Ann Arbor Art Center will showcase mural-making process with new exhibition
ANN ARBOR, MI — The streets of Ann Arbor are filled with a variety of murals, but some community members may be left wondering how these large-scale pieces of artwork came to be. The Ann Arbor Art Center’s A2AC Gallery is hoping to answer these questions through its new exhibition, Beyond the Pail: Mural Making and the Artistic Process. Many of the artists have work around Michigan in not only Ann Arbor, but Detroit, Flint, Monroe, Jackson and Grand Rapids. She encourages anyone interested to attend, especially since it isn’t common for mural artists to show what goes into creating their artwork. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:Historic bridge over Huron River near Ann Arbor reopens after rehabilitation workDousing its signature wings in fresh Michigan raspberry BBQ sauce makes Side Biscuit specialNearly $1M in campaign cash pumped into Ann Arbor-area Michigan House, Senate races
mlive.comSee what a $1.2M renovation has added to the Ann Arbor Art Center
ANN ARBOR, MI -- With a new front-facing gallery and double the studio space, the Ann Arbor Art Center is ready to bring creativity to the city. The Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St., is hosting the public debut of the new, 1,200-square-foot A2AC Gallery from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 27. The grand opening will not only show off the new gallery, but the rest of the $1.2-million improvements made to the space.
mlive.comAnn Arbor cocktail competition serves up drinks inspired by downtown murals
ANN ARBOR, MI -- Whether you’re looking to put the art in martini or fun in fundraising, the Ann Arbor Art Center’s cocktail competition is the place to be. The Ann Arbor Art Center, also known as A2AC, will be hosting its annual cocktail competition in-person on Feb. 25, with an at-home version taking place through March 4. The event has challenged each business to create a cocktail based on a mural in downtown Ann Arbor. Artini’s at-home version runs from Feb. 25 through March 4. To learn more or to purchase tickets, go to the Ann Arbor Art Center’s website.
mlive.comDowntown Ann Arbor businesses, museums close for snowstorm
ANN ARBOR, MI -- As snow pelted Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County on Wednesday, multiple downtown businesses were closed, citing bad roads and the inclement weather. Ann Arbor Art CenterAnn Arbor Art Center, 117 West Liberty Street, announced it will be closed on Feb. 2. Le Bon MacaronLe Bon Macaron, 209 South Fourth Ave., announced on social media that its Ann Arbor location is closed due to the storm. Its Ann Arbor location is at 216 South Main Street, while its Saline locations are 106 West Michigan Ave. and 101 South Ann Arbor Street. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:Winter wonderland photos: February snow storm wallops MichiganSnowstorm update for Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, Thumb: Snowfall forecast looked at closely‘There simply is no replacing Bane’.
mlive.com‘Multi-colored portals’ and ‘bursts of confetti-like’ art coming to Ann Arbor alleys
ANN ARBOR, MI — Four new public art displays are coming to downtown Ann Arbor alleys next spring. The Ann Arbor Art Center, the nonprofit behind the initiative, has unveiled artist designs for two of the installations planned to bring more color to the downtown Creative District. The public art design for "Urban-Fetti," LAA Office's plan to sprinkle some new light and color into the alley next to Alley Bar in downtown Ann Arbor.LAA OfficeThe installation consists of “colorful bursts of confetti-like elements that playfully occupy the neighborhood’s pavement and building facades,” as the artists describe it. It’s designed by the Van Dyck Murphy Studio, a multidisciplinary architecture and design collaborative of Kelley Van Dyck Murphy and Jonathan Murphy based in St. Louis, Missouri. Here’s a look at some of the latest murals:A new mural visible along Ashley Street in downtown Ann Arbor, painted by Metro Detroit-based artist Joey Salamon as part of the Ann Arbor Art Center's mural initiative in the downtown Creative District.
mlive.comCampaign hits $50K goal to bring more public art to Ann Arbor’s new Creative District
ANN ARBOR, MI — A new crowdfunding campaign to bring more public art to downtown Ann Arbor’s building walls and alleyways has reached a $50,000 goal. The total for the Ann Arbor Art Center campaign was up to $50,355 as of Monday morning, July 26. That unlocks a matching $50,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Public Spaces Community Places program, a partnership with the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity, according to the Art Center. Our campaign success has inspired a pair of local art enthusiasts to come forward with an additional challenge grant of $50K. The Art Center has invited architects, designers, engineers and artists from around the world to participate in a design competition to reclaim what it calls “forgotten pedestrian spaces” through immersive art installations.
