Every July since 1960, Ann Arbor’s streets come alive, as renowned artists travel to exhibit their work at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. The annual festival, estimated to attract nearly 400,000 visitors, will return July 16-18, 2026. The 67th annual Ann Arbor Art Fair encompasses three independently juried events: the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Guild’s Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair and the Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair, making it the largest art festival in the country.
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In 2010, a Youth Art Fair was launched to provide a venue for young people to share their work. Angela Kline, executive director of the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, and Karen Delhey, executive director of the Guild of Artists and Artisans, share information on the 17th annual Youth Art Fair, as well as the 2nd annual Kids Collectors Club.
All about the Youth Art Fair
Now in its 17th year, the Youth Art Fair is a part of the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair in which young artists have a space to exhibit and sell their artwork. Prospective artists must be entering grades 4 to 12, reside in Michigan and pass a jury evaluation in April, before being selected as an exhibitor. Young artists must produce enough artwork to be able to fill an entire table. Moreover, they must prepare all of the supplies needed to sell their work, just like a professional artist.
According to Angela Kline, this year, 65 students will participate in the juried Youth Art Fair. Student artists keep 100% of the money they earn through the sales. Last year, youth artists collectively earned $30,000 in revenue. Ultimately, being a part of the youth art fair serves as more than a simple artistic outlet. It equips students with valuable skills in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and professionalism.
Youth artists also receive mentorship from professional artists, authors and illustrators. This year’s new mentors include Caroline Huntoon and Deb Pilutti. Caroline Huntoon is a non-binary storyteller and educator who has published several books. Their books focus on various themes, such as loss, identity and friendship. Deb Author Deb Pilutti is a third-year-mentor who has written and illustrated several books, including the picture book, “Old Rock (is not boring)”
Kline shared that the Youth Art Fair is truly a year-round endeavor, beginning with the Dart for Art Fundraiser, which helps fund initiatives such as the original Art Pack, which was a donation of art supplies worth $100,000 to 1300 high school art students in Ann Arbor. This year, Dart for Art will take place on July 14. Kline hopes visitors attending the fair “understand how important young creatives are in the world”.
2nd Annual Kids Collectors Club
Another cool initiative geared toward youth is the Kids Collectors Club. Now in its second year, this is a unique opportunity for youth ages 17 and under to collect art.
According to Karen Delhey, professional artists at the Summer Art Fair donate pieces for the Kid Collectors Tent, which kids can purchase for just $10. Works range from small ceramic pieces to large paintings. Last year, 414 artists donated art for this unique program. Kids will be guided through the tent by docents, who will help them select an art piece. After purchasing it, kids will write a personal thank you note to the artist.
“It’s a great way to introduce kids to art…letting them find their voice,” said Delhey. The Kids Collectors Tent will be located on South U between East U and Church St and will be open every day of the art fair from 10am-6pm.
Contact
For more details, check out the Youth Art Fair website here and read more about the Kids Collectors Club here.
