Art Birmingham Opens Today, Celebrates 30 Years

The great thing about an art fair, according to Max Clayton, executive director of The Guild of Artists & Artisans, is the number of unique items available for sale.

At this weekend in Shain Park, 170 local and national artists will offer distinctive their works at the annual art show, which is celebrating is 30th anniversary this year.

Art Birmingham — one of the city's two major art festivals, along with Common Ground's Street Art Fair — is co-sponsored by The Guild and the (BBAC). Addie Langford, CEO of the BBAC, said this year is especially exciting as the fair returns to Shain Park. Construction there last year had forced both art festivals to move to South Old Woodward Avenue.

Clayton said the caliber of work for this year's fair is outstanding, and she's excited to see many returning artists alongside several newcomers.

“One thing that attracts people to a fair like this is (that) everything is one of a kind, and you’ll also find that an art fair is surprisingly intimate,” Clayton said. “You get to talk with the artists that make the work and create relationships with them.”

Langford said there will be a variety of art at the fair, from clay sculptures, jewelry, photographs, pottery, digital creations and more.

“We are trying to encourage some new media, more mixed media, and we’ve been encouraging more photography,” Langford said.

Although Clayton is excited about all the artists at the fair, she did note a few who are a must-see for show attendees, including Michael Rawson of Perrysburg, OH, Sooney Kadouh of Royal Oak, Annette Morrin of Lambertville and Simon and Joy Tarasiewicz of Birch Run.

Clayton said Rawson creates fabulous wooden rocking chairs.

“They are incredible, they really just blew us away,” she said of his work.

Kadouh is a young photographer whose photographs showcase Detroit. Clayton said Kadouh does an exceptional job looking at the city's iconic buildings and really capturing the “nice urban vibe and grittiness." Morrin, a returning artist to the show, has a beautiful selection of jewelry to offer.

The Tarasiewiczes specialize in a craft Clayton thinks will be a great draw for families with young children: wooden toys. Even though many people come in search of paintings and jewelry, she said that sometimes the gem is that sturdy, wooden toy for a child.

“These are really beautiful toys that are going to last forever,” Clayton said.

One of Clayton’s favorite artists is Doug Spalding of Royal Oak, who will have a booth at the fair as well. He specializes in clay and ceramic works of art. 

“It’s one of the first fairs of the season for me, and it’s good because it’s local,” Spalding said. “I just look forward to getting out, and I have a number of regular people who come to this fair and buy my work.”

While at the show, artists will be judged for the quality of their work, with a best-in-show, first- and second-place ribbons awarded. In order to be accepted into the show, artists first had to receive a high rating from a jury of six individuals.

“We’re at capacity with our artists, we’re pleased with their work, and it should be a great show,” Langford said.

Art Birmingham runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. throughout the weekend, beginning Saturday.