Ann Arbor Art Center

Fall Art Classes Open for Members
2025-08-13 07:00 - 2025-08-15 06:59 (America/Detroit) | MI
Fall into art with the help of the A2AC! A brand-new session of Art Classes is coming your way!

Open for A2AC Members on Wednesday, August 13, at 7am.

Open for ALL on Friday, August 15, at 7am.

SHOW ME HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

SEE ALL UPCOMING CLASSES

A2AC Murals: Social District Wall Crawl
2025-08-14 17:30 - 18:30 | MI
✨ NUMBER OF ATTENDEES: 5-20 people

⏰ DURATION: 1 hour

🎟️ PRICE: $10 per person, Attendees must be 21 + years old

REGISTER HERE for the Wall Crawl Tour

WALL CRAWL:

Join us for our A2AC Murals tour, where we will guide you through downtown Ann Arbor to see and speak about many of the vibrant artworks in the urban landscape! We’ll begin in front of the Ann Arbor Art Center where attendees can optionally purchase a beverage from our neighbor, The Grotto, via a QR code to enjoy as we walk. From there, we’ll travel within the downtown social district boundaries to see a series of projects all located within a ¼ mile of each other. Along the way, participants will:

Learn about the artists behind the work and their creative processes

Hear the stories and context behind each mural’s design and installation

Gain insight into the A2AC Art in Public Program and how it brings art to life in Ann Arbor

This tour is a great way to experience the city through a new lens—whether you're an art enthusiast, a longtime resident, or a first-time visitor. After the tour, we invite you to continue exploring Ann Arbor’s local shops, restaurants, museums, and more!

Note: Although the tour will include and highlight several projects, we are unable to cover all Art in Public Projects due to location and time constraints. We are happy to answer any questions about the projects not seen on the tour at the end.

DISTANCE AND ACCESSIBILITY:

This tour is open to adults 21 and older. The tour’s project sites are located within a compact ¼ mile radius on the west side of downtown Ann Arbor. Please note: portions of the route include busy city sidewalks and intersections, so caution and awareness are encouraged throughout the tour.

The route is generally wheelchair accessible, though it does include one steep downhill section that may be challenging for some participants. For detailed information or to find tours best suited for accessibility, please visit our website or email artinpublic@annarborartcenter.org.

MEETING LOCATION + BEVERAGE SERVICE INFORMATION:

The Ann Arbor Art Center

117 W. Liberty Street

Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Please meet 10-15 minutes before the tour starts at the designated table outside the Art Center with your ticket information via phone or a printout. During this time, beverage service will be available from our neighbor, The Grotto, by using a convenient QR code at the table.

BEVERAGE SERVICE FROM THE GROTTO:

Attendees are permitted, if they so choose, to place an order at their own expense for up to 1 alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink per individual to enjoy during the walk. The beverage will be poured into the designated Social District cup.

To avoid disruption to the tour, beverage orders must be placed BEFORE the tour begins promptly at 5pm. The tour will not stop at any other bar for additional purchases.

Attendees may only consume a beverage that has been procured in this manner and may not bring in outside beverages to the tour. The A2AC reserves the right to remove attendees that violate these policies or engage in disruptive behavior.

ALL participants must be 21 or older and show a Driver's License, State ID, or military ID upon arrival.

WEATHER CANCELLATIONS:

Tours will continue as scheduled through light rain. Please bring an umbrella and wear appropriate clothing. If heavy rain or severe weather is forecasted, we will notify registrants 24 hours ahead. In the case of heavy rain or severe weather, A2AC will provide a full refund or give attendees a credit to use on a future mural tour.

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

ABOUT A2AC ART IN PUBLIC:

Launched in 2018, the A2AC Art in Public initiative has supported and assisted in the creation of over 30 murals and four alleyway installations throughout downtown Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. The program connects building and business owners with local, regional, and national artists to transform blank walls and open spaces into vibrant public artworks. These small and large-scale pieces not only enhance the urban landscape but also offer residents and visitors an opportunity to experience contemporary art as part of everyday life in Ann Arbor and the broader Washtenaw County region.

