Art Birmingham is Back

36th annual art fair comes to Shain Park for Mother’s Day weekend.

The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center‘s vision can be summed up in three words: art for all. 

“We believe everyone should have an opportunity to experience art,” says BBAC President and CEO Annie VanGelderen

The center’s main event, Art Birmingham, returns to Shain Park May 13-14. This is the 35th anniversary of the fine art far, which coincides with Mother’s Day weekend each year. VanGelderen says the event typically draws about 75,000 spectators, and about 150 artists and artisans. She says the street fair format makes art more accessible and less intimidating.

“An art fair is a great opportunity to walk in a tent, talk to the artist, start to develop what you like and what you don’t like,” VanGelderen says.

Art Birmingham covers a variety of forms, including glass, paint, ceramics, and wood. It raises money for the BBAC, which offers youth activities and art classes for the public.

Sue Ellen Parker

This year’s fair takes place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10-5 Sunday in Shain Park in downtown Birmingham. Click here for more information. Click on the audio player to hear Annie VanGelderen’s conversation with WDET’s Pat Batcheller.

Author

  • Pat Batcheller
    Pat Batcheller is a host and Senior News Editor for 101.9 WDET, presenting local news, traffic and weather updates during Morning Edition. He is an amateur musician.