What Is NANA?
Established in 2006, the New Art, New Artists (NANA) College Student Program offers Michigan college students the opportunity to sell their artwork at the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original while receiving comprehensive guidance. Participation is free and artists keep 100% of their sales revenue. Selected artists enjoy equal access to amenities and mentorship from established artists, gaining valuable exposure and entrepreneurial experience. Six college artists are chosen by jury to exhibit their work at the fair, fostering artistic growth and development. Eligibility requires current enrollment at a college or university in Michigan, and is open to undergraduate and graduate students.
How Does NANA work?
The jury selected NANA artists collaborate as a cohesive team, working together to create a shared booth and providing mutual support to ensure successful sales. Our NANA college students receive personalized mentoring from the dedicated staff of the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original, starting from their acceptance in April until the Fair in July. Throughout this period, our student artists actively engage in meetings where they gain valuable skills in presenting their artwork, crafting compelling Artist Statements, designing captivating art fair booths, and receiving tips on effective public interaction and art sales.
Furthermore, each student is paired with a Mentor, an experienced Art Fair Artist, who offers additional guidance and support. Many of these mentor-mentee relationships extend beyond the program's duration, blossoming into year-long partnerships that assist these aspiring artists in establishing their artistic ventures and making significant strides in their careers.
NANA 2024 Guest Mentorship with John Stanley:
John Stanley, a distinguished figure in the art museum world, provides guest mentorship for NANA's 2024 program. With a career spanning roles at institutions like the Whitney Museum of American Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Toledo Museum of Art, Stanley brings invaluable expertise to guide participants. Throughout his tenure, he oversaw numerous large-scale projects and collaborated with acclaimed architects such as Frank Gehry, Norman Foster, and Renzo Piano. His dedication to the museum field is further evidenced by his recent appointment as the newest member of the Board of Directors for the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original.
2024 NANA Participants
Ayanna Bell
University of Michigan Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design
ARTIST BIO: Ayanna Aneesa-Rafia, an Ann Arbor native and University of Michigan graduate, is a painter whose current work reflects the profound transition from adolescence to adulthood, capturing the challenges and growth of this transformative period. Her paintings serve as a visual narrative of this journey, reflecting the emotional depth and complexity of this life stage. Ayanna's studies in interior architecture in Copenhagen, Denmark, have further shaped her artistic vision, influencing her approach to painting and its interaction with interior spaces. Her work not only evokes emotion, but also has the ability to transform and enhance the spaces they inhabit.
ARTIST STATEMENT: Ayanna Aneesa-Rafia is a multidisciplinary artist living and studying in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her work is primarily focused within painting, which often represents the incessant desire to capture her psyche. Through experimentation and following intuitive creative choices with color, texture, and movement in her paintings, she enters an entrancing process, reaching the depths of her emotional world. As a result, this transient period of creation unravels a defining moment of resolution and reflection of herself and the world around her.
Denali Gere
University of Michigan Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design
ARTIST BIO: My reach across cultures uses diverse materials from the natural to the made. My art reflects the Kaska Dena diaspora; conversations between Native and Eurocentric cultures, the relationality of all, living and non, in a bloom of collage and beadwork.
ARTIST STATEMENT: My reach across cultures uses diverse materials from the natural to the made. My art reflects the Kaska Dena diaspora; conversations between Native and Eurocentric cultures, the relationality of all, living and non, in a bloom of collage and beadwork.
Ofelia Nunez-Regueiro
University of Michigan Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design
ARTIST BIO: I study both printmaking and computer science at the University of Michigan, having transferred from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Previously, I have used printmaking as a means for introspection, focusing on the intersection of my identities as a Latinx queer woman, a first generation American, and an artist. My work is centered around the depiction of the human form through my work, experimenting with contortion, deconstruction, and interaction between the figures and space. At the same time I focus on exploring the endless possibilities that can come with combining a practice as old as printmaking with new technologies, such as parametric design and laser cutting, focusing on the visualization of mathematics through patterns and sequences.
ARTIST STATEMENT: Through various methods of printmaking I explore my thoughts and experiences with heartbreak, grief, and shame. This body of work experiments with depictions of the self and of the female form, ripped apart and morphed together again to create hauntingly beautiful beasts
David Reyes
Eastern Michigan University
ARTIST BIO: My passion for photography stems from the impact the medium has had on history and how a single image can transcend narratives to a broader audience. My images present people and everyday scenes into a documentary style. I aim to share my perspective with the world and inspire others while doing so.
ARTIST STATEMENT: Photography has been an interest of mine for the past 4 years. In that time I have seen how images can invoke the deepest emotions in a human being, and have chased that ability in my work. My images, while of ordinary places and things, aim to share these common scenes in a different perspective.
Samson Shofoluwe
Eastern Michigan University
ARTIST BIO: Age: 24 ShoNobi was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria and moved to the UK when he was eleven years old. He lived and studied there for 8 years, and completed his studies in Fine Arts in 2018 and then spent a year working on his art and building networks in central London. In 2019, he was a part of My Runway Group’s pop-up exhibition called, “21 Youth Street in Carnaby”. My Runway Group is an empowering organization that supports and uplifts young, black creatives. That year, he also appeared on a BBC miniseries that focused on the realities of how art can save the youth from street violence.
By the end of 2019, ShoNobi moved to the United States to pursue his Bachelors of Fine Arts at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He enjoys working in both traditional and digital mediums and has recently begun experimenting with oil on cardboard or wood from his dorm studio. Most of all, he simply enjoys being able to bring life to a blank surface while endeavoring to push the limits of what he can create.
