A2AC Spotlight Gallery: Awake! Printmaking in Action Call for Submissions
2023-01-06 08:00 - 2023-02-05 23:59 (America/Detroit) | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
The Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC) invites artists working within the context of printmaking to participate in Awake! Printmaking in Action opening April 14 through May 28, 2023.

With the state of the world’s inequities, what is the current visual language of activist movements? From the recent pro-union protests to the urgency of climate change to the anti-hate protests of BLM, LGBTQIA+, disability justice, AAPI and Indigenous rights groups, how have printmakers assisted with – and responded to – in creating an aesthetic of change through the use of imagery, language and mass production?

This exhibition features art striving to embolden, seek justice for and give voice to the various activist movements occurring in the U.S. and around the globe.

Accepted work will be featured in the A2AC’s Spotlight Gallery and the Ann Arbor District Library’s Downtown exhibition space from April 14 – May 28, 2023.

A2AC Aquarium Gallery: 2023 Call for Proposals
2023-01-06 08:00 - 2023-02-12 23:59 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
The street-facing Aquarium Gallery comprises a large window space measuring approximately 67″ x 68″ x 11″ located near the pedestrian-busy corner of Ashley St. and Liberty St. in downtown Ann Arbor. Artists are encouraged to fill the gallery and create artwork that engages a hurried audience.

ARTISTS MUST RESIDE IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI. Aquarium Gallery’s 2023 mission is to showcase hyper-local artists: Only Washtenaw County-based artists will be considered by the jurying committee.

Artists must be 16 years and up to apply. Artist teams/collaboratives are allowed to apply: In this case, please designate 1 person to apply on behalf of your group.

Exhibition Opening: Energy Transfer (A2AC Gallery)
2023-02-03 18:00 - 21:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us as we celebrate the exhibition opening of Energy Transfer in the A2AC Gallery.

Featuring participating artists and MEMCO DJs.

At the same time, in the A2AC Spotlight Gallery, join us as we celebrate the exhibition opening of Unhurried: Katie Bramlage & Kath Frajbis.

Exhibition Opening: Unhurried: Katie Bramlage & Kath Frajbis (A2AC Spotlight Gallery)
2023-02-03 18:00 - 21:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us as we celebrate the exhibition opening of Unhurried: Katie Bramlage & Kath Frajbis in the A2AC Spotlight Gallery.

At the same time, in the A2AC Gallery, join us as we celebrate the exhibition opening of Energy Transfer with participating artists and MEMCO DJs.

A2AC PlayLab: Hannah Burr Gratitude Workshop
2023-02-05 10:30 - 12:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
A2AC PlayLab is a new monthly free family event series geared towards caregivers with young children ages 3-9 years of age.

Come see February’s interactive Main Gallery exhibition, Energy Transfer, in a kid-friendly style. Interact with the artwork and then gather as featured artist Hannah Burr leads families in a group gratitude workshop to create a block sculpture that will remain in the gallery through the exhibition.

Free parking on Sundays in downtown Ann Arbor. Limit 15 families.

About PlayLab: A2AC PlayLab is a family-based program series developed by the exhibitions department at the Ann Arbor Art Center. Occurring between January 2023 and June 2023, the series harnesses the power of art-based play to build positive social-emotional connections between children and their caregivers. The drop-in events are geared toward caregivers and young children (ages 2-9) that are free and open to the public.

A2AC PlayLab is supported with a grant from the DTE Energy Foundation

Free | RSVP Required to Attend

A2AC Shop Valentine's Pop-Up | Feb. 9
2023-02-09 16:00 - 19:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for a very special Valentine’s Pop-Up at the A2AC Shop, with giftable items perfect for your valentine, featuring:

Bon Bon Bon (handmade desserts)

Boho Haze – Alexandria Daniels (jewelry)

Vogue Booge (hand-poured soy candles)

Cabin Fever Workshops Open for Registration
2023-02-10 07:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Registration opens for 2023 Cabin Fever Workshops. Note: members have no early-bird registration for all A2AC Workshop launches.

