The Ann Arbor Art Fairs, one of the highlights of summer, is almost here again! The gorgeous patchwork of artists, music, street performance, food vendors, children's activities and much more will once again cover the streets of downtown Ann Arbor with its vibrant colors.

The year-long planning by many diverse groups including art organizations, merchants associations, and the City of Ann Arbor will culminate in an event that boasts over 1,100 artists and attracts over 500,000 people, about five times the population of the entire city. Be a part of the excitement from Wednesday, July 18th to Saturday, the 21st as the Ann Arbor Art Fairs once again turn the streets of Ann Arbor into a living, moving art installation. Hours are Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Over the past 43 years the Ann Arbor Art Fairs have become known for showcasing a variety of work from visual artists from around the country. Less known is the Fairs' long-time commitment to fostering creative expression in adults and children. This year, the Fairs are expanding this commitment with an additional art activity area.

The Farmer Jack Imagination Station, the Farmer Jack Artful Kid Zone and now the Farmer Jack Kid's Mural will all offer free, interactive art activities for children and adults alike. The Farmer Jack Kid's Mural is the newest activity for children at the Ann Arbor Art Fairs.

This 6' x 16' canvas will be located on Liberty between Fifth and Division in the State Street Area Fair. As always, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair and the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair will both offer a variety of fun and educational art activities. At the Artful Kid Zone, located on Church St. north of South University in the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, kids can make windsocks and puppets, do tempera painting or make a wild sculpture.

The Imagination Station, located on Liberty between Fourth and Fifth, will offer activities such as leaf rubbings, found object sculpture and God's Eyes, a style of Mexican Folk Art. In addition, there will be street performers, musicians and artist demonstrations dispersed throughout the Fairs.

The Art Fairs will be easier than ever to navigate, as two of the Fairs are remodeling their layouts to provide more open spaces and easier access to the artists and their work. Traveling to the Fairs should be easier too. According to MDOT there are no major construction projects scheduled for the immediate Ann Arbor Area during the Fairs.

Art Fair attendees are encouraged to park for free at Pioneer High School or at Briarwood Mall and take the AATA shuttle directly to the Fairs for $2 roundtrip. In addition, the AATA trolley is available to transport people from Fair to Fair for only 50 cents.

For information, please call the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-888-9487.