2025
art activities
Chalk the Walk
WITH DAVID ZINN, supported by WJR
Chalk the Walk features Ann Arbor’s own world-renown Artist David Zinn. Recognized globally for his clever and improvised chalk street art, Zinn will be creating his original temporary chalk work live during each day of the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair event now in two locations!
Sidewalk chalk will be available so that fairgoers can join in on the creativity and add their own mark on this year’s Ann Arbor Art Fair.
ZINN HOURS AND LOCATIONS:
(LOCATION 1) Liberty + Fifth Ave.: 1-3PM Thursday (July 17), & Saturday (July 19) - Rain Day Friday same time
(LOCATION 2) Church Street near South U: 4-6PM Friday (July 18) - Rain Day Saturday same time
Live Glass Blowing
PRESENTED BY TOLEDO MUSEUM OF ART
Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) Artist Kacey McCreery and her team will blow LIVE art glass at the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original! Come see these brilliant artists at work and meet "The Baby Dragon" (the pet name of the Toledo Museum of Art’s mobile glassblowing furnace). Watch as they create glass sculptures right before your eyes with TMA's fantastic Glass Blowing Mobile Truck in the background. You will be amazed!
HOURS: TBD
LOCATION: East Washington and Ingalls Mall, University of Michigan Campus
Creative District
INTERACTIVE STREET CHALK MURAL
In partnership with Creative Washtenaw, fairgoers of all ages are invited to take part in a one-of-a-kind collective street art experience! Join us on William Street to help bring a large-scale mural to life—using chalk as your medium.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just love to doodle, this is your chance to contribute to a vibrant, collaborative work of art right in the heart of the fair. Stop by, pick up some chalk, and leave your mark on this colorful community masterpiece!
LOCATION: Maynard + William ///vine.intent.brand
Erik Scott Baker, the Smile Maker
Eric Scott Baker is a circus performer, glass artist, character actor, and ever-expanding artist extraordinaire! With over twelve years of professional experience, Eric brings a vibrant mix of creativity, humor, and talent to every performance. His expressive characters and eclectic skills—ranging from circus arts to theatrical flair—captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
HOURS: 11:00 AM-5:00 PM each day of the fair
LOCATION: Find Eric strolling while performing around the block during the Art Fair on State to Liberty, Liberty to Maynard, Maynard to William, and William back to State.
Tumbleweed Circus + Scott Van Sice
Prepare to be amazed by Tumbleweed Circus and Scott Van Sice!
Tumbleweed Circus brings the magic with roller skating, fire performance, stilt walking, juggling, knot throwing, lasso tricks, and clowning—guaranteed to captivate audiences of all ages.
Joining the excitement is Scott Van Sice, a master of balance and awe-inspiring physical feats. Known for his mesmerizing hand balancing and acrobatic performances, Scott adds strength, grace, and an unforgettable energy to the show. @scottvansice
Don’t miss this dynamic duo as they deliver a one-of-a-kind performance packed with thrills, wonder, and pure magic!
SHOWTIMES:
11:00 AM
11:45 AM
12:30 PM
1:15 PM
2:30 PM
3:15 PM
4:00 PM
4:45 PM
LOCATION: State + North University ///exam.late.images
Alexander the Magician
Alexander the Magician is a world-class performer with over 30 years of experience in magic, theater, and live entertainment. Known for his clever sleight of hand and old-school charm, he blends vaudeville style with modern showmanship for a truly engaging experience.
Specializing in interactive, family-friendly magic, Alexander keeps audiences laughing, amazed, and on their toes. Catch him during the Art Fair as he dazzles the crowd with surprising illusions, quick wit, and a playful personality that makes everyone feel part of the show.
LOCATION: TBD in the State Street District Art Fair
Micro Moments of Magic
Micro Moments of Magic are back, and this year, we’re aiming to break a record!
Scattered throughout the fair, these spontaneous, street-level encounters are filled with sleight of hand, surprise, and just the right dose of wonder. No stage, no schedule—just magic that happens in the moment, when you least expect it.
Each magical interaction gets tallied, and we’re inviting you to help us break the record. Be on the lookout, because the next Micro Moment of Magic might be just around the corner!
Interwoven
A Community Tapestry with Doodles Academy
Doodles Academy will work with fairgoers to create a collaborative large-scale weaving installation, called Interwoven: A Community Tapestry. It ties in beautifully with their summer programming theme centered on connection and community.
In addition to the main piece, Doodles Academy will offer smaller, portable versions for younger children to enjoy and contribute to. Additionally, there will be an educational element, exploring weaving traditions from around the world and highlighting artists who have mastered this powerful, communal craft.
Join Doodles Academy at Paint the Town, July 15 and each day of the fair.
LOCATION: Each day of the fair 10AM-6PM on Church Street ///middle.studio.copper
Live Ceramic Demonstrations
WITH THE ANN ARBOR POTTER’S GUILD
For 65 years now, The Ann Arbor Potters Guild has joined the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original to give ceramic demonstrations of wheel thrown pottery! Watch as they create ceramic works of art each day of the fair!
LOCATION: Hill Auditorium Lawn - North University - University of Michigan Campus
The Art Activity Zone
Create your own works of art in the Art Activity Zone at the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original. Family-friendly art projects are open to all ages and free to the public!
HOURS: TBD
LOCATION: Ingalls Mall, near E. Washington between Thayer and Fletcher.
We Rock The Spectrum
Mini Sensory Zone
Need a sensory break during the fair? We’ve got you covered! We Rock The Spectrum bringing their Mini Sensory Zone—a calm, inclusive space for guests of all ages and abilities to relax, explore, and recharge amid the excitement.
At their booth, you’ll find:
• Noise-reducing headphones
• A sensory table & interactive sensory board
• Toys that support balance & calming movement
• Best selling sensory toys from WRTS Rock Shop
• Giveaways and community resources for families
• Info about WRTS gym and inclusive programs for kids, teens & young adults
LOCATION: TBD in the State Street District Art Fair
Kids Collectors Club
Growing Tomorrow’s Art Appreciators
The Guild of Artists and Artisans is excited to add, new this year, The Kids Collectors Club which is a program to inspire the next generation of art collectors. Artwork donated by various artists participating in this year’s Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, will be exhibited in the Kids Collectors tent where kids 17 and under can come and select a piece of artwork priced $10 and under.
Kids will be inspired to learn more about the artists work they selected by receiving a card with information about the artist, the art, and the booth number. Likewise, kids will be encouraged to write a thank you card to the artist telling them why they selected the piece. This connection between the artist and the buyer is one of the unique aspects of buying art at art fairs and hopefully this exchange of information will provide a similar impactful connection.
LOCATION: Each day of the fair 10AM-6PM on Church Street ///middle.studio.copper
Creative Art Project
with t’onna clemons
This community made art project will be led by local artist, T’onna Clemons. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to paint a kite that will be integrated with other fairgoers kites to create a moving aerial display.
T’onna Clemons is dedicated to empowering and showcasing the creativity of upcoming artists and youth in Ann Arbor and Detroit. With an aim to foster community-led initiatives that nurture local talent and promote innovation, representation, and opportunity for minority artists, Clemons is committed to building connections, evoking emotions through painting, and giving back to the community by supporting youth and aspiring Black artists in realizing their dreams.
LOCATION: Each day of the fair 10AM-6PM on Church Street ///middle.studio.copper