A2AC Shop Valentine's Pop-Up | Feb. 12
2023-02-12 12:00 - 16:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for a very special Valentine’s Pop-Up at the A2AC Shop, with giftable items perfect for your valentine, featuring:

Cameo.K – Hannah Kirkpatrick (glass bud vases)

Zilch Apothecary (natural, organic, vegan, palm-oil-free, and cruelty-free soaps)

Additionally, join us for a decorate your own cookie mini-workshop in the A2AC Gallery with:

Cookie Colab (handmade desserts)

Guest Artist | Katie Bramlage Clay Totem Workshop
2023-02-12 13:00 - 15:30 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Please join Spotlight Gallery Guest Artist Katie Bramlage as she leads attendees through the meditative process of creating a custom 10-piece clay Totem, a ceramic wall hanging. Learn knot-tying techniques and then “comb the beach” through 300+ fully fired glazed and raw ceramics pieces in various shapes, sizes, and types of clay. Attendees will leave with a customized 10-piece Totem of their own design and making. See Katie’s work featured in February’s Spotlight Gallery show, Unhurried.

Spots are limited. Enroll today!

Energy Transfer Exhibition Curator/Artist Talk
2023-02-19 11:00 - 12:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join Exhibitions Director Thea A. Eck and 3 of the featured artists in the A2AC’s Main Gallery exhibition, Energy Transfer, for a Curator/Artist Talk. In this conversation concerning their practices: How energy passes back and forth between audience and art, and how the artists encourage audience participation with their art and artmaking in a more dynamic way. Coffee and tea will be available and are generously provided by our neighbors at Hyperion Coffee Co.

The A2AC’s accessible entrance is the front entrance at 117 W. Liberty St. Free parking on Sundays in downtown Ann Arbor.

RSVP Not Required

Spring Art Classes - Open for A2AC Members
2023-02-22 07:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Spring Art Classes are now open for registration for A2AC Members. Secure a spot in the class you want before the term opens to the general public on Friday, February 24. Become a member today and be a part of a community that supports the visual arts in Ann Arbor.

Spring Art Classes - Open for Registration
2023-02-24 07:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
A2AC Spring Art Classes are open for registration for ALL on Friday, February 24, 2023! Find the perfect class, and celebrate Spring with a creative thaw!

Odyssey: The Hero's Journey Fashion Show Fundraiser
2023-03-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Power Center for the Performing Arts, 121 Fletcher Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
On Saturday, March 11, you are invited to join us on the hero’s journey on this night of high fashion!

NOIR Runway is a community service-based fashion group at UofM that has established itself as a premier fashion organization since its inception in the fall of 1999. Each year NOiR re-introduces style, creativity, and individuality to the University of Michigan with an annual fall project and Spring fashion show procured from local and student designers and artists, with proceeds going to a charitable cause.

This year, NOIR will donate all its proceeds to the A2AC!

Learn more about NOIR here: https://noirrunway.org/

Live Paint with Jeremy!
2023-03-15 12:00 - 12:45 | Virtual
Join the A2AC’s Jeremy Wheeler for a special live lunchtime virtual paint session on YouTube. This event is in connection to the artist’s Soft Collections watercolor exhibition in the A2AC Spotlight Gallery, celebrating its opening on Wednesday, March 15, from 5-8pm, in conjunction with the opening of the Off the Screen! 61st Ann Arbor Film Festival exhibition in the A2AC Gallery.

Off the Screen! 61st Ann Arbor Film Festival - A2AC Opening Reception
2023-03-17 17:00 - 20:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join the A2AC as we celebrate installations from the 61st Ann Arbor Film Festival in the A2AC Gallery.

Featured artists include:

Christopher Pavsek

Troy Ramos

Alexandre Roy

Lilan Yang

More information on the 61st AAFF here.

This event will coincide with the opening of Jeremy Wheeler’s Soft Collections exhibition in the Spotlight Gallery on the 2nd floor of the A2AC.

A second Opening Reception for Off the Screen! will be held during the 61st Ann Arbor Film Festival on Thursday, March 23, from 3 – 5pm, featuring a live cinema performance by Matthieu Hallé in Studio 201.

Jeremy Wheeler's Soft Collections - Opening Reception
2023-03-17 17:00 - 20:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join the A2AC as we celebrate the opening reception of Jeremy Wheeler’s Soft Collections, a new exhibition in the Spotlight Gallery located on the 2nd floor of the A2AC.

Featuring watercolor works by local artist and A2AC Marketing Manager Jeremy Wheeler.

Learn more about Jeremy’s watercolor work here.

This event will coincide with the 61st Ann Arbor Film Festival‘s Off the Screen Exhibition Opening in the A2AC Gallery.

