Holiday art fair featuring local artisans set to return to downtown Ypsi

Riverside Arts Center’s (RAC) Holiday Art Fair will return to downtown Ypsilanti Nov. 22 and 23 for the third year in a row, with three spaces throughout RAC filled with local handmade goods. The volunteer-run event aims to give Ypsi residents a jump start on their holiday shopping while supporting local artists, and a chance to see all that RAC has to offer to the community.

“When you walk into the fair, it often smells as good as it looks, and the energy is like nothing else,” explains Grey Grant, administrative and marketing assistant for RAC. “It’s such a lovely bustling atmosphere, the vibes are always excellent, and we make sure to have a little bit of everything.”

This year’s fair will feature 60 artists – about 10 more than last year’s fair – in RAC’s North Gallery, Off Center, and dance studio. Grant says the lineup is nearly evenly split between new and returning vendors. Grant hopes that “everyone can show up and go home with a beautiful piece of art.”

“The ability to accept more vendors this year was a huge deal for us,” they say. “All of our vendors are local to the southeast region of Michigan, and some have also engaged in other RAC programs like the Ypsi Fine Arts Club. It’s very exciting.”

Grant say RAC staff placed a “very strong emphasis” on goods made entirely by hand, while also highlighting diverse mediums. Categories such as vintage goods and self-care items like soaps and candles were also considered while selecting this year’s vendors. 

“I’ve long admired Riverside Arts Center’s dedication to artists in our community, and heard about the great success of the Holiday Art Fair last year from local artists,” says first-time vendor Isabel Wang of Arbor Trading Post. “We’re thrilled to join this celebration of local creativity, share our craft, and connect with everyone this holiday season.”

“The Riverside Art Center Holiday Art Show has been an amazing experience full of community, heartfelt support, and camaraderie,” says returning vendor Rebecca Miller of Rebecca Miller Illustration. “I can’t give enough props about the overwhelming positivity and cheer that this show generates for local artists, such as myself, and the ripple effect of connection and happiness is felt everywhere!”

While the past two fairs’ success has more or less secured the fair’s annual spot on RAC’s calendar, Grant says the show wouldn’t be possible without the support of sponsors and other local community members, as well as volunteers who help the day go smoothly. 

“A lot of different people go into making this event happen,” Grant says. “We’re very appreciative of the community support and so thankful to our sponsors.”

The RAC Holiday Art Fair will take place Nov. 22 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Nov. 23 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at RAC, 76 N. Huron St. in Ypsi. There is a suggested entry donation of $1 to the center, but no attendee will be turned away due to lack of funds. To see a full list of vendors or to sign up to volunteer, visit RAC’s website.

“One thing that we work hard on is thinking about access and accessibility, and how to put on these events in a holistic way,” says Grant. “We want to be able to welcome everyone into our space and have them experience all the wonderful creativity that Ypsi has to offer.”

On the Ground Ypsilanti is an “embedded journalism” program covering the city and township of Ypsilanti. It is supported by Ann Arbor SPARK, the Center for Health and Research Transformation, Destination Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Washtenaw ISD.