With almost 300 acres of beautiful lawn and intown woodland, Palmer Park is surrounded by northwest Detroit’s most established and active neighborhoods. It’s no wonder that the 9th Annual Palmer Park Art Fair is such a highly anticipated summer event. On Saturday, June 4, from 10AM - 7PM, and Sunday, June 5, from 11AM - 5PM, the picturesque portion of the park adjacent to the historic log cabin and Lake Frances will be transformed into a family-friendly event for all to enjoy. The park is located at 910 Merrill Plaisance St., Detroit, Mich. 48203, between McNichols and 7 Mile Roads, west of Woodward. 

The free event will be an immersive art experience for those of all ages to explore hundreds of original artworks of various media, including painting, sculpture, music, mixed media, and more.  

“The art fair was a major event in the 1970s, disappearing for 30 years, before being revived in 2013,” says Mark Loeb, founder of Integrity Shows and producer of the Palmer Park Art Fair. “Now, in its ninth year, and with funds from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, we’re able to accommodate more local artists and expanded musical offerings.”  

The art fair creates opportunities for Detroit artists to connect with art buyers. The inventory will include a mix of traditional art fairs and a showcase of artists just starting out. The 2022 fair will feature more than 100 artists and artisans from some 15 states – as well as interactive activities, including: 

• Mint Artists Guild - Talented teen artists will guide attendees in making their own arty musical instruments. 

• Art in Motion, Livernois - Leading attendees in painting ceramic boats. 

• Drum Circle - All are invited to join. 

• Detroit Fine Art Breakfast Club - More than 20 emerging artists, ranging in age from 20 to 70-plus. 

• Detroit Art Teachers Association - Both professional and emerging artists, highlighting the talents of those who teach our children. 

• The Scarab Club - Sketching demonstrations. 

• Music stage - Live local talent. 

• Specialty food booths. 

The art of the written word will also be on display. One of the first art fairs to include writers, this year the festival has expanded the authors’ tent to feature more than 20 local writers in a variety of genres. Many will present readings from their books. The event will also feature live poetry reading. 

New artists participating in the fair include: jeweler Teaty Pawoo, sculptor Valerie Davis, painter Emily Matticks, author Paul Vachon and drummer Kxng Osei. 

 “We love creating opportunities for partnership with People For Palmer Park, said Keith Flournoy, Deputy Director, Detroit Parks & Recreation. "This art fair is a signature event and we are thrilled to see people fill Palmer Park and enjoy the beautiful weather." 

The Palmer Park Art Fair is one of the few fairs that still offers a limited-edition artistic poster. The 2022 poster, with a print run limited to 100, is a commissioned work by artist Desiree Kelly.  She is known for her distinctive mixture of “street art” and traditional oil technique, her massive murals, and as Detroit’s premiere portrait painter. To purchase the poster, visit www.palmerparkartfair.com. 

Admission and parking are free. For more event information visit www.palmerparkartfair.com. 

Photo/poster credit: Desiree Kelly