Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair 2027- 58th Annual

58th Annual Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair
July 15-17, 2027
Produced by The Guild of Artists & Artisans
Ann Arbor, MI

A celebrated art fair. An engaged audience. A community that values artists.
Bring Your Art to Ann Arbor.

For nearly six decades, the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair has brought exceptional artists and art lovers together in one of the country’s most vibrant art destinations. Now in its 58th year, the fair offers artists the opportunity to showcase their work before a large, enthusiastic audience in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor and alongside the University of Michigan campus.

Produced by The Guild of Artists & Artisans, a nonprofit organization founded by artists in 1973, the Summer Art Fair is one of three official partner fairs that comprise the award-winning Ann Arbor Art Fair, attracting nearly 400,000 visitors each year.

Your work deserves to be seen. Your talent deserves to be celebrated. And your next great art fair experience could start here.

Important Show Information:  Please review the application procedures, the event calendar and the Exhibition Standards and Rules.  If you have any questions, please contact The Guild at 734.662.3382 or info@theguild.org.

Event Location, Days & Times 
The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair
Thurs - Fri, July 15 & 16 - 10am - 9pm
Saturday, July 17th - 10am - 8pm

The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair is located on Main Street between Huron & William streets in downtown Ann Arbor, MI, on Liberty Street between Main Street and Fifth Ave, and on State Street between William & Madison streets, adjacent to the campus of the University of Michigan. Additionally, the Summer Art Fair extends down South University from State Street to Forest where the fair started in 1960. This portion of the fair was formerly known as the South University Art Fair and became a part of the Summer Art Fair in 2021.

Why Exhibit at the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair?

We believe a great art fair experience starts with supporting the artists who make it exceptional. The Guild produces a nationally recognized event that includes: thoughtful artist services, strong promotional reach, and a commitment to creating a fair where artists are respected, valued, and heard.

• An audience ready to discover art. Exhibit at an established, high-traffic event known for attracting art enthusiasts, collectors, and shoppers from across the region and beyond.
• Meaningful exposure. The Ann Arbor Art Fair's joint advertising and promotion reached an audience of more than 680 million in 2026, with a publicity value of $6.74 million.
• A fair run by and for artists. The Guild is a nonprofit membership organization that values artist input and works to create an environment where artists can thrive.
• Recognition for your work. Compete for more than $5,000 in artist awards and exhibit alongside an exceptional community of juried fine artists and fine craft artists.
• More opportunities throughout the year. Your application includes a one-year membership in The Guild, opening the door to additional artist opportunities and a connection to a professional arts community.
• Flexibility for your customers. The Guild permits up to 20% reproductions in your booth, helping you offer work at a range of price points while making art accessible to more buyers.
• An Organization that is connected to and supporting artists 12 months of the year.  In addition to the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, the Guild produces seven other fine art fairs, runs the Gutman Gallery, and hosts artists at its annual artist conference. 

Designed With Artists in Mind

We know that the details matter. That's why The Guild works to make your experience on the street as positive and productive as possible.

• Professional, friendly, and responsive art fair staff
• Booth sitters to help you take a much-needed break
• Artist hospitality with breakfast, snacks, coffee, and water
• Water delivery to artists
• A booth pod layout designed to provide an open corner for every booth and at least eight feet between pods
• Professional overnight security Wednesday through Friday
• Negotiated special rates at nearby hotels and motels
• Convenient access to artist parking
• An artist happy hour and awards ceremony where over $5,000 in artist awards are distributed

And when you're ready to step away from your booth, downtown Ann Arbor offers an outstanding mix of restaurants, local businesses, and community energy just steps away.

Be Part of Something Bigger

The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair is more than a place to exhibit and sell your work. It's part of a vibrant cultural event that brings together artists, collectors, families, students, and the wider community.

Visitors can enjoy exceptional programming throughout the fair, including the Emerging Artist Program, The Stage on Main in partnership with The Ark, Chalk the Walk with David Zinn, the Kids Collector's Club, and more.

