2AC Shop: Pet Pop-Up
2024-08-17 12:00 - 18:00 | MI
Celebrate the unconditional love of your pet at our A2AC Shop Pet Pop-Up event at the A2AC Shop in Downtown Ann Arbor! Featuring four local artists and vendors who specialize in puppy treats, pet accessories, catnip-filled toys, and modern pet photography, the event is a great opportunity to engage with the vendors and discover more about their businesses as you shop for the perfect gift for your pet.

Vendors:

CatnipToyLady

Webberville, MI

Link

Muddy Paws Pet Gear

Ann Arbor, MI

Link

Facebook

Street Dog Bakery

Ann Arbor, MI

Link

Facebook

Instagram

Plus:

Studio Pet Portraits with Kat Ku Modern Pet Photos

Kat Ku Modern Pet Photos

Ann Arbor, MI

Link

Facebook

Instagram

Kat Ku Modern Pet Photos will also be at the Shop from 12 to 6 PM to take charming pet portraits. Kat is known for creating modern images that capture the personality of your pet—whether it's a mischievous kitten or a loyal old friend—and all the unique details that you love about them.

$99 includes a 10-minute session with one pet and one high-resolution, ready-to-print 8 x 12” digital file—perfect for making your own prints and greeting cards (this is 20% off of her normal rate!). Additional pets may be added by booking a second slot, and other artwork may be purchased separately.

Pre-booking is strongly encouraged to guarantee a spot. Walk-ins will be taken as pre-booked appointments allow).

BOOK YOUR PHOTO SESSION TODAY

*Due to the limited time of each appointment, Mini Sessions are best for confident and/or treat-motivated dogs that don't need additional time to warm up to the camera and are easy to redirect from distractions.

Calls for Art: Art in Public - Wayfinding and Kerrytown Market Sunshade
2024-09-08 08:00 - 2024-10-20 23:59 | MI
The City of Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority is seeking to commission artists or artist teams to design two unique public artwork projects:

• The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority is seeking to commission an artist or artist team to design and install unique and creative art as a wayfinding system to connect the Ann/Ashley Parking Structure to the Farmers Market in Ann Arbor, MI.

• The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority is seeking to commission an artist or artist team to design and install a unique shade structure at the Farmers Market in Ann Arbor, MI. The DDA is open to proposals of different mediums, including fabric or rigid materials, and desires a work that is positive, balances shade and light for different times of the year, and involves color.

Any artist or artist team residing in the United States can apply.

DEADLINES:October 20, 2024, at 11:59pm EST

LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE CALLS

SEE OTHER ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES

Queer Chimera Opening Reception
2024-09-13 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 Queer Chimera: Fiber and Mixed Media Art by Juniper Wolfenbarger in the A2AC Spotlight Gallery on Friday, September 13, from 6-8pm.

Queer Chimera is a celebration of queerness and the process of building a chosen family from Ypsilanti genderqueer artist Juniper Wolfenbarger (they/them).

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION

Obama: An Intimate Portrait Opening Reception
2024-09-13 18:00 - 20:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the Opening Reception of Obama: An Intimate Portrait, a profound look at a historic presidency through the eyes of former Chief Official White House photographer Pete Souza, who did more than document a president, he invited the country into the home of an intelligent, compassionate, graceful, and complex man. For eight years, Americans were a part of the Obama family.

The exhibition features 50 photographs that were personally chosen by Souza.

This event coincides with the Opening Reception of Queer Chimera: Fiber and Mixed Media Art by Juniper Wolfenbarger in the A2AC Spotlight Gallery.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION

There will be a separate VIP Meet & Greet with Pete Souza event on Sunday, September 29, from 2-4pm.

PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE VIP MEET & GREET

This exhibition is presented with support from The Sugiyama Family and Hava Gurevich.

A2AC Gala
2024-09-19 17:30 - 21:00 | Venue by 4M, 1919 S Industrial Blvd, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48104, United States
2024 A2AC GALA

A FUNDRAISER BENEFITING THE A2AC

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

COCKTAIL PARTY: 5:30 PM – 7 PM

DINNER & LIVE AUCTION: 7 PM – 9 PM

Join us at the A2AC Gala on Thursday, September 19, 2024, to celebrate 115 years of our creative impact in the Ann Arbor community and hear more about where our creativity will take us next.

This year, the A2AC Gala will be held at Venue by 4M and feature exclusively crafted Ann Arbor Distilling Company cocktails and wine provided by the Produce Station. Enjoy an outdoor cocktail party with savory appetizers, live music, and a silent auction.

Those attending the full fundraiser will then join us indoors as we feast on a sumptuous dinner and participate in an exciting live auction of exceptional experiences sure to delight, including rare wines, sporting events, exclusive dining, and fine art.