OFF THE SCREEN! 61ST ANN ARBOR FILM FESTIVAL – AAFF OPENING RECEPTION
2023-03-23 15:00 - 17:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join the A2AC as we celebrate installations from the 61st Ann Arbor Film Festival in the A2AC Gallery and Studio 201, featuring a live cinema performance by Matthieu Hallé with musiciansJonathan Barahal Taylor and Chien-An Yuan.

Off the Screen’s featured artists include:

Christopher Pavsek

Troy Ramos

Alexandre Roy

Lilan Yang

More information on the 61st AAFF here.

A2AC PlayLab: 61st AAFF presents Pickle Fort Film Collective Interactive Workshops
2023-03-26 10:30 - 11:45, 2023-03-26 13:00 - 14:30 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
A2AC PlayLab is a new monthly family event series geared towards caregivers with young children ages 3-9 years of age.

Come see March’s film/video-based exhibition, Off the Screen: 61st Ann Arbor Film Festival. Join guest artist Sean Kenny from the Pickle Fort Collective in an interactive workshop to create your very own experimental 16mm film! Each caregiver and child will receive a length of 16mm to paint/scratch/mark up, and then watch as Sean Kenny creates a “loop” and debuts your very own 16mm film in the projector! Hand-held instruments and shakers will be provided to create a custom soundtrack. Film loops are free to take home.

This month’s A2AC PlayLab has two age groups. Please RSVP below for the time that best reflects your group’s needs and abilities.

KIDS 3-5 YEARS: 10:30am – 11:45am

KIDS 6-9 YEARS: 1:00pm – 2:30pm

In consideration of your child’s sound sensitivities, this workshop includes a medium level of noise, mostly from shakers and hand drums, and voices.

A2AC PlayLab is supported with a grant from the DTE Energy Foundation

Awake! Printmaking in Action Opening Reception at the AADL
2023-04-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48104, United States
Join us at the AADL on Friday, April 14, from 6-8pm, at the first opening reception for our upcoming Awake! Printmaking in Action exhibition, on view in the A2AC Spotlight Gallery and the 2nd floor of the Downtown Branch of the Ann Arbor District Library. The A2AC will celebrate Awake! on May 5, in conjunction with the opening of Maternal Interior at the A2AC Gallery, as well as the First Fridays Gallery Hop in Ann Arbor, featuring various galleries around the city.

Come pull a print! AADL’s Letterpress Lab will be on hand with their presses during the opening reception. Guests of all ages are invited create a show poster from the Awake! show. All ages welcome 6-8pm during the opening reception.

Awake! Printmaking in Action showcases the current visual language of activist movements. How has printmaking assisted with–and responded to–creating an aesthetic of change? This exhibition features 42 regional and national artists who embolden, seek justice for, and give voice to the various social justice and activist movements in the U.S.

Awake! Printmaking in Action is organized and curated by the Ann Arbor Art Center in partnership with the Ann Arbor District Library’s downtown branch location. Additional artwork can be seen at the AADL’s downtown 2nd-floor gallery through May 28, 2023.

IS/LAND presents Tetra - Evening Performance
2023-04-15 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-04-22 19:00 - 20:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
IS/LAND invite the audience to attend and bear witness to a ceremony of transformation and transcendence. Forming rolls of colorful Hanji mulberry paper into shapes and pathways of wisdom, knowledge, and healing, the movement of the dancers offers improvised ‘rituals’ as communal gestures of healing and transmutation, ultimately creating a restorative healing space for both the audience and performers.

The performances are around 45 minutes with no intermission. Performances are best for ages 10 years and older. A2AC encourages caregivers to use their best judgment with concern for their child’s attention.

Learn more about Tetra here: https://www.annarborartcenter.org/is-land/

A2AC PlayLab featuring IS/LAND performers Olivia Lemmenes & Amber Kao
2023-04-16 10:30 - 12:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
A2AC PlayLab is a new monthly family event series geared towards caregivers with young children ages 3- 9 years.

April’s A2AC PlayLab features dancers Olivia Lemmenes and Amber Kao from IS/LAND performance collaborative, who reside at the A2AC Gallery for the month. The dancers will guide caregivers and their children through a series of drawing exercises and movement exercises that lead to various “movement phrases” or short dances. Attendees will leave with a unique dance that they can perform anytime! No dance experience is necessary. This month’s A2AC PlayLab is best for ages 5 – 8 years of age. This no-fee event requires pre-registration and is sponsored by a grant from the DTE Energy Foundation.

