PlayLab: Exploring Block Printing
2026-08-22 10:00 - 23:30 (America/Detroit) | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
In this engaging and hands-on free art workshop for kids and caregivers in Ann Arbor, students will explore the elements of art and principles of design while completing a custom tote bag and postcard using block-printing techniques!

During this session, children and caregivers will collaborate to design their own custom tote using pre-cut stamps made by featured Spotlight Gallery artists Gyona Rice and DaJaniere Rice. Participants will be guided step-by-step through the printing process, including selecting and mixing ink colors and printing their design onto fabric and paper.

This is a free event, but as space is limited, we ask that you register to reserve your spot for a child aged 8-12 and their caregiver. This registration includes instructions for two people. Please complete only one registration per two people, in your child's name. Once spots are filled, you will be put on a waitlist. You will be automatically notified if a space becomes available.

REGISTER FOR AGES 8-12 & CAREGIVER

ABOUT PLAYLAB

PlayLab is supported by a grant from

Pride Craft Carnival
2026-08-01 12:00 - 14:30 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
PRIDE CRAFT CARNIVAL IN ANN ARBOR

The A2AC is proud to offer an afternoon of creativity and pride during Pride Ann Arbor! Come explore, create, and get inspired. Drop-in to this event and build community while crafting in various mediums offered at the A2AC. This is a queer focused event - allies welcomed!

Looking for your next new fashion accessory? Join A2AC printmaking instructor and artist, Chloe Robberts, and create a custom block printed bandana. Everyone will enjoy the joy of printmaking using pre-carved linocut blocks. Participants will use stamps to print custom designs and patterns onto blank bandanas ro create personalized, wearable art! Each participant will create 1 bandana. Projects can be taken home the day of the event.

Have a lot on your mind? Us too, and that's okay! Join A2AC ceramics instructor and artist, Faith Nesbitt, to create a one-of-a-kind ceramic worry stone. Using handbuilding techniques and sculpting tools, participants will explore texture, pattern, and color to create their own worry stone. Each participant will create 2 worry stones. Please note: this project cannot be taken home on the day of, as there is an approximate 4-week processing time we need to fire the pottery in our kilns. Participants will be notified via email when their artwork is ready for pickup.

Only have a couple of minutes to spare? Join A2AC instructor and artist, Sarah Ward, in making your own decorative button! Express yourself, wear your colors, and feel your pride to create wearable works of art for on the go.

Block Printed Bandana: $15Ceramic Worry Stones: $15Both Projects: $25Buttons: Free!

Some things to note: The class is suitable for students of all skill levels. Working with clay and ink is messy, so students should come prepared for a mess. Aprons will be available for use. Studios feature bright overhead lighting and music may be played throughout class.

This event is for ages 7+.Please note: the A2AC does not make exceptions to the age minimum for any reason.

SEE ALL UPCOMING PRIDE CLASSES

ABOUT PRIDE ANN ARBOR

A2AC Creative Pours: Summer Edition
2026-07-31 17:30 - 19:30 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us in the A2AC Gallery for A2AC Creative Pours, a guided cocktail experience with Mammoth Distilling featuring seasonal tastings, cocktail history, take-home recipes, and a creative mixed-media activity.

A Cup of Pride Drop In
2026-07-11 12:00 - 14:30 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
PRIDE CLAY WORKSHOP IN ANN ARBOR

The A2AC is proud to offer an afternoon of creativity and pride! Come explore, create, and get inspired. Drop in to this event and build community while crafting your very own cup of pride!

Join A2AC ceramics instructors and artists, Faith Nesbitt and Sarah Ward, to create a one-of-a-kind ceramic mug. Instructors Faith and Sarah will take participants step-by-step through the designing and sculpting process, demonstrating fundamental hand-building skills in the process. Each student will create 1 mug, finished in the glaze of your choice!

Please note: this project cannot be taken home on the day of, as there is an approximate 4-week processing time we need to fire the pottery in our kilns. Participants will be notified via email when their artwork is ready for pickup.

Drop In Tuition: $20 non members, $15 members

Some things to note: The class is suitable for students of all skill levels. Working with clay is messy, so students should come prepared for a mess. Aprons will be available for use. Studios feature bright overhead lighting, and music may be played throughout class.

This event is for ages 18+.Please note: the A2AC does not make exceptions to the age minimum for any reason.

SEE ALL UPCOMING PRIDE CLASSES

Key Takeaways

Join A2AC for an afternoon of creativity and pride by crafting a ceramic mug.

Instructors Faith Nesbitt and Sarah Ward will guide participants through the hand-building process.

Each participant will create one mug, which will need about 4 weeks for processing before pickup.