REGISTER HERE for the Wall Crawl Tour

LEARN MORE ABOUT A2AC MURALS

Fall Art Classes Open for ALL
2025-08-15 07:00 - 2025-10-11 08:00 | MI

A2AC Murals: Family Friendly Stroll Tour
2025-08-17 11:00 - 11:45 | MI
✨ NUMBER OF ATTENDEES: 5-20 people

⏰ DURATION: 45 minutes

🎟️ PRICE: $10 per person, free for attendees 5 years old and under

REGISTER HERE for the Stroll Tour

ABOUT THE STROLL TOUR:

Join us for our A2AC Murals tour, where we will 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 attendees to several projects within a ¼ mile of each other. Along the way, participants will:

Learn about the artists behind the work and their creative processes

Hear the stories and context behind each mural’s design and installation

Gain insight into the A2AC Art in Public Program and how it brings art to life in Ann Arbor

The short route is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it a great outing for families, friends, and anyone curious about art in unexpected places. Our guide tailors the conversation to be engaging for adults while keeping younger participants interested with fun, accessible storytelling. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a longtime resident, or a first-time visitor, this tour is a great way to experience the city through a new lens! After the tour, we invite you to continue exploring Ann Arbor’s local shops, restaurants, museums, and more.

Note: Although the tour will include and highlight several projects, we are unable to cover all Art in Public Projects due to location and time constraints. We are happy to answer any questions about the projects not seen on the tour at the end.

DISTANCE AND ACCESSIBILITY:

This event is open to all ages and is family-friendly. The short route is designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, avoiding steep hills. All featured projects are located within ¼ mile of each other on the west side of downtown Ann Arbor.

Please note: portions of the route include busy city sidewalks and intersections, so caution and awareness are encouraged throughout the tour.

MEETING LOCATION:

The Ann Arbor Art Center

117 W. Liberty Street

Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Please meet 10 minutes before the tour starts on the first floor of the Ann Arbor Art Center in the Shop Gallery with your ticket information via phone or printout.

WEATHER CANCELLATIONS:

Tours will continue as scheduled through light rain. Please bring an umbrella and wear appropriate clothing. If heavy rain or severe weather is forecasted, we will notify registrants 24 hours ahead. In the case of heavy rain or severe weather, A2AC will provide a full refund or give you a credit to use on a future mural tour.

ABOUT A2AC ART IN PUBLIC:

Launched in 2018, the A2AC Art in Public initiative has supported and assisted in the creation of over 30 murals and four alleyway installations throughout downtown Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. The program connects building and business owners with local, regional, and national artists to transform blank walls and open spaces into vibrant public artworks. These small and large-scale pieces not only enhance the urban landscape but also offer residents and visitors an opportunity to experience contemporary art as part of everyday life in Ann Arbor and the broader Washtenaw County region.

REGISTER HERE for the Stroll Tour

LEARN MORE ABOUT A2AC MURALS

Pop-Up Shop and Demo with Alexandria Daniels & Irene Mokra
2025-08-17 13:00 - 17:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Stop in for a Pop-up Shop and Demo, featuring two incredible local artists at the A2AC!

As part of our Tree Town summer celebration, we’re highlighting the vibrant talents of polymer clay artist Alexandria Daniels and marbling artist Irene Mokra for a collaborative shopping experience.

Alexandria Daniels will showcase her one-of-a-kind polymer clay creations and give insight into her process of crafting intricate patterns, textures, and vibrant forms. Her handmade pieces will also be available for purchase during the event.

Irene will be demonstrating the captivating Ebru marbling technique. She’ll also show how she enhances each piece with colored pencils and acrylics to create rich, layered works. A curated selection of her marbled artwork and dyed silk scarves will be available for purchase.