Free. Pre-Registration Required

IS/LAND presents Tetra - Matinee Performance
2023-04-16 14:00 - 15:30, 2023-04-23 14:00 - 15:30 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
IS/LAND invite the audience to attend and bear witness to a ceremony of transformation and transcendence. Forming rolls of colorful Hanji mulberry paper into shapes and pathways of wisdom, knowledge, and healing, the movement of the dancers offers improvised ‘rituals’ as communal gestures of healing and transmutation, ultimately creating a restorative healing space for both the audience and performers.

Stay for a post-performance conversation between IS/LAND members and A2AC Exhibitions director Thea A. Eck.

The performances are around 45 minutes with no intermission. Performances are best for ages 10 years and older. A2AC encourages caregivers to use their best judgment with concern for their child’s attention.

Learn more about Tetra here: https://www.annarborartcenter.org/is-land/

Tsuru for Solidarity Paper Crane Drop-In
2023-04-20 15:00 - 18:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
In conjunction with IS/LAND performance collaborative, join us in the A2AC Gallery to it. This free drop-in series will teach you how to fold the cranes, which will be included in IS/LAND’s Tsuru for Solidarity Tree at the Ann Arbor District Library’s downtown branch in May. Later this summer, all cranes will be transported down to the U.S./Mexico border to be part of the national Tsuru for Solidarity project.

All supplies will be provided. This drop-in is best for ages 9 years and up.

Products by Bløm Meadworks available during the event.

GO TO SATURDAY’S DROP-IN

Tsuru for Solidarity Paper Crane Drop-In
2023-04-22 10:00 - 12:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
In conjunction with IS/LAND performance collaborative, join us in the A2AC Gallery to it. This free drop-in series will teach you how to fold the cranes, which will be included in IS/LAND’s Tsuru for Solidarity Tree at the Ann Arbor District Library’s downtown branch in May. Later this summer, all cranes will be transported down to the U.S./Mexico border to be part of the national Tsuru for Solidarity project.

All supplies will be provided. This drop-in is best for ages 9 years and up.

Coffee and tea will be available and are generously provided by our neighbors at Hyperion Coffee Co.

GO TO THURSDAY’S DROP-IN

Awake! Printmaking in Action Opening Reception at the A2AC
2023-05-05 17:00 - 20:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
The A2AC celebrates Awake! Printmaking in Action at the A2AC Spotlight Gallery on May 5, in conjunction with the opening of Maternal Interior at the A2AC Gallery, as well as the First Fridays Gallery Hop in Ann Arbor, featuring various galleries around the city.

Awake! Printmaking in Action showcases the current visual language of activist movements. How has printmaking assisted with–and responded to–creating an aesthetic of change? This exhibition features 42 regional and national artists who embolden, seek justice for, and give voice to the various social justice and activist movements in the U.S.

Awake! Printmaking in Action is organized and curated by the Ann Arbor Art Center in partnership with the Ann Arbor District Library’s downtown branch location. Additional artwork can be seen at the AADL’s downtown 2nd-floor gallery through May 28, 2023.

Maternal Interior Opening Reception
2023-05-05 17:00 - 20:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the Opening Reception of the Maternal Interior exhibition in the A2AC Gallery. We are proud to host guest curators Lee Nowell-Wilson (Baltimore), Alana DeRiggi (Ann Arbor), and Gina Balibrera (Ann Arbor) for this new multidisciplinary exhibition featuring 11 visual artists in conjunction with 12 writers, who turn their gaze inward toward their personal journeys of motherhood. This exhibition aims to broadly capture questions of relationship, the “inner” and the “surrounding” while building a collective display of the many layers of maternity.

The Opening will feature curators and participating artists/authors. The event will coincide with the A2AC opening reception for the Spotlight Gallery’s Awake! Printmaking in Action exhibition and the A2 Gallery Hop event featuring six galleries around the city. Bring new formula, wipes, or diapers to the opening to stock RISE Wellness Collaborative’s Formula Pantry.

Mother's Day Pop-Up at the A2AC Shop
2023-05-06 12:00 - 15:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for a special pre-Mother’s Day Pop-Up at the A2AC Shop. You won’t want to miss the four guest artists whose work could make the perfect gifts for the Moms in your life.

Artists include:Stacey Malasky (Prints, textile)Anusree Sattaluri (ceramics, prints)Teresa Petersen (original collage and prints)Jessica Tenbusch (mixed media originals, prints, jewelry)
