Each summer, the Ann Arbor Art Fair returns, taking over 30 city blocks and filling the streets with nearly 1,000 artists from across the country.
The Ann Arbor Art Fair is the nation’s largest juried art fair and one of the most anticipated annual art events. Returning July 16-18, this year's fair is sure to draw a creative crowd.
Featured Art Fair Artists
Each year, the Ann Arbor Art Fair selects three featured artists to create original commemorative posters interpreting the spirit of the fair through their own creative lens.
These featured artists highlight the fair's creativity and diversity. From nostalgic mixed-media paintings to atmospheric Americana landscapes and bold contemporary works, the Ann Arbor Art Fair is a destination for art lovers worldwide.
Whether you’re searching for your new favorite artist or exploring the fair’s many offerings, the 2026 featured artists offer a glimpse of the talent and creativity visitors can expect at this year’s Ann Arbor Art Fair.
Erin Hanafin Sweeney
Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair
Booth: MN301
Vibrant colors, layered textures and a sense of whimsy define the work of mixed-media artist Erin Hanafin Sweeney. Based in Geneseo, New York, Sweeney uses acrylic paint, collage and oil stick to create her playful and expressive artwork inspired by childhood memories, nature, vintage paint-by-number artwork and '80s pop music.
That philosophy is reflected throughout her collections. Her work balances humor and emotion with colorful nostalgia, inviting viewers to reminisce and embrace everyday moments.
For the 2026 Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, Sweeney created the commemorative poster “Perusing”, featuring three expressive geese, which have become a staple of Sweeney’s work over the past five years. The layered collage incorporates Ann Arbor-inspired flair and “swag,” capturing the attitude and personality visitors can expect at this year’s fair.
“When the Guild asked me if I would make a poster design for them, it was definitely a ‘pinch-me’ moment in my career,” Sweeney said. “The Guild was so open to ideas, and they were amazing collaborators. They really let me do my thing and we landed on these three “Perusing” geese. I couldn’t be happier with the way the poster turned out.”
Jonah Ballard
Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair
Booth: LI549, LI551
Bold pink color palettes, dreamlike imagery and a distinct blend of surreal symbolism and Southwestern influences define Jonah Ballard’s paintings. Ballard began painting as a teenager while working in his family's hand-painted home décor business.
His commemorative poster for the Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair, “Sunset Saguaro”, features Ballard’s signature vibrant color palette and one of Arizona’s most recognizable icons, the saguaro. Ballard frequently uses the cactus as a symbol of self-discovery, allowing it to evolve alongside his own artistic journey.
“The saguaro cactus really shaped my career. I started out painting cacti from the very beginning of my interest in art. Seeing the details and style of my saguaro change over the years with the success of my career; and now to bring it to represent such a fantastic show is a perfect chapter in the books,” said Ballard.
Ballard’s paintings encourage viewers to create their own interpretations, making each piece emotionally and visually engaging. Being selected as a featured artist is an impactful experience for him, an experience that shows how meaningful his art is.
“Being selected as the featured artist is such an honor. Ann Arbor State Street was one of the first shows I did when I left Arizona 3 years ago. It was so special because it was the first show where I really saw how impactful my work can be to so many people,” Ballard said.
Matthew Cornell
Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original
Booth: IN252
Inspired by years of traveling around the country, Matthew Cornell creates oil panel paintings that emphasize the beauty of Americana, often hidden in everyday places.
Cornell crafts detailed landscapes reminiscent of an American summer road trip across the country. His paintings feature quiet roadside diners, small neighborhood businesses and fading architecture, casting a dreamy lens on the beauty of the country.
Much of his work is inspired by his childhood memories of traveling across the United States, experiences that continue to influence the landscapes he creates.
“For the painting that ultimately became the poster for the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original, I was looking for something iconic that best represents Ann Arbor. Something that’s easily recognizable and also is visually interesting. Zingerman‘s and the area that it’s in has a lot of the elements and mood that I put in many of my paintings,” Cornell said.
Cornell selected one of Ann Arbor’s most iconic landmarks, Zingerman’s Delicatessen, for this year’s commemorative poster, “The Original.” The piece celebrates the authenticity, craftsmanship and community that define both Zingerman’s Delicatessen and The Ann Arbor Art Fair.
A Collection of Creativity
For decades, the Ann Arbor Art Fair has featured handcrafted artwork from artists across the country, transforming downtown Ann Arbor into a colorful collective of creativity. The fair brings artists, art lovers and the community together for a weekend packed with excitement and unforgettable experiences.
While the art is the main attraction at the fair, visitors can also explore the downtown Ann Arbor area. Take a minute to enjoy local favorites like UniTea, Ondo Bakery, Blank Slate Creamery and many more for a quick bite or a refreshing drink.
Between artists booths, guests can dine at, shop and support local Ann Arbor businesses. From its walkable streets to live entertainment and engaging art demonstrations and activities, the Ann Arbor Art Fair is truly a full downtown Ann Arbor experience.
Whether you’re searching for a new piece to add to your collection, exploring the beauty of downtown Ann Arbor or simply taking in everything the fair has to offer, be sure to soak up the sun and add these featured artists to your itinerary July 16-18.
Know before you go
Find all of the Ann Arbor Art Fair details and pro tips here!