THE ARTISTS

ALEXANDRIA DANIELS

INSTAGRAM

SEE ALEXANDRIA'S WORK IN THE A2AC SHOP

IRENE MOKRA

INSTAGRAM

Summer Open Studio: Figure Drawing (Nude)
2025-08-26 17:00 - 20:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for a figure drawing open studio, where artists of all levels can explore their creativity through live figure drawing. Whether you're looking to hone your skills or simply enjoy a relaxing session of creative expression, our drop-in events offer the perfect opportunity to practice in a supportive environment.

Figure drawing drop-ins will take place on the fourth Tuesday and fourth Saturday of every month. Each session is three hours long and operates on a first come, first served basis; there is no prior registration available. You can pay the studio fee at the front desk. The studio can accommodate up to 15 students at a time. We will not admit students after 7:00pm on Tuesdays and 3:00pm on Saturdays.

Tuesday Sessions (June 24, July 22, August 26 from 5–8pm):

Model: Nude figure

Age Requirement: 18+

Supplies: Students must bring their own drawing materials. Easels, drawing horses, and newsprint will be provided by A2AC.

Saturday Sessions (June 28, July 26 from 1pm–4pm):

Model: Clothed figure

Age Requirement: 16+

Supplies: Students must bring their own drawing materials. Easels, drawing horses, and newsprint will be provided by A2AC.

Please note, there will be no formal instruction—this is a time for you to focus on your craft and enjoy the company of fellow artists. A skilled monitor will work with models to adjust poses throughout the session.

Price: $10 for members and $15 for non-members

Location: Studio 301 & 302

Michigan Contemporary Craft Opening Reception
2025-08-29 18:00 - 20:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the Opening Reception of Michigan Contemporary Craft: A Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute Exhibition in the A2AC Gallery.

Michigan Contemporary Craft is a celebration of new and exciting woodworking coming out of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute. Curated by SBWI president and instructor, Luke Barnett, Michigan Contemporary Craft features a selection of talented instructors and students. Ranging from reinventions of classic designs to new visions for everyday furniture, the work exemplifies the high craftsmanship, eye for beauty and thoughtful design that SBWI is known for.

Presented in partnership with

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Art Auras Drop-In
2025-09-06 05:00 - 19:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Divine your own artistic aura at this spiritual sidewalk drop-in!

Auras have long been captured in photos, and now you can intuit and create your own at the Ann Arbor Art Center. Each unique aura reading will consist of two components: the aura and YOU! One of our talented printmakers will help you create your aura by having you blindly choose a print shape and color(s) to be pressed upon cardstock. Next, a skilled sketch artist will capture you, your energy, and personality in a quick sketch. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes, and you will leave with a beautiful, one-of-a-kind aura self-portrait.

Stop and visit us along your Saturday night stroll and make a memory beautiful enough to be framed!

Spotlight Gallery Call for 1 to 2-Person 2026 Shows
2025-09-12 08:00 - 2025-10-17 23:59 | MI
Michigan artists—our call for solo and two-person shows in the A2AC Spotlight Gallery is open now through October 17, 2025! This flexible second-floor space highlights contemporary craft, painting, printmaking, and illustration, offering artists a chance to share their work in a professional gallery setting. Don’t miss this opportunity.

Deadline to Submit: October 17, 2025, at 11:59PM EST

Artists Selection Notification: November 10, 2025

Submission Fee: $25

Questions? Contact Exhibitions Manager Amanda Bialk at: abialk@annarborartcenter.org or (734) 926-4121

APPLY HERE

EXPLORE PAST SPOTLIGHT GALLERY SHOWS

Garden Glass Art Sale
2025-09-21 12:00 - 17:00 | The Nisson’s, 1227 Lutz, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, United States
Join us for a special Garden Glass Art Sale & Fundraiser for our Art in Public program from artists Larry Nisson and Wendy Bauer Braun.