Tuition is $20 for non-members and $15 for members; the event is suitable for ages 18 and up.

Participants should come prepared for a mess, as clay work can be messy; aprons are provided.

Artini 2026
2026-06-20 18:00 - 22:00 | MI
The A2AC is excited to welcome you back for Artini 2026, our annual Downtown Ann Arbor Cocktail Crawl fundraiser on Saturday, June 20!

PlayLab: Exploring Color-Blocking with Quinn Faylor
2026-06-14 10:00 - 12:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Students aged 8–12, along with their caregivers, are invited to join our featured A2AC Gallery Artist, Quinn Faylor, for a special PlayLab designed for young, aspiring artists. In this hands-on workshop, caregivers and students will work together to cut out vibrant shapes and explore how size, color, and texture can come together in a composition. These shapes will be layered for participants to create their own dynamic scenes!

Through abstraction, explore relationships as creative endeavors, investigate themes of balance, trust, and transformation. Quinn's work is an exploration of the body’s relationship to joy and the ways we can stretch, grow, and care for one another across boundaries.

Participants of all skill levels will explore beginner-friendly artistic methods and enjoy a relaxed and creative experience. No prior experience needed—just bring your curiosity and creativity!

Attendees *must* register to attend the event.

REGISTER HERE

ABOUT PLAYLAB

This edition of PlayLab is presented in connection to Quinn's exhibition, How We Hold, on view in the A2AC Gallery from June 12 - August 26, 2026:

ABOUT QUINN & THEIR EXHIBITION

A2AC PlayLab is supported by a grant from

Identity Passport Opening Reception
2026-06-12 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 Identity Passport in the A2AC Spotlight Gallery, featuring small batch zines and risograph prints exploring queer identity by artist Teddy Keeling.

ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION

How We Hold Opening Reception
2026-06-12 18:00 - 20:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the Opening Reception of How We Hold in the A2AC Gallery, an exploration of relationships and the systems that hold them together from queer non-binary multidisciplinary artist Quinn Faylor, based in Detroit, Michigan.

In Partnership with O&W

ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION

Watercolor Art Critique with Rocco Pisto
2026-06-08 18:00 - 20:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Artists of all levels are welcome to receive thoughtful, constructive feedback on their watercolor work in a supportive group setting. Participants are invited to bring finished or in-progress pieces for critique by artist Rocco Pisto, whose decades of experience in watercolor and abstraction provide valuable insight. Attendees are encouraged to join the conversation, creating a collaborative environment that helps artists strengthen their technique, clarify their ideas, and grow their practice.

This event is free and open to artists of all levels working in watercolor. Space is limited, so be sure to register through the link below!

REGISTER HERE

ABOUT ROCCO

Summer Shop Drop
2026-06-05 08:00 - 19:00 | A2AC Shop, 117 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48104, United States
It's time for a retail refresh! Shop online or stop into the A2AC Shop on Friday, June 5, and be the first to shop our new A2AC Mediums Collection.

The A2AC Mediums Collection is a season-long celebration designed to bridge the gap between our guests and our creators.

We hope that by pulling back the curtain on the creative process, we can foster a deeper appreciation for the mediums that define our artistic community and those who admire them.

SHOP LOCAL TODAY

Blame Calder (or Munari) talk and demo by ENGLAND
2026-05-16 17:00 - 18:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
This Ann Arbor artist talk and demo from ENGLAND begins with a brief introduction to the practice and the evolution of its visual language, followed by a presentation of the latest piece, CALDER MADE ME DO IT, as a moment of trying something new and breaking free.

The talk explores the work of Alexander Calder and Bruno Munari. Calder’s work expands ideas of movement, balance, and space through mobiles, while Munari, working as an artist, designer, and educator, approaches similar elements through play, simplicity, and systems. These approaches have influenced the process behind the work.

Personal context also plays a role, shaped by becoming a parent and the introduction of visual and playful elements connected to early development in babies, including contrast cards, mobiles, and mirrors. The session concludes with a live demonstration: building a small mobile using wire and paper, based on elements from CALDER MADE ME DO IT. The process is shown step by step, from raw materials to a balanced form. Guests will leave with their own CALDER MADE ME DO IT sculpture.

Presented in association with

ABOUT THE ARTIST

England Likoni is a visual artist and designer based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Working across illustration, animation, and spatial installation, his practice explores storytelling through space, form, and motion. He has led creative workshops for children and adults and, in 2025, received First Place in 2D Art at the Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair. Through Mute, The Mindfacturer, and ENGLAND, he explores different ways of thinking and making.