ShoNobi finds inspiration in everything, from anime culture to contemporary artists like Arinze, Kehinde Wiley and Nelson Makamo. Moving forward, he hopes to make a name for himself in the art scene before pursuing his Masters degree in New York. His dream is to have his work recognizable in every corner of the world and to inspire others.
ARTIST STATEMENT: In ‘Fair Enough,’ I invite viewers to see themselves in the midst of struggle and resilience. Through the juxtaposition of visible wounds and everyday actions, the painting challenges perceptions of endurance and indifference. It’s a reflection on the complexities of navigating hardships while maintaining a sense of normalcy.
Joey Siep
Michigan State University
ARTIST BIO: My ceramics center around the refinement of form and desire for nothingness. Nothingness in the sense that a piece should look and feel effortless despite the amount of effort required to make it. It’s not trying to be something—it just is what it’s supposed to be. Although I make some functional pieces, my main focus is on aesthetics and creating forms and glazes that interest me.
ARTIST STATEMENT: My ceramics center around the refinement of form and desire for nothingness. Nothingness in the sense that a piece should look and feel effortless despite the the amount of effort required to make it. It’s not trying to be something—it just is what it’s supposed to be. Although I make some functional pieces, my main focus in on aesthetics and creating forms and glazes that interest me.
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.
NANA Fast Facts!
1. Fair Dates: 7/18/24 - 7/20/24
2. Application Open: 01/1/24 - 3/31/24 - via ZAPPlication.org
3. Participation is FREE no charge to NANA artists
4. Keep 100% of your earnings
5. Open to all Michigan Graduate & Undergraduate Students
6. Professional Artist Mentors
7. Lunch with Guest Mentor John Stanely, a distinguished figure in the art museum world with a career spanning roles at institutions like the Whitney Museum of American Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Toledo Museum of Art
8. Step by Step Guidance form A2SAF Staff
9. Held on the beautiful Streets of Ann Arbor Michigan and tree lined central campus of the University of Michigan, at the foot of the iconic Burton Tower
10. Over $2.2 Million in annual Artist Sales
11. Showcasing All Original Art for 65 years in the largest Outdoor Juried Art Fair in the USA
12. Marketing Reach: In 2023 our joint National TV Audience was 3.5 Million, Radio Audience reached 8.7 million listeners, Print and Online viewership was over 156 Million 9. 100% Non Profit Art Fair: home to the beloved New Art New Artists/NANA Program, The Youth Art Fair, Fountain Stage, The Art Activity Zone, Demo Zone partnering with the Toledo Museum of Art, DIA, UM Museum, A2 Potters Guild, Clay Work Studio, The Be Creative Studio…
13. Buyers Tour and Lunch - Bringing 100 Influencers, Corporate Buyers, Patrons, Gallery Owners, Architects and Designers directly to your booth to purchase and promote you.
14. Bell Tower Hotel Artist Reception - Meet and mingle with fellow Artists, Dedicated Patrons, Donors, Jurors and Board Members.
15. Complimentary Continental Breakfast, refreshments, ice, water and coffee throughout the day in our Artist Hospitality Tent.
16. Beautiful Air conditioned indoor restrooms with running water in the center of our site at the Michigan League
17. Dedicated team of 150 Volunteers to happily booth sit and deliver water directly to your booth.
18. Complimentary Lunch and Gelato in Artists Hospitality on the final day of the fair!
19. In-depth Artist Directory on the fair’s website www.artfair.org with links to your social media pages and your website for virtual shopping year round. Robust social media presence, with each artist receiving a spotlight post.
20. Electricity INCLUDED
21. Streamlined Teardown, Set up and Parking with 24 Hour Security.
22. Artist Housing Referral Program connecting local homeowners and participants with housing options for a seamless event experience.
2023 NANA Participants
Laurel Dugan
My work focuses on the experience of American life in the twenty-first century. I am drawn to the poignant and absurd in modern life. I hope viewers of my work can relate to the portrayal of human experiences and find the mysterious intersection where lament meets hope. I paint this intersection by showing figures in the moments that make us most human.
Kendall College of Art & Design of Ferris State University
Painting
Sophia Gallette
"My work as a jewelry designer focuses on contemporary and unique styles that are worn on the body. Throughout my work, I strive to create interesting and fashionable wearables using precious metals, stones, sustainable materials and found objects. Nature has always been a core inspiration to my work. Living in Michigan, I am surrounded by the changing seasons. Our environment constantly changes in beautiful and unique ways, always allowing my inspiration to evolve with the seasons. I began making jewelry eight years ago, during my freshman year of high school. In addition to my studies at The University of Michigan, I have studied jewelry design at Central Saint Martins, University of Arts London."
University of Michigan-STAMPS
Jewelry
Emily Mann
My work and creative interests often revolve around themes of spaces and environments to explore emotions such as fear, trepidation, and simultaneously, curiosity and exploration. I like to juxtapose geometric and/or symmetrical forms with organic elements based on nature.
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Printmaking
David Reyes
Over the past three years photography has given me the ability to share my perspective with the world around me. As a transfer student from Los Angeles, taking photos has helped me learn the environment around me and share my thoughts with those closest to me. I love capturing the everyday moments that would otherwise pass by.
Eastern Michigan University
Photography
Katherine Savelle
My photography has historically revolved around things I find beautiful and wish to share. My images are not manipulated except for slight color correction, which adds an element of authenticity to my scenes. My goal is to create pleasing compositions that viewers can enjoy again and again.
College for Creative Studies
Photography
Joey Siep
Wheel thrown ceramics focusing on refinement of form.
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."
