Riverside Arts Center hosts fourth annual Holiday Art Fair

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, Engage @ EMU, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Washtenaw ISD.

Riverside Arts Center (RAC) will bring together more than 60 local artisans for its fourth annual Holiday Art Fair on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a suggested donation of $1, which goes to the RAC, 76 N. Huron St. in Ypsilanti.

“It is a great way to start your holiday shopping,” says Grey Grant, RAC’s communications manager. 

“We have a broad spectrum of vendors with items at different price points. You can find something big but also find small things for stocking stuffers or secret Santa gifts. It’s a lovely way to support creatives in their own community and to shop small and support small business owners.”

Artisans will be selling handmade art, vintage goods, self-care products, and more. All vendors manage their own sales, and all sales go to their respective vendors.

“We make sure we have a variety and a good balance of people,” says Grant.

Just a sampling of the exhibitors includes: Hann of the Wood, a linocut artist who offers bold prints inspired by nature on hand-dyed fabrics; Honeydew Moon Studio, which offers a wide array of ceramics from tiny sculptures to utilitarian works of art; Kiku Creative, which offers lightweight stained-glass-like jewelry; Original Moxie, a local favorite in hair care products designed for curls; and The Mighty Mitten, which offers prints of original artwork that highlight various Michigan destinations.

Corned Beef Queen and Rite Spice will serve food in the plaza, and Putt-R-Round will offer mini golf in the theater lobby. Ypsilanti Mayor Nicole Brown serves as this year’s vendor juror, selecting best in show and runner-up. Guests are encouraged to vote for the people’s choice award. Winning vendors will receive a monetary prize with award results announced by 2 p.m. Sunday: $250 for Best in Show, $200 for Runner Up and $125 for People’s Choice.

Visit riversidearts.org/art-fair for more information.