Located along Main Street, Liberty Street, State Street, and South University, the fair connects the energy of downtown Ann Arbor with the beauty and activity of the University of Michigan campus.

Don't Just Take Our Word for It

Artists who exhibited in 2026 shared their experiences:

“I love this show and everyone in the Guild has been amazing to work with! I have no complaints and hope to return again next year.”

“The Guild staff does a great job organizing the setup and space for the event. I appreciate the setup with members getting a side wall/open space adjacent to our booths.”

“The crowd, the staff, the location. Honestly it was all awesome. The help from the staff was top notch. Super accommodating and friendly.”

Is the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair Right for You?

Artists working in eligible fine art and fine craft disciplines are invited to apply. All work is reviewed through The Guild's competitive jury process, which upholds standards of creativity, originality, and technical skill.

If you're looking for an established art fair that combines a significant audience, professional organization, meaningful exposure, and a genuine commitment to artists, we invite you to apply.​​​​​​

Eligibility

Artists in fine art and fine craft disciplines are invited to apply. Please review the Exhibition Standards to help determine the eligibility of your specific artwork.

Artist Information & Show Requirements

Security & Artist Parking

Your artwork and booth are important to us. Professional overnight security will be provided Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings. Artist parking is available through PCI Municipal Services, with detailed parking information posted on The Guild’s website in advance of the fair.

Electricity

Electricity is generally available at most booth locations. Please contact The Guild at 734.662.3382 or info@theguild.org to confirm availability for your space. Generators are not permitted.

Tent Requirements

All tents must be professional-grade structures, installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications and properly secured with a minimum of 50 pounds of weight on each leg. Proper tent installation and weighting are essential to maintaining a safe environment for artists and fairgoers.

Awnings

Front awnings are not permitted. Side and rear awnings are allowed as long as they do not obstruct foot traffic.

Insurance Requirements

All participating artists must provide proof of general liability insurance with coverage of at least $1 million, naming The Guild of Artists & Artisans as an additional insured.

Please email your certificate of insurance to Nicole at nicole@theguild.org at least one month before the fair begins.

Move-Out Procedures

Move-out begins Saturday, July 17, at 8 p.m., following the close of the fair. Artists have a maximum of four hours to dismantle their displays and clear the area, as city streets must reopen by midnight.

Artists who exceed the four-hour move-out window may be assessed a $200 fee to cover additional costs incurred by The Guild.

Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and timely return of the streets to the community.

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Important Dates & Deadlines

Please mark your calendar with the following dates as you prepare for the 2027 Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair. All dates are subject to change.

*Guild members may be eligible for payment plans. Cancellations received by April 29 are eligible for a refund, less a $50 administrative fee. No refunds are available for cancellations after this date.

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How to Apply

Ready to share your work with the Ann Arbor community? We welcome applications from artists working in eligible fine art and fine craft disciplines. All applications are reviewed through The Guild’s competitive jury process.

Application Steps

1. Apply online. Complete your application at ZAPPlication.
2. Submit your images. Include four images of your artwork and one image of your booth with artwork displayed. Artists applying in multiple categories must submit a separate application for each medium.
3. Prepare your images for jury review. No visible signatures are permitted in artwork images. Booth images must show three walls of your booth and must not include artist or business names, booth signage, booth tags, people, or animals. Artist and business names must also be removed from your artist statement.
4. Review the exhibition standards. Applications that do not comply with the jury image requirements may be removed from consideration, and the jury fee will not be refunded.
5. Submit your application fee. Fees are nonrefundable.

Applying in Multiple Categories

Artists wishing to exhibit work in more than one category must submit a separate application for each medium.

If you work in a non-jewelry medium but wish to display jewelry created in that medium, you must also submit a separate jewelry application. Please indicate in your artist statement that you intend to display a limited amount of jewelry alongside your primary medium. Jewelry that does not pass the jury may not be exhibited, even if your primary medium is accepted.