Discover a hidden marvel in Ann Arbor this fall—step into a mesmerizing garden where vibrant glass sculptures glimmer among lush plantings, and experience the transformative power of art in nature. On Sunday, September 21, from noon to 5pm, acclaimed glass blower Larry Nisson opens his enchanting private garden for a special show and sale that supports the Ann Arbor Art Center’s Art in Public program. Wander the grounds studded with brilliantly colored blown-glass artworks for sale, mingle with fellow art lovers, and feel good knowing that every purchase helps bring more public art into the community. This is more than a show—it’s a celebration of beauty, community, and creative generosity.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Larry Nisson (@nisson_glass_art)

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

LARRY NISSON (glass blower)

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

All proceeds from Larry's sales goes to the Lucie and Larry Art in Public Program

"I am a strong believer in the importance of art and what art does for people. My wife Lucie and I have been very involved with making art available for the public and started the Lucie and Larry Nisson Art In Public Program with A2AC." -Larry Nisson

Since the mid-1980s, Larry Nisson has worked with glass, beginning with stained glass and later expanding into blowing and fusing techniques to create diverse forms. His work ranges from “gratitude glasses,” which bring joy to daily rituals, to vibrant glass sculptures that enliven yards, gardens, and indoor spaces year-round. Rooted in a deep connection to nature and spirituality, his art reflects a belief in transformation—whether turning a bare backyard into a sanctuary or bringing color and light into everyday life. Alongside his wife, Lucie, he co-founded the Lucie and Larry Nisson Art in Public Program with the Ann Arbor Art Association, supporting murals, painted utility boxes, and other projects that enrich public spaces and foster community positivity.

WENDY BAUER BRAUN (painter/furniture maker)

INSTAGRAM

A portion of the Wendy's sales goes to the Lucie and Larry Art in Public Program

artist, farmer and olive oil sommelier.

PRESS

ANN ARBOR GLASS ARTIST TO HOST SALE BENEFITTING PUBLIC ART

by Patrick Dunn & Lee Van Roth | Concentrate | September 16, 2025

READ MORE

ABOUT ART IN PUBLIC

A2Tech360: Demonstration Derby
2025-09-26 17:00 - 20:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Creators, start your engines!

Once again, the Ann Arbor Art Center is proud to be a partner of Ann Arbor Spark's a2Tech360! This year, the A2AC brings you the Demonstration Derby: an evening of exploring the ways cutting-edge technology is expanding the artist's toolkit for creation. Over the course of three hours, three experienced artists will run demonstrations on a rotating basis, covering topics such as creating CG animated characters, using resin and 3D scanners to create jewelry, and exploring 3D sculpture within virtual reality. Spend an evening at the A2AC exploring arts in technology, perusing our galleries, and shopping the Spooky Wares drop in our shop. We guarantee to leave you inspired to create!

FREE! Recommended for Ages 16+. Children are welcome to attend with their parents or caregiver.

PROGRAMS

How to: Create 3D Sculptures in Virtual Reality (in Studio 301)

Instructor: Samantha Doerge

Demonstration Times: 5:00pm | 6:00pm | 7:00pm

Create art within virtual reality with artist Samantha Doerge! Samantha will demonstrate how to use the application Tilt Brush in order to create illustrations and turn them into 3D sculptures in the virtual world. Participants may suggest designs to see replicated in 3D right before their eyes, and may have the chance to try it themselves.

How to: Make Your Own CG Animated Characters (in Studio 201)

Instructor: Dave Carr

Demonstration Times: 5:30pm | 6:30pm | 7:30pm

Explore the creation of the CG animated characters you see in video games and animation! Artist Dave Carr will demonstrate this process using Blender--a free and open-source modelling software you can use on your own PC. Dave will offer a live Q&A session during the demo.

How to: Craft Jewelry from a Resin Model (in Studio 202)

Instructor: Kyle Lee

Demonstration Times: 5:00pm | 6:00pm | 7:00pm

Experience the cutting-edge intersections of digital art and metalsmithing using iPads and 3D scanners and traditional casting techniques to create unique pieces of jewelry is artist Kyle Lee. Kyle will demonstrate the design and printing process of forming a resin model, casting it in order to create a plaster mold, and then using the mold to create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.