Ladies Night Out! Selfie Frames Drop-in
2026-05-16 16:00 - 19:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Selfies are even better with friends! Capture a fun night out with your besties at the A2AC. Snap a great photo and decorate an awesome frame to remember the moment on May 16th from 4–7 pm. With the right crew, any night can feel extra special!

Cost: $5 per photo and frame, while supplies last

Presented as a part of Main Street Ann Arbor's

Presented in participation with

Summer Art Classes Open for ALL
2026-05-15 07:00 - 2026-07-06 17:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
🎨 2026 Summer Art Classes open for registration for ALL starting May 15, at 7am! 🎨

From ceramics to drawing & painting staples, printmaking, workshops, date nights, and more, add some creativity to your Ann Arbor summer with the A2AC.

SEE ALL UPCOMING CLASSES

Summer Art Classes Open for Members
2026-05-13 07:00 - 2026-05-15 06:59 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
🎨 Brush up on summer fun with the A2AC with a Summer Art Class! ☀️

Registration opens for Members on Wednesday, May 13, at 7am, with general registration opening for all on Friday, May 15, at 7am.

Tune in to a Sneak Peek on May 11 to see what creative joys we have in store for you before registration opens.

BECOME A MEMBER

SEE ALL UPCOMING CLASSES

Mother's Day Prints/Cards Drop-in
2026-05-09 13:00 - 16:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Everyone loves a personally made gift! Celebrate Mother's Day in Ann Arbor at the A2AC with a special Drop-in event designed to brighten up their day. Make your one-of-a-kind card or print on May 9th, from 1-4 pm.

Prints: $5Cards: $7

Make 1 or 100! Designed by you for that special mom, friend, or someone in your life.

ALTER EGO(s) by England Likoni Opening Reception
2026-04-17 18:00 - 20:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the ALTER EGO(s) by England Likoni exhibition Opening Reception in the Spotlight Gallery in Downtown Ann Arbor. ALTER EGO(s) marks England Likoni's first solo exhibition, bringing together three projects from three creative identities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Michigan Water Color Society, 4th Signature Member Exhibition Opening Reception
2026-04-17 18:00 - 20:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the Michigan Water Color Society's 4th Signature Member Exhibition Opening Reception in the A2AC Gallery in Downtown Ann Arbor, representing some of the best of the best from the MWCS. The Michigan Water Color Society was founded in 1946 by an enthusiastic group of young artists who envisioned an organization to promote the awareness of watercolor in Michigan.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Presented in association with

Artini 2026 Tickets On Sale for Past Attendees/Members
2026-04-15 07:00 - 2026-04-17 07:00 | MI
The A2AC is excited to welcome you back downtown for Artini 2026!

That’s right–our annual cocktail crawl fundraiser is BACK on Saturday, June 20.

Tickets go on sale for Past Attendees/Members on April 15, and for ALL on April 17.

This year, many of Ann Arbor’s finest bars and restaurants will craft the city’s most colorful martini. From 6:00pm to 10:00pm, explore participating venues and sample inventive cocktails designed by some of the city’s top mixologists. NEW THIS YEAR: Artini 2026 cocktail creations will feature Mammoth Distilling’s award-winning spirits. Several venues will also offer creative non-alcoholic mocktails, available to enjoy using your Artini drink tickets—making the experience more inclusive and fun for everyone.

This June 20, taste the rainbow and vote for your favorite drink! We can’t wait to celebrate with you in the closed-off summer streets of Main Street Ann Arbor and beyond.

MORE DETAILS AND VENUE ANNOUNCEMENTS TO COME!

BECOME A MEMBER HERE

Presented by

With support From

In partnership with

PlayLab - Exploring Dance with Marly Spieser-Schneider (kids aged 7-12)
2026-04-12 10:00 - 11:15 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
In this free dance workshop for caregivers and kids aged 7-12 in Ann Arbor, attendees 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.

REGISTER FOR APRIL 12 PLAYLAB (KIDS 7-12)

REGISTER FOR APRIL 11 PLAYLAB (KIDS 3-6)

ABOUT PLAYLAB

A2AC PlayLab is supported by a grant from

PlayLab - Exploring Dance with Marly Spieser-Schneider (kids aged 3-6)
2026-04-11 10:00 - 11:15 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
In this free dance workshop for caregivers and kids aged 3-6 in Ann Arbor, attendees 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.

REGISTER FOR APRIL 11 PLAYLAB (KIDS 3-6)

REGISTER FOR APRIL 12 PLAYLAB (KIDS 7-12)

ABOUT PLAYLAB

A2AC PlayLab is supported by a grant from

Bloom Into Season - A2AC Shop Spring Drop
2026-04-06 08:00 - 2026-05-06 17:00 | MI
This spring, the A2AC Shop is blooming with new artwork, vibrant colors, and fresh artists.

