5 Ways to Spark Creativity in and Around Ann Arbor

April 11, 2022 Janna Vukovich 342 Views Ann Arbor, Arts, Theater, U-M

How to find inspiration in the era of Covid-19

—By Mallory Edgell, Janna Vukovich, and Jamilah Willis

For individuals in this pandemic era, it can be hard to find the same inspiration in creativity that used to exist before the world was forced apart. After nearly two years of masking up and staying home, passions may have dwindled due to the lack of artistic resources and activities to participate in. Luckily, many arts organizations have found unique and safe ways to reopen and begin their missions of arts education and curation once again. These organizations serve as beacons of creativity for students and Ann Arbor residents in this time of isolation. So, if you are looking for inspiration, here are five arts areas to explore and events to attend to bring creativity back into your life.

Theatre

Theatre has been one of the industries most affected by the pandemic. However, ghost lights are finally turning off and rehearsal rooms are coming back to life. If you enjoy live performances whether musicals, plays, operas, and more, here are some theatre organizations you can currently attend with proof of vaccination:

The Purple Rose, located in Chelsea, MI, is a professional theatre company started by actor Jeff Daniels. The Purple Rose is dedicated to supporting the development of new American theatre works, while also creating high quality productions of American favorites. Their upcoming show, Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine, will run until August 27, 2022. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible seating. Hearing loop technology to help with hearing aids and cochlear implants.
The Wharton Center is a performing arts center that has served the East Lansing community since 1982. The Wharton Center is a venue space for music ensembles such as the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, as well as Michigan State University’s theatre department productions. Impressively, the Wharton Center also serves as a stop for many Broadway national tour productions. Upcoming shows include the national tours of Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and Ain’t Too Proud. Accessibility: ASL interpretation, audio description, open captioning. Wheelchair accessible seating. Service animals allowed. Sensory-friendly performances (select performances).
University Productions is the University of Michigan’s theatrical production company. University Productions produces 10 shows each school year, including plays, musicals, operas, and a dance concert. Showcasing the talents of University of Michigan students on and offstage, these productions offer exceptional art for the Ann Arbor community. The last production of the University Productions season, Hair, will run April 14-17. Accessibility: Call the ticket office at (734)764-2538 for more information.

Art Museums

Art museums have been a central part of our cultural learning for centuries. Public access to these works of art, some done by masters, some by emerging artists, is such a privilege, and University of Michigan students are fortunate enough to be within range of two great museums.

Photo of the University of Michigan Museum of Art at sunset — UMMA, photo by Janna Vukovich

DIA (Detroit Institute of the Arts): Founded in 1885, the DIA hosts more than 65,000 works of art in more than one-hundred gallery spaces, an art reference library, an art conservation lab, as well as learning spaces for the public and students at local communities. In addition to the vast diversity of the permanent collections on display, the DIA hosts many exciting exhibitions that are open to the public.
UMMA (University of Michigan Museum of Art): “Officially” founded in 1909, the UMMA hosts one of the largest and oldest collections of art of any university in the country. Beginning its collection in 1856, it provided free (still free today!) access to works of art to U-M students and the local community well before the actual museum was established. The UMMA not only provides a space for quiet wandering and lively debate, but a cafe studying, as well as auditoriums where university students can attend class.

Festivals

Festivals are a great part of the Ann Arbor art scene! The festival scene may not be familiar to many of us because of the Covid-19 pandemic; however, there are a few festive art traditions that livened the streets of Ann Arbor once upon a time.

Ann Arbor Arts Festival: Celebrating fine art is easy in Ann Arbor. During the summer, downtown Ann Arbor has good weather and nearly 1,000 artists along the main streets. The Ann Arbor Art Festival comprises three independent consecutive art fairs: Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original; Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair; and Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair. The festivals are complete with art vendors, galleries, and local restaurants that are listed on the Main Street Association and that State Street Association.
A2SF (Ann Arbor Summer Festival): This festival has been a community tradition since 1984. A2SF provides Ann Arbor townies with world-class art and entertainment. This event highlights local treasures and services as a hub for creatives within the community. The program usually has one ticketed performance, and one free outdoor performance at various venues, taking place in-person in Ann Arbor. Currently there is an in-person performance from March 8 – April 24 in the UMMA. Tickets are $10 for general audiences and $5 for students.

Music and Comedy Venues

Music and comedy venues admittedly are not the usual go-to spot for a college student on a weekend night. However, the passion of local aspiring artists drives a local audience to fill these performance venues, dear to the Ann Arbor community.

A photo of the facade of The Ark, downtown Ann Arbor — The Ark, photo by Janna Vukovich

The Blind Pig: As one of the hippest spots in town, The Blind Pig hosts weekly comedy Mondays, local musical talent, and up-and-coming artists. Depending on the artist or talent, the club’s cover is quite affordable for students who are looking to take a break from their standard Friday night routine, most often being either free, or around $10-20. “It was Nirvana, years after they played there, who gave the Pig their most flattering moment in the limelight when they, on a televised MTV interview, cited the club as their number one venue of choice anywhere, ever” (Steve Gurtz, The Michigan Daily).
The Ark hosts events and performances ranging from open stage nights to student shows to concerts and festivals, but they are well known for their preservation and encouragement of folk, roots and ethnic music and related arts. Founded by four campus churches in 1965, the Ark was a gathering space for students to drink coffee and support local art. In addition to the many events hosted at the Ark, the club initiated, and continues to organize the Ann Arbor Folk Festival, as well as Open Stage for emerging artists to present their talents to the community.

Art Classes

Art Classes are a great way to expand your learning experience and try making something that might not get you into STAMPs but it will get you out of the house. There are plenty of interesting crafts you can learn on campus that would surprise you.

Ann Arbor Potters Guild: Molding clay into beautiful shapes is a good deal. Join the Ann Arbor Potters Guild and create your own unique ceramics. In the first weekend in June and the first weekend in December Potters Guild holds a pottery sale for individuals to purchase. They also offer ceramic lessons in their 14-week pottery classes. Pottery Guild is your chance to enhance your ceramic skills and get creative.
Ann Arbor Art Center: This is a forum for visual arts using several engaging artistic community investments. The Ann Arbor Art Center offers plenty of opportunities for individuals of all ages to explore creative paths that align with them. The Ann Arbor Art Center takes part in designing public art, providing art workshops, photographs, and art supplies for personal projects.

Feature photo by russn_fckr on Unsplash.