It’s that time of year again.
Visitors will flock to the city in droves, and even the locals will have to fight for a parking spot. The reason behind this crowding is to discover what the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair has in store this time around.
The fair will grace North University Avenue, Ingalls Mall and the Diag for four days. The festivities begin on Wednesday, and continue through the week until Saturday.
Triumphed as one of the nation’s premier art shows, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair has been one of the city’s most distinctive events since 1960, when the show was established to help new artists break into the art market. Now boasting 175 artists, the fair has grown to include hands-on crafts projects for kids, art technique demonstrations, live music and guided walking tours.
Second only to the artists and their artwork is the comprehensive variety of musical performances scheduled to take place at Ingalls Mall near the Burton Carillon Tower throughout the fair. The Canterbury House Concert Series, coordinating the music for this year’s Street Art Fair, hopes to provide a sonic background that will both complement the show’s artistic integrity and appeal to all ages and interests.
While artists and performers at the art fair hail from a variety of backgrounds, many creative participants are students and others new to their craft.
Among the performers will be School of Music alum Luke Gyure, a singer-songwriter accompanied by School of Music junior Theo Katzman on guitar and percussionist School of Music senior Mike Shea. Gyure’s latest work, after graduating from the University’s School of Music this year, focuses on religion and sexuality.
“Of all the protest artists and people who are trying to iniate change in this world, Luke is one of the only people I’ve met who has a chance to intiate change through his honesty and his desire to create dialogue,” Katzman said. “He’s not just a protest singer-songwriter, this is just one facet of his life.”
School of Music junior Aaron Gold, the booking and promotional agent for Canterbury House, is highly anticipating the group’s performance.
“Their style is along the lines of musical storytelling,” Gold said. “It’s incredibly emotional stuff.”
The group is scheduled to perform at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Other performers will include the fair’s perennial pianist Mr. B., who will be “tickling the ivories” outside Burton Tower, according to the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair’s website. Ohio native Russell Donnellon will play solo classical guitar and Circus Twerkus will perform for families in the mornings.
In addition to the medley of musical acts, the remaining branches of fine art will be adequately represented with several dance group performances and circus entertainment geared toward the fair’s younger audience, such as jugglers and a live statue.
Year after year, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair continues to draw thousands to our quaint streets. The fair’s enduring significance is a welcome relief for those in the grip of summer’s humid lull. Even if you only pass through on the way to class, it’s doubtful the festivities won’t leave you in a better mood.
Additional information, including performance and demonstration schedules, an artist directory and maps and directions, can be found at the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair’s website at www.artfair.org.
Street Art Fair
Wednesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free
At North University Ave., Ingalls Mall and the Diag