Application Fees

• Non-Guild members: $50. Includes one year of Guild membership.
• Guild members in good standing: Free.

Application fees are nonrefundable. For questions about membership status, eligibility, or alternative application arrangements, contact The Guild at 734.662.3382, ext. 2, or info@theguild.org.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted online by midnight Eastern Time on February 14, 2027. Applications submitted after the deadline are subject to a $25 late fee.

If you need assistance applying online, please contact The Guild at 734.662.3382, ext. 2.

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Important Participation Information

By applying to a Guild show, artists acknowledge and agree to the following:

• Artists are responsible for designing and producing their work in accordance with The Guild’s Exhibition Standards.
• Artists must read, understand, and comply with The Guild’s Exhibition Rules.
• The Guild of Artists & Artisans is not liable for loss or damage to artwork or for personal injury.
• Artists agree to the participation conditions concerning legal actions against The Guild and its personnel, as stated in the applicable exhibition rules.
• Artists grant The Guild permission to use images of their artwork for advertising and promotional purposes.

Please review all exhibition rules and standards carefully before submitting your application.

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About The Guild of Artists & Artisans

Founded in Ann Arbor in 1973, The Guild of Artists & Artisans is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to supporting independent artists and connecting their work with the public.

Through its juried fine art fairs and the Gutman Gallery in downtown Ann Arbor, The Guild creates meaningful opportunities for artists to exhibit, sell, and promote their work. Its programs also serve as educational, cultural, and entertaining experiences for the communities they reach.

For nearly six decades, the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair has been central to this mission. We are proud to bring artists and art lovers together and to create opportunities for independent artists to share their creativity with an enthusiastic audience.

We look forward to welcoming you to Ann Arbor in July 2027!

Contact Information
Nicole McKay, Artist Relations Director
The Guild of Artists & Artisans
118 N. Fourth Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734.662.3382, ext. 2
nicole@theguild.org
www.theguild.org

Exhibit Terms and Conditions
 
Exhibition Standards

1)     All work must be the original design of the artist; the essential work required to make each finished piece must be done by the artist.  The artist is expected to be the major contributor of the time required in the essential production of the work. Helpers or assistants do not replace the artist in the production of a piece. They are permitted to assist in the non-essential and more mundane processes that go into the production of a finished piece. The only exceptions allowed are defined in Exhibition Standards #2. 

2)     No more than 25 percent of the work in an exhibitor’s booth may be reproductions; this policy applies to all media.  Each piece must be clearly marked with the word “reproduction.”  Exhibitors must use the word reproduction; other terms, including “print,” may not be used to refer to a reproduction.  The presentation of the reproductions must play a visually subordinate role to the entirety of the exhibitor’s display.  Reproductions of the artist’s own original work are the only reproductions allowed within the artist’s booth.  Determination of what constitutes an original or a reproduction is determined by The Guild of Artists & Artisans. The decision of The Guild is final.

3)    All novelty items such as stickers, buttons, magnets, coasters or notecards must be the original work of the artist and can only be 5% of the total display at any one time. 

4)     All work must be safe, non‑toxic, and fit for its intended use.  If any work requires special or limited use, this will be fully disclosed and explained to the public.

5)     Any commercially produced parts used in a work must play a subordinate role and may not be sold separately.   

6)     A mass‑produced, cluttered, or commercial appearance to an artist display is not permitted. Limited multiples of items may be displayed where color and size are varied and are required to show clearly the range of items available for sale to fair attendees.   However, if the display presents an overwhelming number of multiples resulting in a commercial appearance, as determined by the Standards Committee, on-site adjustments will be requested and compliance will be required.  

7)     The artwork exhibited by the artist at the event must match the quality and balance of the images submitted to either the Standards Review or the event jury.  The artwork exhibited at the event by the artist must also match the scope and volume of the images submitted for either the Standards Review or for the event jury.  An artist is not permitted to submit images presenting complex and detailed artwork but come to the event with a large quantity (more than 15 percent of the work displayed) of simple work. If artists wish to display a large quantity of simple work, it must be presented in the same proportion as presented in the review or jury images.

