Street Art Encounter Returns to Downtown Ann Arbor for 2026

Ann Arbor, MI – Following the success of last year’s event, the Street Art Encounter is
returning to downtown Ann Arbor on Friday, September 11, from 12 PM to 8 PM, bringing
artists, businesses, and the community together for a day celebrating creativity and public art.
Presented by the Main Street Area Association (MSAA), Street Art Encounter will once again
transform downtown into an open-air gallery featuring live mural painting, interactive art
experiences, music, in-street dining, and family-friendly activities.

This year’s event will feature 16 artists from across Michigan and beyond, including talented
artists from Washtenaw County and nationally recognized artists. Attendees will have the
opportunity to watch artists create throughout the day, interact with the creative process, and
experience downtown Ann Arbor in a new way.

“Street Art Encounter is about creating an experience that brings people together through art,”
said Ashley Schafer, Executive Director of the Main Street Area Association. “After seeing
the incredible response from our community last year, we’re excited to bring the event back and
continue creating opportunities for artists to share their work while activating downtown in a
unique and engaging way.”

Featured Artists
The 2026 Street Art Encounter artist lineup includes:
● John Vasquez — Saginaw, MI
● Kevin Burdick — Fenton, MI
● Freddy Diaz — Detroit, MI
● Zack Curtis — Detroit, MI
● DeVaughn Collins — Saginaw, MI
● Charlie Boike — Flint, MI
● Alex Menzor — Kalamazoo, MI
● Steve Wood — Vernon, MI
● Cameron Jenkins — Farmington Hills, MI
● Samuel Turner — Ann Arbor, MI
● Selena Bender — Bay City, MI
● Elizabeth Ann Darling — Ann Arbor, MI
● Sierra Fancher & Benjamin Laman — Ypsilanti, MI
● Bunny (Shannon Millane) — South Lyon, MI
● Polina Poplavsky — Ann Arbor, MI
Event Highlights
● Live Art in Action – Watch local, regional, and nationally recognized artists create
original works throughout the day.
● Interactive Art Experiences – Engage with hands-on creative activities and
opportunities to participate in the art-making process.
● Live Entertainment – Enjoy music and entertainment while exploring the art-filled
streets of downtown.
● Youth + Family Activities – Family-friendly creative experiences will provide
opportunities for artists of all ages to participate.
● In-Street Dining – Enjoy food and beverages from downtown restaurants while
experiencing the event.
● Community Connections – Connect with local organizations, businesses, artists, and
community partners throughout the event.

Ann Arbor Art Center: A2AC Community Mural Wall
The Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC) will join the Street Art Encounter with a special community
art activation on Friday, September 11, from noon–5 PM.
The inside of the Art Center’s front ceramics studio windows along W. Liberty Street will be
painted white to create a canvas for community artwork. A2AC will provide window paint for
participants to use on the outside of the windows, along with chalk for creating artwork on the
sidewalk in front of the Art Center.

Community members are invited to stop by throughout the afternoon and add their own artwork
to the windows and sidewalk. Kelsey Hofe, A2AC’s Education Events Manager, and her
staff will manage the supply tables and encourage passersby to participate.
The community artwork will remain on display overnight, with the studio lights left on so visitors
can continue to view the artwork throughout the evening.
Community Support

The Street Art Encounter is made possible through the support of community partners and
sponsors who believe in the power of art, public spaces, and community events to bring people
together.

“We loved being part of the first-ever Street Art Encounter, and we're excited to be part of the
event again this year! It was a great chance to see so many talented people making art right in
the street and witness the final creations on giant murals. We're looking forward to seeing what
the artists create this year.”

— Rich Retyi, Communications and Marketing Manager, Ann Arbor District Library
Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to explore downtown Ann Arbor’s
restaurants, cafés, shops, and businesses while enjoying this immersive celebration of public
art.

About the Street Art Encounter
The Street Art Encounter was created by the Main Street Area Association to bring public art
directly into the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. By inviting artists to create in public spaces, the
event provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience art as it happens while
supporting local businesses and creating meaningful connections between artists and the
community.

The 2026 Street Art Encounter builds on the success of last year’s event and continues MSAA’s
commitment to creating vibrant, engaging experiences that activate downtown and strengthen
connections between businesses, artists, residents, and visitors.
For more information about the Street Art Encounter, visit mainstreetannarbor.org or follow Main
Street Area Association on social media