A partner event of

REGISTER NOW FOR a2TECH360

Presented by

Fall Open Studio: Figure Drawing (Nude)
2025-09-27 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-11 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-25 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-08 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-22 13:00 - 16:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for figure drawing in Ann Arbor, where artists of all levels can explore their creativity through live figure drawing in an open studio setting. Whether you're looking to hone your skills or simply enjoy a relaxing session of creative expression, our drop-in events offer the perfect opportunity to practice in a supportive environment.

Figure drawing drop-ins will take place on alternating Saturdays during the Fall Term. Each session is three hours long and operates on a first come, first served basis; there is no prior registration available. You can pay the studio fee at the front desk. The studio can accommodate up to 12 students at a time. We will not admit new students after 3:00pm.

Fall Term Sessions (Saturdays from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM):

September 27, October 11, October 25, November 8, November 22

Model: Nude figure

Age Requirement: 18+

Supplies: Students must bring their own drawing materials. Easels, drawing horses, and newsprint will be provided by A2AC.

Please note, there will be no formal instruction—this is a time for you to focus on your craft and enjoy the company of fellow artists. A skilled monitor will work with models to adjust poses throughout the session.

$10 for members and $15 for non-members

**CANCELLED** PlayLab: Moving Through Heightened Language
2025-10-12 11:00 - 12:30 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
**DUE TO UNFORESEEN EVENTS, THIS PLAYLAB HAS BEEN CANCELLED. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR NOVEMBER'S SPECIAL TWO-DAY PLAYLAB**

A2AC PlayLab free family workshop in Ann Arbor presents an intergenerational movement workshop for caregivers and children ages 7-12.

Join A2D2 Theatre co-founders Alexandria Davis and Antonio Disla for an immersive 90-minute workshop that combines embodied storytelling with heightened language techniques. Through guided movement, improvisation, and creative expression, participants will explore how their bodies can tell stories using both movement and elevated language patterns.

This workshop draws from our Ancestral Intelligence framework, specifically designed to help children ages 7-12 discover connections between memory, verbal, and physical expression. Participants will engage in structured movement experiences that honor diverse ways of knowing while building confidence in creative self-expression. No prior dance or theatre experience required—just curiosity and willingness to move!

Activities include:

• Closing circle sharing reflections through movement and words

• Warm-up movement sequences that connect breath, voice, and body

• Collaborative storytelling through guided improvisation

• Introduction to heightened language through playful poetry and rhythmic speech

• Moving tableaux creation where participants embody characters and emotions

A2AC PlayLab is supported by a grant from

ABOUT A2D2 THEATRE

Organic Fiction Opening Reception
2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Join us for the Opening Reception of Organic Fiction: Nature-Inspired Abstract Paintings by Hava Gurevich in the A2AC Gallery.

Hava Gurevich's work is a celebration of the hidden magic woven through the natural world. Intricate networks of mushrooms, flowers, bees, coral, and imagined life forms that remind us how deeply everything is connected. In Organic Fiction, Gurevich explores these relationships through colorful abstractions inspired by botany, marine life, and microscopic worlds.

Guided by the repeating and fractal patterns found across nature, from pollen grains to river systems, Gurevich translates fleeting moments into layered compositions that blur the line between observation and imagination. These works evoke not only ecosystems but also thought systems, inviting viewers to contemplate how life adapts, transforms, and regenerates across time and scale.

Refreshments provided by the artist.

ABOUT THIS EXHIBITION

2025 Mini-Winter Art Camps Open for Registration
2025-10-24 07:00 | MI
Kick off 2026 with a blast of imagination at our Mini-Winter Art Camps, happening December 29-31 from 9am-4:30pm!

During the Creative Countdown Winter Art Camp, campers will celebrate the season through hands-on projects, sparkly crafts, and festive fun.

Choose from our 3-day Creativity Camp for children ages 5-9, or our 3-Day Hand-building Clay Camp for children ages 9-12.