Note:  The Guild understands that small work can be an important and essential sale item for an artist, therefore, an artist may display up to 15 percent of small work (this excludes novelty items defined above which are limited to 5%) without a separate review or jury image. The small work must be clearly shown in the artist’s booth image.  In addition, it is also understood (and encouraged) that experimentation with new work is part of the creative process. Ten percent of an artist’s display may be devoted to new work, without a separate review or jury image, if the new work is within the same medium and if the new work is of comparable quality to the artwork presented in the artist’s review or jury images. The exception to this is jewelry. If you wish to display jewelry as a second medium/small work in your booth, you must complete a separate application. You may only display jewelry if your jewelry jury application is accepted.

 
Exemptions
 
If an artist believes his or her work transcends these standards, the artist is welcomed to apply to The Guild’s Standards Committee for determination of eligibility.  The request must be made in writing at least 60 days prior to the fair for which the determination is requested.  There is no guarantee that an exemption will be granted.  The decision of The Guild is final.
 
Acceptability of Specific Work
In an effort to help artists determine whether their specific artwork complies with the event’s Exhibition Standards, the event has prepared the following list of artwork that does not meet the requirements. This list is a guideline to help artists determine whether or not their artwork is eligible; it is neither exhaustive, nor is unacceptable work limited to the items listed.
 
Ineligible work includes but is not limited to:
 
Jewelry
·   Cut coin jewelry
·   Enamels on manufactured representational copper shapes
·   Jewelry made of manufactured components
·   Jewelry made from flatware
· Commercial chains sold separately
· Permanent jewelry
·   Beads, not made by the artist.  There are only two exemptions to this rule:

1. If the beads are not made by the artist, they must clearly play a subordinate role in the finished piece; and
2. The requirement that beads must be made by the artist does not apply in the technique known as bead weaving, however, commercial bead weaving kits are not permitted.

·   Stud earrings in commercial settings
·   No simple strung or knotted pearls or beads will be allowed unless they play a subordinate role in the piece.
 
Clothing
·    T-shirts, sweat shirts, hats, and other commercially manufactured clothes, no matter how embellished by the artist
· No manufactured seams allowed in clothing blanks and upcycled clothing, including ties, pillow covers, etc. Scarves made from scarf blanks are limited to 20% of the booth.
·    Manufactured belt buckles sold separately from the belts
 
Other
·    Manufactured tiles with a design as a major component of the piece
·    Enamels on manufactured representational copper shapes
·    Commercially made glassware, flatware or serving pieces no matter how embellished by the artist
·    Alphabet photography, i.e. photographs composed of images representing letters of the alphabet and using those images to spell out names, dates, birthday greetings, etc.
·    Dried flowers, in groups, arrangements, or bouquets
·    Wreaths
·    Anything made in a commercial mold, in any medium
·    Anything made using a commercial kit, in any medium
·    Tole painting
·    Dough art
·    Country crafts
·    CDs and tapes
·    Food
·    Henna
·    Beauty Products
·    Candles​

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

The Guild recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage is a new technology and has many valid uses in the creation of original artwork. However, the Guild prohibits derivative artwork created by AI (or any other means) that relies solely on the work of others. This includes copying the original work of others in another medium. 

Standards and Requirements:

The Guild accepts only original artwork created by the submitting artist. Derivative works that are composed entirely by or rely on AI-generated imagery, text-to-image programs, or synthetic content created by artificial intelligence are not eligible for entry.

Digital tools such as Photoshop, Lightroom, or similar software may be used for editing, compositing, and color correction, provided that all imagery originates from the artist’s own creative source or is legally licensed. 

Artists must be able to provide documentation of their creative process and verify authorship, originality, and substantive creativity in their work products. 

