Ann Arbor has what is considered a thriving art scene, with its dedication to public art both big and small. Ann Arbor celebrates and values public art. It’s full of world class events that celebrate the beautiful art and culture we have in our city, and holds “the largest juried art fair in the Nation,” according to the Ann Arbor Art Fair Website.
Private businesses, restaurants, and community centers have teamed up with various artists to create eye-catching murals all around the city. As a result Ann Arbor is filled with super creative and unique murals that give the city life. Each piece is colorful, eye-catching, and absolutely unforgettable. With so many murals added each and every year, it is almost a crime if you don’t make it to Ann Arbor to see the art.
If you are a fan of murals like “We the youth” by Keith Haring in Philadelphia or the “9/11 Memorial” by Lady Pink in New York you will definitely enjoy these Ann Arbor art pieces. All are similar because of their eye-catching colors, design, and the artist’s skill.
Some of these popular Ann Arbor murals include “Drifts,” “Symbiosis of the Red Bellied Woodpecker and the Eastern Bluebird,” “Challenge Everything. Create Anything,” and others.
“Drifts” by Ouizi (Louise Jones) is located on building 200 S. Ashley, it portrays a field of flowers that appear to be swaying or “drifting” with the breeze. The complementary color scheme of yellow and purple is, to say the least, eye-catching. The mural fits around the building beautifully in order to create a panoramic scene. Ouizi said, “This mural is based on a visit to the Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens this summer where I saw these flowers blooming.” This mural is so immersive, when you’re viewing it it feels as though you’re really there laying in the field of flowers. Overall this mural is gorgeous and a favorite among the locals.
“Symbiosis of the Red Bellied Woodpecker and the Eastern Bluebird ” by Jacob Dwyer, located on building 117 N. 1st, is a depiction of how the Red Bellied Woodpecker and the Eastern Bluebird benefit from each other. This mural both portrays motion in a balanced flowing composition. The details of the birds also easily pop against the dark background and makes you appreciate the artist’s skill. Dwyer said that this piece could, “…serve as a small educational experience for some viewers or just a formal graphic art experience for others.”
“Challenge Everything. Create Anything” by Mary Thiefels and Danijel Matanic, located on 100 S. 4th Avenue is one of the largest murals in Ann Arbor and can be seen from blocks away. This mural is about how Ann Arbor values and grows creativity. “Challenge everything” is one of my favorites because of how it demonstrates the amount of creativity that can come from one person. The mural starts out small and as it gets higher up the building wall becomes larger and more colorful.
Another mural by Joey Salamon located at S. Ashley St. Parking lot shows us how amazing the Ann Arbor art scene truly is. This mural is breathtaking. The way the artist used a combination of shape and color creates dimension – it pops. Salamon said, “The end goal is to create something that exudes joyfulness and brings pride to the community in which it exists.” I think it’s safe to say that he has successfully achieved his goal.
The best part of the murals in Ann Arbor is that they are walkable and are interactive through apps and online maps and activities. An added bonus is that you can also explore the town while you grab something to eat and get coffee while enjoying the beautiful art.