2025 Winter Workshops Open for Registration
2025-10-24 07:00 - 17:00 | MI
Make your winter brighter with creativity! Winter Workshops open for all on Friday, October 24, at 7am. Filled with bite-sized workshops, perfect for keeping your creative soul warm during the chilly months of the year.

Note: There are no early bird member registrations for Winter Workshops.

SEE ALL UPCOMING CLASSES HERE

A2AC PlayLab: Exploring Storytelling
2025-11-15 13:00 - 2025-11-16 16:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Students ages 8+ and their caregivers are invited to join author and editor Upasna Kakroo from Peerbagh in this special FREE 2-day workshop for young aspiring writers!

Learn new storytelling frameworks and explore world stories to spark your imagination! In this 2-day workshop, caregivers and children will create stories together and in groups as we write a little, spin a little yarn, paint, and even record an audio story! Participants will receive prompts, a story-writing blueprint, and a take-home toolkit to practice writing (or painting) their unique stories. As a bonus, kids and grown-ups will have a chance to submit a story to be published in the Bento children's magazine.

No prior writing or storytelling experience is needed, just come curious!

REGISTER FOR FREE

ABOUT PEERBAGH

Peerbagh’s mission is to improve teacher, librarian, and parent skills and bring the lost art of storytelling into the classroom or teaching environment through art, creative writing, theater, cultural inquisitiveness, and oral storytelling.

We conduct South-Asia-inspired storytelling workshops, publish a children’s magazine, Bento, and create toolkits for educators and families. We create an inclusive space for ALL children, so they have a sense of belonging and build creative confidence.

We provide tools for families and educators so they will be empowered to be cultural change agents. Through these tools, we train educators and parents to introduce diverse perspectives and critical thinking in children.

We also support South-Asian and other global artists in these areas to revive or practice their art forms.

We work out of Austin, Ann Arbor, Montreal, Dehradun, and via Zoom screens everywhere.

REGISTER FOR FREE

Winter Open Studio: Figure Drawing (NUDE)
2025-12-01 17:00 - 20:00 | MI
Join us for a figure drawing open studio, where artists of all levels can explore their creativity through live figure drawing. Whether you're looking to hone your skills or simply enjoy a relaxing session of creative expression, our drop-in events offer the perfect opportunity to practice in a supportive environment.

Figure drawing drop-ins will take place on the first and third Monday in December. Each session is three hours long and operates on a first come, first served basis; there is no prior registration available. You can pay the studio fee at the front desk. The studio can accommodate up to 12 students at a time. We will not admit new students after 7:00pm.

December, 2025 Sessions (Mondays from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM):

December 1 & December 15

Model: Nude figure

Age Requirement: 18+

Supplies: Students must bring their own drawing materials. Easels, drawing horses, and newsprint will be provided by A2AC.

Please note, there will be no formal instruction—this is a time for you to focus on your craft and enjoy the company of fellow artists. A skilled monitor will work with models to adjust poses throughout the session.

2026 Winter Art Classes Open for Members
2025-12-03 07:00 - 2025-12-05 06:59 | MI
Warm up your palette this winter with the A2AC, because 2026 Winter Art Classes are coming!

Open for A2AC Members on Wednesday, December 3, at 7am.

Open for ALL on Friday, December 5, at 7am.

BECOME A MEMBER

Glow-In-The-Dark Magic Wands Drop-In
2025-12-05 17:00 - 22:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Bring the family to the A2AC for a fun, hands-on activity at this free Midnight Madness Family Drop-In!

Design and decorate your own glow-in-the-dark magic wand to bring home or to light your way through Downtown Ann Arbor during Midnight Madness. All materials and supplies will be provided, just come ready to make some magic!

While supplies last!

Midnight Madness
2025-12-05 17:00 - 23:00 | A2AC (Ann Arbor Art Center), 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Come out of the cold and into the cozy! ❄️

Shop late, support local artists, and celebrate the season at our Midnight Madness event.