Exhibition Standards Violations
 
Violations of the Exhibition Standards will be handled by the Standards Committee and designated Guild Staff. At all Guild fairs, every attempt will be made to inform artists as soon as possible of violations by issuing a Standards Warning. This warning gives the exhibiting artist a chance to correct the problem without penalty as long as the correction is immediate. If the problem is not corrected or if the violation is a continuing problem, the artist will be subject to stronger consequences that may include loss of exhibiting privileges and/or being required to close his or her booth immediately and vacate the booth space at the end of the event day. If the Committee is not able to resolve a problem during the fair, the Committee will review the situation and determine any necessary action following the event. 
 
The Standards Committee will make a good faith effort to inform artists of any potential standards problems and what steps to take to correct the problems following the Standards Review or the event jury.  However, it is the responsibility of the artists to comply with the Exhibition Standards. 
 
There are two exhibition standards that are considered to be inviolable under any circumstances:
 
1.       Engaging in “buy-sell” practices, that is, buying the work done by another and selling it as your own; or
2.       Selling commercially produced reproductions of the work of another artist.
 
If it is discovered that an artist has engaged in either of these practices, that artist will lose event exhibiting privileges immediately and permanently.
 
Exhibition Rules
 
RULE 1:  Exhibitors must comply with all local ordinances, regulations, and rules. These rules include but are not limited to:
 
o   Fire lanes shall not contain storage or any other obstructions.
o   Walk-through sidewalk-street connections shall not contain storage or any other obstructions.
o   Vehicles are not permitted within the barricades during fair hours. 
o   All booth material, tarps and other coverings shall be fire-retardant or fire resistant.  Open flames are not allowed.
o   No gasoline, kerosene or motor oils are permitted in the fair area.
 
RULE 2:  Booth spaces may not be transferred or otherwise reassigned by the artist.
 
RULE 3:  By one hour prior to fair opening on the fair’s first day, artists must have claimed (by their presence, or [if necessary] by phone) their booth space, otherwise their space may be resold with no refund issued.
 
RULE 4a:  Exhibitors must be present at the fair no less than 60 percent of each day. If the exhibitor is found to be in violation of this rule, the exhibitor’s booth must close immediately and remain closed until the exhibitor returns to the booth.
 
RULE 4b:  Exhibitors (and/or their artwork) cannot take part in any other Ann Arbor Fair (official or otherwise) which runs concurrently with the Guild’s Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair.  If an exhibitor is found in violation of this rule, the exhibitor will be required to close his or her Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair booth immediately, vacate the booth space at the end of the event day, and forfeit all booth fees. 
 
RULE 5: Booth structure and display must not exceed the limits of the assigned space.  Artwork hanging from display panels will not obstruct, or block clear and free passage.  If your artwork is hazardous, or interferes with your neighbor you will be asked to remove it.  Booth substructure must not impede water flow.
 
RULE 6:  Booth holders may share their space with no more than one other membership holder.
 
RULE 7:  Picture I.D. is required for fair registration, and must be presented upon the request of Rules Committee members or Guild staff at any time during the fair.
 
RULE 8:  Unless artists are officially notified of a fair emergency, booths must be open at the fair starting time and not close before the fair closing time.  Artists concerned with their personal safety may close.  Artists are expected to reopen as soon as the dangerous situation has ended.
 
RULE 9:  All Storage must be neatly concealed within the booth structure.  If the exhibitor is found to be in violation of this rule, the exhibitor’s booth will be required to close and remain closed until the storage issue is corrected.
 
RULE 10:  Signs advertising sales or markdowns are prohibited.
 
RULE 11:  Pets are prohibited on the fair site. Service animals are permitted.
 
RULE 12:  On-site consumption of alcoholic beverages during fair hours is prohibited.
 
RULE 13:  No debris may be left behind after tearing down.
 
Rule 14:  Rude, obscene or abusive language and/or threatened, actual physical restraint and/or abuse of another Guild member, Guild staff or general public are prohibited.
 