mlive.comDowntown Ann Arbor’s west side rebranded as city’s Creative District
ANN ARBOR, MI — Following the painting of several new public art murals in the last year, the west side of downtown Ann Arbor is undergoing a rebranding. Colorful banners now hang from new light poles along both sides of First Street, between William and Ann streets, designating the area as Ann Arbor’s Creative District. “This is so exciting for Ann Arbor,” said Marie Klopf, president and CEO of the Ann Arbor Art Center, located at 117 W. Liberty St. on the west side of downtown. “Downtown Ann Arbor continues to grow both geographically and in density. The branded banners showing up now are “to showcase existing works of art in an exciting and emerging Creative District in downtown Ann Arbor,” the center states.
mlive.comRegistration for Ann Arbor Art Center summer camps opens Wednesday
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Have a young artist in the family? Registration for in-person summer camps at Ann Arbor Art Center will open on Wednesday, February 24. Five-day summer camps will take place from July 12 to August 27. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, camps will be limited to 10 people, including art center staff and camp volunteers, according to the art center’s camp website. AdThose in need of scholarships should contact Ann Arbor Art Center education coordinator Chelsea O’Hayer by sending an email to cohayer@annarborartcenter.org.
Support the arts while tasting a new cocktail recipe
Looking to support the arts while tasting some new cocktail recipes? The Ann Arbor Center is hosting their 13th Annual Martini Fundraiser and now you can bring the fun home with you. Artini-At-Home used to allow the community to roam around Ann Arbor and try different cocktails, but to keep everyone safe this year you can try your cocktail in the comfort of your home. Each cocktail was inspired by a mural that is in Ann Arbor. Once you have the cocktails you can go online and vote for the best one!
Artini-at-Home: Ann Arbor Art Center’s annual cocktail competition goes virtual
The Ann Arbor Art Center softly reopened on June 30, 2020 after closing its doors to the public in March. Photo courtesy of the Ann Arbor Art Center. ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Join the Ann Arbor Art Center in celebrating art and its yearly cocktail competition, but from the comfort of home. Unlike previous events, the entire fundraiser and cocktail competition will be done online. Each will work with Ann Arbor Distilling Co., who is making and canning each cocktail, to reflect drinks inspired by Ann Arbor Art Center’s A2AC Murals project.
Ann Arbor Distilling Company introduces new collaborative cocktails with local organizations
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Get into the spirit of giving with Ann Arbor Distilling Company’s new canned cocktails. Here’s how it works:Humane Society of Huron Valley, Ann Arbor Art Center, Ele’s Place and Ann Arbor Film Festival each have their own unique drink. Mindbender was created with the Ann Arbor Film Festival, which will host its annual experimental film festival in March. (Ann Arbor Distilling Company)As of now, Ann Arbor Distilling Company plans to offer the cocktails through the holiday season, according to Fox. Order a four-pack (or two) of the new cocktails on the Ann Arbor Distilling Company website.
4 gifts ideas for things you can only get in Ann Arbor
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – It’s that time of year when families and friends are shopping for their loved ones (and their 2020 pod). This year, shoppers are looking for gifts that are comforting, come from the heart and support local businesses. Here are 4 Ann Arbor gift ideas:FOR THE COFFEE FIENDAnn Arbor has become synonymous with locally-owned and operated coffee shops, many of which use their own roasts. Take a look at festive tiles from Motawi Tileworks, ceramics and mixed media sculptures from the Gutman Gallery or paintings and prints from the Ann Arbor Art Center. Order specialty canned cocktails from The Last Word, Michigan-made whiskey from Ann Arbor Distilling Company, craft beer from HOMES or four-packs of mead from Bløm Meadworks.
Ann Arbor Art Center to host virtual art camps during fall, winter school breaks
ANN ARBOR – The Ann Arbor Art Center is bringing back its distance learning initiatives after the success of its first-ever virtual art camp over the summer. Registration is now open for three new online art camps for Ann Arbor Public Schools' fall, winter and mid-winter breaks. Its fall camp has an autumn theme, its winter camp has a New Year’s theme and its mid-winter camp’s theme is jungle explorers. According to the Ann Arbor Art Center’s website, each three-day virtual camp includes:3 Virtual Art Camp sessions featuring 1 project per session. ArtBoxes will contain most supplies needed for the virtual art camp projects.
Ann Arbor Art Center opens registration for virtual art classes this fall
The Ann Arbor Art Center has opened up registration for its fall schedule of virtual art classes. Classes and workshops range from creative collage creation to botanical illustrations to Gouache painting and are intended for aspiring artists of all ages. Intro to WatercolorWednesdays, Oct. 21 - Dec. 2Participants will learn about mixing, color theory and perspective among other things. Acrylic Painting for BeginnersThursdays, Oct. 22 - Dec. 3Community members new to acrylic painting will learn the foundations of painting, tone, shading and techniques. Painting with TextureThursdays, Nov. 19 - Dec. 17A 4-week class, students will explore incorporating texture into their painting by experimenting with techniques.