Extended hours. Festive vibes. One-of-a-kind gifts by local artists!

presented in collaboration with

SHOP LOCAL TODAY

LEARN MORE ABOUT MIDNIGHT MADNESS

Pioneer Orchestra at Midnight Madness
2025-12-05 19:00 - 21:00 | A2AC Gallery, 117 W Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
On Friday, December 5, from 7-9pm, musicians from the Pioneer High School Orchestra Program will fill the A2AC Gallery with lively seasonal music during Ann Arbor’s Midnight Madness, the annual celebration that brings the community together to support downtown shops, galleries, and restaurants while welcoming the holiday season.

Small groups of students will perform throughout the evening, creating a festive soundtrack for your visit to the A2AC Holiday Shop or at our Glow in the Dark Magic Wands free family drop-in, sharing the space in the Gallery (while supplies last).

There is no cost to attend. Student musicians will have information available for anyone interested in supporting the Pioneer Orchestras.

ABOUT THE PIONEER HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA PROGRAM

Founded in 1895, the Pioneer High School Orchestra Program has a long-standing tradition of excellence in music education. They've nurtured generations of students, helping them develop not just as musicians but as well-rounded individuals. Their program is known for its diverse repertoire, high-caliber performances, and its role in fostering a love of music that lasts a lifetime.

LEARN MORE

A2AC PlayLab: Printmaking
2025-12-06 10:00 - 15:00 | MI
In this engaging and hands-on workshop, students will explore the elements of art and principles of design while completing a custom screen print of their own creation. Seriography, also known as screen printing, is a technique with over a thousand years of history, gaining widespread popularity in the 1960s through iconic artists like Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol.

During this session, children and caregivers will collaborate to each design and print their own custom tote bag and create a set of original prints. Participants will be guided step-by-step through the screen printing process, including how to design and cut a paper stencil, select and mix ink colors, and print their design onto fabric and paper.

This workshop encourages creativity, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of composition, figure ground relationships, and color theory—all while learning a time-honored art technique in a fun, supportive environment.

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. This registration includes instruction for two people. Please complete only one registration per two people, in your child's name.

REGISTER FOR 10AM-12PM | AGES 7-12

REGISTER FOR 1PM-3PM | AGES 13-17

Winter Open Studio: Figure Drawing (NUDE)
2025-12-15 17:00 - 20:00 | MI
Join us for a figure drawing open studio, where artists of all levels can explore their creativity through live figure drawing. Whether you're looking to hone your skills or simply enjoy a relaxing session of creative expression, our drop-in events offer the perfect opportunity to practice in a supportive environment.

Figure drawing drop-ins will take place on the first and third Monday in December. Each session is three hours long and operates on a first come, first served basis; there is no prior registration available. You can pay the studio fee at the front desk. The studio can accommodate up to 12 students at a time. We will not admit new students after 7:00pm.

Winter Workshop Sessions (Mondays from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM):

December 1 & December 15

Model: Nude figure

Age Requirement: 18+

Supplies: Students must bring their own drawing materials. Easels, drawing horses, and newsprint will be provided by A2AC.

Please note, there will be no formal instruction—this is a time for you to focus on your craft and enjoy the company of fellow artists. A skilled monitor will work with models to adjust poses throughout the session.

Open Studio: Figure Drawing (Nude)
2026-01-01 12:00 - 2026-12-31 12:00 | MI
Click to see all upcoming Figure Drawing sessions.

Join us for a figure drawing open studio, where artists of all levels can explore their creativity through live figure drawing. Whether you're looking to hone your skills or simply enjoy a relaxing session of creative expression, our drop-in events offer the perfect opportunity to practice in a supportive environment.

2026 Spring and Summer Camp Preview Opens
2026-01-09 07:00 - 2026-01-22 23:59 | MI
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 2026 Spring and Summer Art Camps on Friday, January 9, 2025. See what weeks may be a good fit for your creative ones, then be sure to put Friday, January 23, 2025, at 7am on your radar when registration opens.

PREVIEW OUR CAMPS