Rule 15:  There are specific chair and table rules for the Ann Arbor Summer Fair:  1) No tables or chairs are permitted outside the booth structure on both Main and Liberty streets; 2) For State street, each booth is allowed two chairs and one table, the table and chairs must be directly behind and adjacent to the booth, the table may not exceed 24” x 24”, no visible storage is allowed within or on the table.  The rule regarding the placement of chairs and tables may vary in each Guild event and/or may vary throughout the layout of a specific event. Exhibitors are required to adhere to the chair and table regulations established for the Guild event in which they are participating. 
 
RULE 16:  Use of sidewalks and planters is strictly prohibited.  Absolutely no items of any kind are allowed on University property.   Booths, chairs, tables and storage must be contained within the artist’s assigned street space (see Rule 15).
 
RULE 17:  Overhangs are not permitted on the fire lane side of your booth (street side). Overhangs are permitted (1) on State Street booths on the sidewalk side, (2) in the rear of Main Street booths, so long as the overhang does not extend over the sidewalk, and (3) on corner booths on any street, the overhang to extend into the pedestrian aisle only.  Overhangs may not exceed 30”, must be at least 80” above the curb and may not interfere with any other exhibitor’s booth or the traffic flow, or be used for display, signs, etc.
 
RULE 18:  Demonstrations are allowed within the assigned booth space.  All other requests are decided on a case-by-case basis by the Rules Committee.
 
RULE 19:  Sabbaticals may be taken every other year.  A sabbatical is available only to preserve a continuing space holder’s privilege to return to his or her space the following year.  Sabbaticals may not be taken in consecutive years; a sabbatical may not be taken to preserve a continuing space first assigned the year the sabbatical is requested. 
 
Rules Violations:  Violations of the Exhibition Rules will be handled by the Rules Committee and designated Guild Staff. At all Guild fairs, every attempt will be made to inform artists as soon as possible of violations by issuing a Rules Violation Warning. This warning gives the exhibiting artist a chance to correct the problem without penalty as long as the correction is immediate. If the problem is not corrected or if the violation is a continuing problem, the artist will be subject to stronger consequences that may include loss of exhibiting privileges and/or being required to close his or her booth immediately, vacate the booth space at the end of the event day, and forfeit all booth fees. For minor infractions, exhibitors may receive points for the rules violations.  Violations may be issued during or after a fair.  From one (1) to ten (10) points may be assessed per violation.  Accumulation of ten (10) points over a three-year period results in the suspension of exhibiting privileges for 13 months from the fair date of the violation resulting in the ten-point total. If the Committee is not able to resolve a problem during the fair, the Committee will review the situation and determine any necessary action following the event. 

Appeals:  Exhibitors have the right to an appeal in person or in writing to the Rules Committee after violation points are given.  The appeal must be made within 60 days of the date of the rules violation notification letter sent from the Guild office.

Cancellation Policy/Refunds 

1.       In the event you must cancel, please notify The Guild immediately, by calling Nicole McKay at 734.662.3382, ext. 301.
                               
2.       You are also required to put your cancellation in writing and send or email it to The Guild’s Artist Relations Director, Nicole McKay, nicole@theguild.org or The Guild, 118 North Fourth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1402.
 
3.       If the cancellation is made on or before the last day to cancel with refund, your booth fee will be refunded minus a $50 administration fee, unless otherwise noted.
 
There are no refunds on cancellations made after the refund deadline, unless otherwise noted.

2027 Booth Fees

All booth fees include a corner location and electricity unless otherwise noted.

$700 10’ x 10’ booth fee (on Liberty, with no electricity)
$750 10’ x 10’ booth fee         
$1500 10' x 20' booth fee
$1500 10' x 20' (20' deep) booth fee (On Main Street only)   
$1250 10’ x 17’ (17’ deep) booth fee (On Main Street only)
$2500 20' x 17' (17' deep) booth fee (On Main Street only)