Visit us in person or shop online to bring home the bright, refreshing spirit of the season.

SHOP ONLINE HERE

Deep Roots Opening Reception
2026-03-13 18:00 - 20:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the Opening Reception of Deep Roots: A2AC Ceramic Invitational, a part of The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts' (NCECA) Clay Around Town exhibition program in association with their 60th conference, Volumes, taking place in Detroit, MI, from March 25 - 28, 2026.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

ABOUT NCECA

Centered Opening Reception
2026-03-13 18:00 - 20:00 | MI
Join us for the Opening Reception of the Spotlight Gallery's Centered: A2AC Ceramic Student Showcase in Downtown Ann Arbor. This free, all-ages event celebrates the exceptional work of our ceramic student community.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

2026 A2AC Social
2026-03-06 17:00 - 22:20 | MI
2026 A2AC Social, an immersive art experience Ann Arbor

Session One: 5:00 pm - 7:05 pm

Session Two: 8:15 pm - 10:20 pm

Location: A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center)

Ticket Price: $75

Description: Grab your friends and escape the cold for a night out in Ann Arbor at the A2AC on Friday, March 6, 2026, for our fourth annual immersive fundraiser, the A2AC Social, featuring four art experiences commissioned from local/regional artists, creative cocktails generously supplied by Mammoth Distilling, and tasty bites from our friends at Knights.

Spring Art Classes Open for ALL
2026-02-20 07:00 - 2026-02-23 05:00 | MI
Spring Art Classes in Ann Arbor opens to the public on Friday, February 20, at 7am. Whether it's spinning on the wheel, putting paint to paper, making a new piece of wearable jewelry, or coming together for a fun date night, the A2AC has what you need.

Sneak Peek starts February 16! Early Member pre-sale goes into effect on Wednesday, February 18.

SEE ALL UPCOMING CLASSES HERE

BECOME A MEMBER HERE

Spring Art Classes Open for Members
2026-02-18 07:00 - 2026-02-20 00:00 | MI
2026 Spring Art Classes are coming! Get your memberships in order for our early Members launch on Wednesday, February 18, at 7am. If you're not a Member yet, please consider that as another way to support your Art Center. Not only does an A2AC Membership get you early access to the classes you want, but it also helps strengthen one of the hubs for our creative community.

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

Heart-Shaped Accordion Cards Free Drop-In
2026-02-13 11:00 - 14:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Drop into the A2AC Main Gallery this Valentine's Day and make your own heart-shaped accordion cards using a variety of provided materials!

This event is free and open to all ages. All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Call for Public Art: Bronze Figure of Kathy Kozachenko
2026-02-05 07:00 - 2026-03-08 21:00 | MI
Call for Public Art: Bronze Figure of Kathy Kozachenko

Deadline: March 8, 2026

Location: Ann Arbor, MI

The City of Ann Arbor invites qualified bronze artists or artist teams to submit qualifications to design, fabricate, and install a bronze figure of Kathy Kozachenko in front of Larcom City Hall at 301 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Kathy Kozachenko made history on April 2, 1974 by successfully running for elective office as the first openly gay or lesbian candidate in the United States. This public art commission is part of the City of Ann Arbor’s Bicentennial celebration in 2024 and reflects a City Council resolution to recognize Kathy Kozachenko’s contributions to public service, civil rights, and the LGBTQ+ community, coinciding with the City’s 200th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of her election as an Ann Arbor council member.

LEARN MORE

PlayLab: Paint Like Bob Ross
2026-02-01 12:00 - 15:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Students aged 8–12, along with their caregivers, are invited to join Certified Bob Ross Instructor Ted Simpson for a special PlayLab designed for young, aspiring artists. In this hands-on workshop, caregivers and students will paint together on a shared canvas, learning new techniques while discovering the joy of turning imagination and dreams into art.

Guided in the calm, encouraging Bob Ross style, participants of all skill levels will explore beginner-friendly painting methods, embrace “happy little accidents,” and enjoy a relaxed and creative experience. No prior painting experience needed—just bring your curiosity and creativity!

Free with registration!

REGISTER HERE

LEARN ABOUT TED SIMPSON

A2AC PlayLab is supported by a grant from

2026 Spring and Summer Camps Registration Opens
2026-01-23 07:00 | MI
Warm and sunny days are coming soon, as are the A2AC Spring and Summer Art Camps! Put Friday, January 23, 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 9, 2025.

PREVIEW OUR CAMPS
