Members of the community look forward to the eclectic, diverse group of artists invited to Detroit each year for the Palmer Park Art Fair. The neighborhood event May 6-7 is produced by Detroit-based Integrity Shows in partnership with the non-profit group People for Palmer Park.
Around 80 artists from 20 states will come together around Lake Francis and the original Log Cabin in Palmer Park, which is featured in this year's art fair poster design. The 2017 winning poster was created by College for Creative Studies graduate Amy Ferguson. It shows tulips and blue skies surrounding the log structure built in 1885 for former Senator Thomas Palmer and his wife. The limited edition poster's border shows the historic cabin windows, which are being renovated this year with funds raised by the People for Palmer Park.
Artists bring trailers and trucks full of fine paintings, creative sculpture, pottery and more to be viewed and purchased in the space off Merrill Plaissance between McNichols and 7 Mile Road. 130 artists applied to be a part of the art fair this year. Criteria included quality of work, the creativity of image and presentation.
"We are proud to be able to be selective, and certain that you will be impressed with those you see at the show. To keep the show fresh about half of the artists are new to the show each year, while the remaining ones are crowd favorites from previous shows," said Mark Loeb, event coordinator.
New artists include ceramic and tile artists Thomas and Sarah Gelsanliter, fine art photographer Kate Tillman and Judy Bowman, whose mixed-media collages are quickly becoming must-haves. Long-time favorites Ron Scarbough and Donald Calloway will also be there. The artist traveling the longest distance to participate is former Detroiter Kenyatta Ray, who is coming from Belgium to share his paintings.
Revived four years ago after a 30-year absence, the art fair is committed to helping young artists develop the skills necessary to thrive in creative careers in partnership with the Mint Artists Guild. The non-profit group welcomes high school students from St. Clair Shores, Hamtramck, Lincoln Park and Detroit to the art fair this year.
In 2016, Ferndale artist Espacia Fotiu was part of the Mint Artists tent. She will go solo this year with her paintings and mixed-media work that features bits of twigs and natural elements.
The Palmer Park Art Fair gives a variety of entertainment and food options for guests also. Food Lab, a Detroit nonprofit that promotes local socially-responsible food enterprises, will host a tent full of small artisan food purveyers. Among them are Georgia Brown's Gourmet Foods' specialty baked goods; Detroit Gourmet Nut Co.; Mama Suebee's Kitchen with kale chips; Kaleidoscope gourmet chocolates and Friends Potato Chips.
Two food trucks will satisfy your physical hunger: Fire Kissed Pizza and Chick-A-Dee, and a beer tent run by the People for Palmer Park will offer Motor City Brewing favorites.
The art fair is free to attend on May 6 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and on May 7 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.palmerparkartfair.com.
Upcoming Art Fairs in Michigan
Westside Art Hop in Ann Arbor
May 13
http://www.facebook.com/events/188319745000109/
East Lansing Art Festival
May 20-21
http://www.elartfest.com/
Kensington Metropark Art Fair in Milford
May 27-29
http://www.kensingtonartfair.com/
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair
June 2-3
http://www.kiarts.org/
Art on the Grand in Farmington
June 3-4
http://www.artonthegrand.com/
Flint Art Fair
June 10-11
http://www.flintartfair.org/
Royal Oak Clay, Glass & Metal Show
June 10-11
http://integrityshows.wixsite.com/royal-oak-cgm
Berkley Art Bash
June 10
http://www.berkleyartbash.com/
The Ann Arbor Art Fair
July 23-27
https://artfairs.visitannarbor.org/
Orchard Lake Fine Art Show in West Bloomfield
July 29-30
http://hotworks.org/orchardlakefineartshow/
