NANA, NEW ART NEW ARTIST at the
66th Annual Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original
is the Perfect Opportunity for Emerging Artists
What is NANA?
Established in 2006, the New Art, New Artists (NANA) College Student Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for Michigan college students to showcase and sell their artwork at Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original—at no cost to participants. Artists keep 100% of their sales revenue while receiving comprehensive guidance and mentorship, gaining invaluable exposure and entrepreneurial experience.
Each year, six college artists are selected through a competitive jury process to exhibit their work at the fair. These artists enjoy equal access to all professional amenities and join a tradition of fostering artistic growth. Eligibility is open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Michigan colleges and universities.
How Does NANA Work?
The NANA artists collaborate as a cohesive team to create a shared booth while receiving personalized mentoring from the AASAF team. From April to July, NANA artists participate in meetings to develop skills such as:
Designing captivating art fair booths
Writing compelling artist statements
Effectively engaging with the public and making sales
Each artist is also paired with a professional mentor who provides additional guidance and fosters lasting connections. These relationships often extend well beyond the program, supporting artists as they establish their careers.
This is your opportunity to participate in a prestigious, zero-cost program that supports your growth as an artist, entrepreneur, and professional. We can’t wait to promote your work and celebrate your talent at the 66th Annual AASAF, The Original!
Why is the NANA Program the Perfect Art Fair for You?
The NANA Program is the ideal platform for emerging college artists to take the leap into the professional art world. Here’s why:
Unparalleled Exposure and Opportunity
High Artist Sales: The fair generates over $2.3 million in annual sales, giving artists a proven platform to reach enthusiastic buyers.
Massive Attendance: Your work will be seen by over 400,000 art lovers at the nation’s largest juried outdoor art fair.
Prime Location: The fair is hosted in the heart of Ann Arbor, with your booth set in a picturesque, high-traffic area near the iconic Burton Bell Tower.
Esteemed Recognition and Tradition
66 Years of Excellence: As the original of three Ann Arbor fairs, AASAF is renowned for showcasing gallery-quality, one-of-a-kind fine art and craft.
Competitive Jury Process: Gain recognition as your work is evaluated by world-renowned jurors and esteemed peers.
Exclusive Benefits for NANA Artists
Zero Cost: Participation is completely free, and artists keep 100% of their sales revenue.
Collaborative Booth Experience: Work alongside fellow NANA artists in a shared booth, fostering mutual support for successful sales.
Personalized Mentorship: Receive one-on-one guidance from professional artists and AASAF staff from April through July. Gain expertise in:
Presenting your artwork
Crafting compelling artist statements
Designing captivating booths
Engaging effectively with buyers and collectors
John Stanley Guest Mentorship: Learn from John Stanley, a distinguished figure in the art museum world and current President of the Board of Directors for the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original (AASAF). As a guest mentor for NANA's 2025 program, Stanley brings a wealth of expertise gained from a career that includes prominent roles at the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Toledo Museum of Art. Throughout his tenure, he has overseen numerous large-scale projects and collaborated with renowned architects such as Frank Gehry, Norman Foster, and Renzo Piano. Stanley's dedication to the museum field and his invaluable insights make this mentorship an unmatched professional learning opportunity..
Exceptional Artist Support
Networking Opportunities: Engage directly with 100 collectors, gallery owners, designers, and influencers through exclusive Buyer Tours.
Far-Reaching Promotion: Be featured in the fair’s extensive marketing efforts, including a national TV audience of 3.5 million, 8.7 million radio listeners, and over 1.3 billion print and online views.
Year-Round Visibility: Gain ongoing exposure in the fair’s online artist directory and robust social media campaigns.
Community and Amenities
Hospitality: Enjoy complimentary breakfasts, refreshments, gelato, and access to air-conditioned restrooms. Booth sitting and water delivery ensure a seamless experience.
Artist Reception: Network with fellow artists, donors, jurors, and collectors at an exclusive reception catered by The Moveable Feast.
Convenient Housing and Parking: Access the artist housing referral program, discounted hotel rates, and easy parking near your booth.