Ann Arbor Art Center welcomes 'Man in the City international sculpture project
ANN ARBOR, Mich. Look up while passing by the Ann Arbor Art Centers Walker Carriage Works Building to see a bright orange, fedora-wearing figure. The newest addition to the art centers latest A2AC Murals project, the figures installation is part of the Man in the City International Sculpture Project. The Ann Arbor installation encourages passersby to discover the citys skylines and historic buildings. The bright figures also help to engage youth in workshops about project visualization that the Ann Arbor Art Center intends to be a part of once it is possible. The Ann Arbor Art Center is at 117 W. Liberty St.Related: Ann Arbor Art Center launches crowdfunding campaign for mural project
Here are 4 ways to treat yourself and help Ann Arbor businesses
ANN ARBOR, Mich. The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been hard on local businesses, but it has also impacted Ann Arbor community members. Here are four ways to treat yourself while supporting Ann Arbor businesses:Take a classIf you are refreshed by new knowledge, improve a skill or learn something new with a virtual class. If youre looking for something active, Ann Arbor Rec & Ed, Ann Arbor YMCA and many area gyms and fitness studios offer online classes. Main Street Ann Arbor made a list of Main Street stores that are offering gift cards if you dont know where to start. Related: Here are 4 cider mills near Ann Arbor to put you in the fall spirit
Ann Arbor Art Center launches crowdfunding campaign for mural project
ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor Art Center has launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund a new project creating a series of murals to downtown Ann Arbor. The A2AC Murals project would create a series of up to 10 highly visible murals over the next five months. We know that right now, our communities have many social and financial concerns, said Ann Arbor Art Center President and CEO Marie Klopf in a statement. The Ann Arbor Art Center has worked to bring murals to Ann Arbor before. For a list of intended mural locations and more information about A2AC Murals visit the Patronicity page.
Ann Arbor Art Center softly reopens, implements safety changes
ANN ARBOR, Mich. Today, the Ann Arbor Art Center quietly reopened its doors after being closed to the public since March due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Those visiting the downtown art hub will be allowed in the 117 Gallery Shop on the first floor of the building between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays. However, visitors will notice changes the art center has implemented, which are intended to keep staff and patrons safe. The art center will continue to offer contactless curbside pick up of items in its online shop. The Ann Arbor Art Center is at 117 W. Liberty St. Like what youre reading?
Ann Arbor Art Center to offer online workshops throughout July
ANN ARBOR With in-personal summer camps canceled, the Ann Arbor Art Center has created a set of online workshops and classes for artists of all ages and interests. The workshops and classes range in price from $25 to $255 and may require additional supplies, which are listed through each event page. The two-day class is designed for adults and requires painters to use acrylic paints and other supplies. Using various paints, pencils and brushes, adult painters will learn basic techniques of watercolor painting. Related: With in-person summer camps canceled, Ann Arbor Art Center announces virtual art camp
The local subscription box that helps kids channel their creativity
With school and summer camps canceled, parents are facing the new challenge of keeping kids entertained at home. Ann Arbor Art Center has something that can help. They have created a new subscription box that will keep kids entertained and allow them to explore their creativity. You cant cancel creativity. Thats what Marie Klopf, President and CEO of the Ann Arbor Arts Center, told Tati Amare. She joined Tati via Skype from her home to talk about the three different subscription art boxes Ann Arbor Art Center is offering.
With in-person summer camps canceled, Ann Arbor Art Center announces virtual art camp
ANN ARBOR The Ann Arbor Art Center has announced the cancellation of its in-person summer programming due to federal and state guidelines surrounding the coronavirus. In lieu of in-person art camps, the Art Center has launched ArtBox: Summer Camp Edition. ArtBox Summer Camp Edition flyer. (Ann Arbor Art Center)Registration is now open for the 3-day virtual art camp sessions. On June 3, the next five Camp Edition ArtBoxes and their corresponding virtual camp sessions will be posted on the Art Centers website.
Annual Art & Brew fundraiser to serve up food and drink pairings, friendly competition in Ann Arbor
The 2019 Art & Brew will be on Oct.10 in Ann Arbor. Credit | Max PixelANN ARBOR, Mich. - This Ann Arbor pub crawl is for those who like a bit of beer with their art, or art with their beer. On Oct. 10, the annual Art & Brew fundraiser for the Ann Arbor Art Center will take place all over downtown Ann Arbor. A beer crawl and friendly competition, local restaurants and beer venues will each offer food and wine pairings for Art & Brew crawlers. Participating venuesArbor Brewing CompanyAvalon Caf and Kitchenand Kitchen Blm MeadworksThe Circ BarBar Conor O'Neill'sO'Neill's The GrottoHaymaker Public HousePretzel BellSava'sAbout the Ann Arbor Art CenterFor 109 years, the Ann Arbor Art Center has been sparking creativity in people of all ages and artistic abilities.