With a theme of "51 Years of Originality in 2010," the 51^st Annual Ann Arbor Street Art Fair will take our city by storm from Wednesday, July 21 through Saturday, July 24. Established in 1960, "The Original Fair" was created "to increase public knowledge and appreciation for contemporary fine arts and crafts by creating opportunities that connect artists and the Ann Arbor community to their mutual benefit."

The Festival is set on North University Avenue and on the University of Michigan's Central Campus, amidst elegant Ann Arbor architecture and beautifully landscaped pedestrian walkways. If you're lucky enough to live near the university campus, you'll be within walking distance of the fun, which promotes art and puts the spotlight on the city! 

In line with tradition, the fair really begins with The Townie Street Party, a celebration of all things local. Give an old T-shirt new life, create a tile, or use recycled materials to make your own journal. When you're ready to relax, grab a bite of Townie Grub, have a brew at Townie Pub, and enjoy free onstage performances by Danny Kline, Chris Mills, and The Relics. And if you've got little ones, be sure to stop by the Kids Art Zone so that they, too, can have some hands-on fun on Monday, July 19 from 5-9:30pm.

The fair itself  is a juried street art fair which attacts talented artists who work in all media.  The artist directory for this year's fair includes representatives from every corner of the country, including 18 established local artists.  The New Art New Artists program features  eight "emerging artists" from the University of Michigan, Washtenaw Community College, and the Center for Creative Studies. Media presented include clay, digital, fiber, glass, jewelry, metals, painting and drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and wood. There's virtually something for everyone!

The poster for the fair this year was designed by Featured Artist, Mark Traughber.  His unique design will embellish all Street Art Fair souvenirs including t-shirts, bags and ball caps, as well as the official 2010 poster. As you walk along the avenue to view the art on display, you can pick up a tee shirt or cap, sample the offerings from local food vendors, and enjoy roaming street performers. You can make your way to Ingalls Mall Lawn to take in some of the 30+ live performances over the course of the fair  or make your own art at The Art Zones. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, you can enjoy the festivities from 10am to 9pm; the party wraps up on Saturday from 10am to 6pm.   There will be two information booths located inside the Fair - one at Main & Liberty and one at State Street & South University. Look for the Official Art Fair Guide produced by the Detroit Free Press, which can be picked up at both information booths.If you are coming to the fair from outside the city, you can learn more about local attractions at the information booth as well.  Wheelchairs will be provided on site by Wright & Filippis; you can call (734) 975-6800 to reserve one or get additional information.

The Original Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is just one of four nationally known fairs held annually in the area. If you love art or just the friendly feel of art fairs, why not considering moving closer to the action? Located just a couple blocks from the fari, Martin Bouma - your Ann Arbor neighborhood expert - can meet virtually all of your Ann Arbor real estate needs. Whether you're buying or selling a home, the Bouma Group can answer any questions you have about real estate in Ann Arbor. Interested in Washtenaw County, Saline, or a specific Ann Arbor neighborhood? Call the Bouma Group today! And don't forget to check out our Condo Hotline - we've got a handle on the Ann Arbor condominium market.