2024 NANA Participants
Ayanna Bell
University of Michigan Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design
Denali Gere
University of Michigan Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design
Ofelia Nunez-Regueiro
University of Michigan Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design
David Reyes
Eastern Michigan University
Samson Shofoluwe
Eastern Michigan University
Joey Siep
Michigan State University
NANA 2023 Scholarship Opportunities:
The NANA program offers students the chance to exhibit at the Ann Arbor Original Street Art Fair. Laural Dugan, a 2023 participant, exemplifies its success, winning a $5000 cash prize. Her work, inspired by the BMW XM hybrid crossover and the Aperol Spritz, showcases the talent fostered within NANA, encouraging aspiring artists to apply and showcase their creativity.
Inspired by the innovative BMW XM hybrid crossover, Laural's analog/digital painting seamlessly melds elements of vintage poster designs and the renowned Italian cocktail, the Aperol Spritz. Her work stood out amongst a pool of talented artists featured in the Fair's 2023 New Art, New Artists programs.
Join us in commending Laura's exceptional achievement, which underscores the caliber of talent fostered within the NANA program.
2023 NANA Participants
Laurel Dugan
Kendall College of Art & Design of Ferris State University
Painting
Sophia Gallette
University of Michigan-STAMPS
Jewelry
Emily Mann
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Printmaking
David Reyes
Eastern Michigan University
Photography
Katherine Savelle
College for Creative Studies
Photography
Joey Siep
Michigan State University
Ceramics
Several of our NANA artists have gone on to become professional art fair artists.
Look where they are now!
NANA artists from every year have gone on to have extremely successful careers in the Arts! We are so honored to have been part of these young artists paths.
Amber Harrison
Artist, Craftsman, Designer, Sculptor, Jeweler
"I was lucky enough to be part of the New Art, New Artist group right after graduation from the University of Michigan, School of Art and Design. The AASAF was the launching pad that helped my fine arts career begin. I gained access to mentors, resources, and an education in a field that doesn’t have many open doors. Because of the experience with AASAF I exhibited at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show in 2014. I am proud and so happy to be part of the AASAF because of their standards in selection of talent and quality in the work that is displayed every year. The group of artists that frequent the AASAF, who I get to now call my friends, are truly some of the best in the country, and the reason I keep coming back!"
Jake Blok
After participating in the New Art, New Artist program, Jake applied to the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original and was accepted his first year. Jake has successfully participated each year since and has grown his furniture business.
Taylor Mazer
Taylor Mazer graduated Kendall College of Art and Design in 2012 with a BFA in illustration and has gone on to win various awards such as Best of Show at the Rockford Art Museum Greenwich Village Art Fair and Best in Show and the Mayor’s Award at the Penrod Arts Fair.
Tefari Stevenson-Howard
Tefari has stayed in the Ann Arbor Area and currently runs a photography studio in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Ruth Marks
Non-profit Housing Executive Assistant, Artist, Founding Director of FLY Children’s Art Center
"I really really loved being in the Emerging artists group at the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair. It was an amazing way to learn the skills needed to run my own booth the following year as an actual artist in the same fair. I learned how to interact with guests in the booth and I got to meet other artists participating in the fair. My current career does not really reflect my experience in the fair, however, I am still very grateful for my experience as an Emerging Artist."
Austen Brantley
Austen has continued to create and has had his art displayed at Grand Rapids City Hall and the Charles H. Wright museum. He continues to show in gallery exhibitions and art fairs around Michigan.
Janelle Songer
Janelle graduated from the College for Creative Studies in 2008 with a Bachelor of Fine Art. She continues to attend various art fairs and has her work for sale in a number of different galleries.
Sophia Zhou
Sophia has a background in architecture and graphic design and currently specializes in fine art photography and mixed media artwork, which she sells on her etsy shop. She also was a part of PowerArt! in 2015, an Ann Arbor program to cover traffic signal utility boxes with artwork created by the participants.
Alex Jacque
Designer
"So far in my career I’ve worn many hats, and currently my title is simply "Designer." More specifically though I’m a Product Designer. Generally, that means that I design interfaces and user flows for apps. While I didn’t launch into a fine arts career, and while the art fair circuit isn’t necessarily for me, AASAF helped me realize that I still do quite enjoy making, talking about, and selling my work in a capacity other than as just a freelance designer. There’s something really enjoyable about seeing someone use or appreciate something that I’ve produced—be it photograph, typeface, app, or screen print—and AASAF was where I got that first taste."
