Sept 28-29 – Birmingham Street Art Fair to Benefit Common Ground
Birmingham, MI – The Guild of Artists & Artisans (The Guild), producers of the
world-renowned Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, are proud to continue partnering with Common Ground to
bring you Common Ground’s Birmingham Street Art Fair, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. This
event located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, in and around Shain Park, will take place on
September 28-29 and will be free to the public. The fine art fair will showcase 100 artists, a silent art
auction to benefit Common Ground, art activities for kids and adults, live music, and food. The event is
within walking distance to convenient parking as well as close to the many unique stores and fabulous
restaurants of downtown Birmingham.
This fair is produced by the nonprofit organization The Guild of Artists and Artisans which also produces
the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair as well as eight other fine art fairs (including this one) for a total of nine
fairs which take place across southeast Michigan and into Ohio. The Guild also manages the Gutman
Gallery in downtown Ann Arbor. The Guild has been helping raise community awareness, understanding
and appreciation of the visual arts and to maintain a support network for artists for more than fifty
years.
Common Ground is a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping people move from crisis to hope. The
agency’s programs throughout Oakland and Genesee Counties are a lifeline for anyone in crisis, victims
of crime, people with mental illness, support for those affected by suicide or homicide, and others in
critical situations. The organization provides most of its services free of charge to more than 165,000
individuals each year. The Birmingham Street Art Fair is an important fundraiser for the organization, and
has been a part of their fundraising efforts almost since the beginning: Common Ground was founded in
1971, and the first fair was held in 1974. This collaboration with the Guild helps Common Ground
maintain its status as an important regional resource helping people in crisis while ensuring the
continuation of this highly-respected fine art fair.
The participating artists are jury-selected and include jewelry, ceramics, painting, glass, photography,
fiber and more. The featured artwork for this year’s event is created by painter Kathleen Willer
(Menomonee Falls, WI; Booth 21). There will be several local, regional, and artists from across the
country, such as Karri Jamison (Painting; Hillsboro, WI; Booth 45/46), Sally Austin (Mixed Media;
Carrollton, GA; Booth 26), Emily Jenkins (Ceramics; Ann Arbor, MI; Booth 78), Oscar Matos Linares
(Photography; Chicago, IL; Booth 24), and Sarah Stanton (Jewelry; South Lyon, MI; Booth 17).
In addition to the many talented artists selling their work throughout the weekend, there will be a silent
auction at the fair with proceeds directly benefiting Common Ground and consisting of artwork donated
by the fair’s participating artists. The public is invited to browse and bid for the items in person at the
Common Ground booth, or place bids remotely through Give Butter (https://givebutter.com/c/bY3iFr).
There will also be a free art activity for children and adults facilitated by the Common Ground art therapy
team from 12-2pm on Saturday, and 1-3pm on Sunday.
Both The Guild of Artists and Artisans and Common Ground are excited to be celebrating this year’s 50th
fair and are overjoyed to carry on this long standing tradition. “Common Ground looks upon [the fair] as
a community event, a chance to interact with our neighbors and to also raise much needed funds for
many programs,” says Kay White, former board member and longtime supporter of Common Ground.
“The Guild’s outstanding production of Art in the Park matches the standards that Common Ground
holds itself to, and the partnership is successful and truly valued.”
WHAT: Common Ground’s Birmingham Street Art Fair
WHEN: August 28-29, 2024; Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 10am – 5pm
WHERE: Downtown Birmingham, in and around Shain Park (270 W Merrill St, Birmingham, MI 48009)
Pictured: Kathleen Willer, Emily Jenkins