ATTIRE

Cocktail attire

TICKETS

COCKTAIL RECEPTION: $100 Per Person

FULL EVENT: $300 Per Person OR Reserve a Table of 8 @ $2,000

*Please note that all attendees must be 21 years old by September 19th, 2024, to participate.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

ABOUT THE EVENT + FAQ

A2AC ArtLab | Hands-On Open House!
2024-09-20 16:30 - 19:30 | MI
The A2AC is proud to partner with A2Tech360 to offer an evening of creativity + tech! Come explore and get inspired. Drop in to this FREE event and learn all about the amazing ways we create art with digital technology at the A2AC. Youth, teens, adults, and families are welcome- we have something for everyone!

Tour the A2AC's Digital ArtLab, generously funded by Ann Arbor Spark, and enjoy some hands-on fun as you help create a collaborative stop-motion animation, try drawing or coloring using the Procreate app, and experiment with digital sculpting with the 3-D modeling NomadSculpt app! Teens interested in a career in tech can also learn more about our upcoming 3-D Digital Design and Fabrication Certificate program featuring instructor Josh Harker.

A partner event of

Presented by

ABOUT A2AC ARTLAB

VIP Meet & Greet with Pete Souza
2024-09-29 14:00 - 16:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the VIP Meet & Greet with Pete Souza for the Obama: An Intimate Portrait exhibition, a profound look at a historic presidency through the eyes of former Chief Official White House photographer Pete Souza, who did more than document a president, he invited the country into the home of an intelligent, compassionate, graceful, and complex man. For eight years, Americans were a part of the Obama family.

The exhibition features 50 photographs that were personally chosen by Souza.

In attendance: Pete Souza

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION

This exhibition is presented with support from The Sugiyama Family and Hava Gurevich.

Call For Art: A2AC Spotlight Gallery Solo and Two-Person Shows
2024-10-01 08:00 - 2024-10-31 23:59 | MI
The A2AC is looking for solo and two-person show applications, showcasing work within the context of contemporary painting, printmaking, illustration, and other crafts in our Spotlight Gallery space on the 2nd floor of 117 W Liberty in Downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The A2AC Spotlight Gallery provides a space for both emerging and established Michigan-based artists to showcase their work in one-month increments. Our goal is to give artists the opportunity to exhibit their works in an established gallery space within the heart of Ann Arbor.

Artists must reside in Michigan.

DEADLINE:October 31, 2024, at 11:59pm EST

APPLY TO THIS CALL TODAY

SEE ALL ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES

A2AC Author Series
2024-10-10 19:00 - 20:30 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
The A2AC Author Series features MI-based writers whose work builds connections with the visual art presented in the A2AC Gallery. October's author series presents Saba Kerama, Rachel Nelson, Molly Pershin Raynor, Onna Solomon, Ellen Stone, Michelle Yang, and Michael Zadoorian. Please join us for this Thursday Evening event, which is in connection with Obama: An Intimate Portrait by Pete Souza gallery show in the A2AC Gallery. The 2024 A2AC Author Series is proudly funded in part by Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This event is followed by a Q&A.

FEATURING

Saba Keramati

Rachel Nelson

Molly Pershin Raynor

Onna Solomon

Ellen Stone

Michelle Yang

Micheal Zadoorian

Sponsored by

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION

A2AC Shop Spooky "Weres" Online Drop
2024-10-11 09:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
The A2AC is dropping some hauntingly creative "weres" for the season! Over 10 ceramic, 2D, and fiber artists will sell their fabulously spooky goods online on October 11th. Come into our spooky corner in person starting on October 14th.

BROWSE THE A2AC SHOP

Ancestral Echoes of Resilience and Providence Opening Reception
2024-10-11 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 Meli Bandera and Taylor Childs' show in the Spotlight Gallery on the 2nd floor of the A2AC in Downtown Ann Arbor.

Through shared investigations of family, legacy, and origin, Meli Bandera and Taylor Childs' Ancestral Echoes of Resilience and Providence addresses questions of migration, place, subculture formation, and protection. Using the collective language of quilting and weaving, Bandera and Childs exhibit works that express the memory, emotion, and cultural touchstones of Mexican and Black culture—all of this passed down to them by their family.

ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION

A2AC Shop Spooky “Weres” In-Store Drop
2024-10-14 10:00 | MI
The A2AC is dropping some hauntingly creative "weres" for the season! Over 10 ceramic, 2D, and fiber artists will sell their fabulously spooky goods online on October 11th. Come into our spooky corner in person starting on October 14th.

BROWSE THE ONLINE SHOP

Ann Arbor La Forêt Model Exhibition
2024-10-17 10:00 - 2024-10-19 19:00 | MI
Handshouse Studio’s 1:10 scale white oak model of “La Forêt,” Notre Dame’s notably intricate roof structure, will be on display at the A2AC Gallery for public viewing October 17-19, 2024.

This exhibition has been brought to A2AC by Handshouse Studio in participation with Lower Town Bar and Cafe, Roof Jumpers Timber Frames, Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, and the Timber Framers Guild. Crane is generously supplied by Alta Equipment Company and operated by Operating Engineers Local 324.

ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION
