5 Must-See Updates At The Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC) For 2025: Exhibitions, Renovations, And Public Art

The Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC), a cornerstone of Michigan's cultural landscape since 1909, is undergoing a significant transformation, making the current year one of the most exciting in its history. As of this December 2025 update, the Center is not only rolling out a packed schedule of new exhibitions and community events but is also deep into a major construction project designed to usher in the "new A2AC," promising expanded resources and educational opportunities for the community.

Visitors and residents eager to engage with the visual arts will find a dynamic hub at 115 W. Liberty, where the A2AC continues its mission to be a contemporary forum for the visual arts. From high-profile public art initiatives like the A2AC Murals to an extensive catalog of art classes, the Center is actively sparking creativity across all ages and artistic abilities.

The Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC) Profile and Leadership

The Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC) stands as one of the oldest and most respected community arts organizations in Michigan. Established in 1909, its enduring mission is "to be the catalyst for creativity" and a contemporary forum for the visual arts through education, exploration, collaboration, and exhibition.

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The Center operates as a 501(C)(3) nonprofit, playing a crucial role in the cultural vitality of the Ann Arbor Creative District.

• Founding Year: 1909
• Location: 115 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
• Core Mission: To be a contemporary forum for the visual arts, engaging minds and enriching lives.
• Current Executive Director: Jenn Cornell Queen
• Art in Public Director: Hannah Kirkpatrick
• Primary Focus Areas: Galleries, Education (Classes/Workshops), and Art in Public Initiatives.

The leadership, including Executive Director Jenn Cornell Queen, is focused on making art accessible and equitable, a philosophy that drives the Center's expansion and community-focused programming.

1. The "New A2AC" Renovation and Expansion Project

One of the most significant developments for the Ann Arbor Art Center in late 2025 and into 2026 is the ongoing construction and renovation of its main spaces. The Center has announced that throughout the winter and spring, its facilities are evolving to become the "bones of the new A2AC."

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This major overhaul is designed to provide substantial improvements, including more resources, a more visible and accessible street-level gallery space, and a greater number of educational opportunities for students of all levels. This physical transformation signals a renewed commitment to its mission as a central hub for the visual arts in the region. The goal is to maximize the Center's ability to "Learn Art, See Art, Shop Art, Experience Art."

2. 2025 Exhibition Schedule: A Look at New Work

The A2AC’s three rotating galleries continue to showcase a diverse range of visual art, with the 2025 schedule featuring compelling new works from local and regional artists.

Must-See Exhibitions in Early 2025:

• Realty: New Work by Brian Spolans: Running from early January to the end of the month, this exhibition kicks off the year, offering fresh perspectives on contemporary art.
• Mas y Mas: Ceramic Works by Kimberly LaVonne: Scheduled for February, this show highlights the versatility and beauty of ceramic art, a medium that is also highly popular in the Center's class offerings.
• Organic Fiction (Ongoing): This colorful, nature-inspired abstract and pop art-style acrylic exhibition by Hava Gurevich, which began in late 2025, continues to be a major draw through early 2026.

These exhibitions demonstrate the Center's commitment to providing a platform for both established and emerging artists, ensuring the gallery spaces remain a fresh and vibrant destination for art lovers. The exhibitions are often lens-based, mixed media, or focus on disciplines taught in the A2AC's workshops.

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3. Expanded Public Art Initiatives and New Murals

The A2AC’s "Art in Public" program, led by Director Hannah Kirkpatrick, is one of the most impactful ways the Center engages the wider community. The program, which includes the highly successful A2AC Murals and A2AC Sculptures projects, is dedicated to making art accessible and equitable to everyone by collaborating with local organizations and businesses.

A major announcement for early 2025 is the installation of a new mural in Liberty Plaza in downtown Ann Arbor. This project, a collaboration with the City of Ann Arbor parks department, aims to "Elevate" the public space and bring more spectacular art to the downtown area. The Art in Public program is continually expanding, often partnering with the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to fund public art and placemaking efforts throughout the Creative District.

4. 2025 Art Education: Classes and Camps

The educational component of the Ann Arbor Art Center remains robust, with registration for Spring and Summer Art Camps and classes opening in late 2025. The A2AC offers a comprehensive catalog of classes and workshops for adults, teens, and children, covering a vast array of artistic disciplines.

A2AC Class & Workshop Offerings:

• 2D Disciplines: Drawing, Painting, Watercolor, Printmaking, and Digital Art.
• 3D & Craft: Ceramics (Wheelthrowing), Jewelry, Sculpture, and Textiles.
• Tech-Driven: Workshops in 3D Printing and Laser Engraving, reflecting a modern approach to art education.
• Community Focus: Specialized classes like Early Childhood, Family, and Friday Nights workshops ensure accessibility for all schedules and ages.

The classes, which cover everything from foundational techniques to advanced concepts, are central to the Center's mission of sparking creativity and fostering artistic abilities in the community.

5. The Annual A2AC Social 2025: A Premier Community Event

One of the most anticipated annual events is the A2AC Social, which is scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2025. This event serves as a major community gathering and fundraiser for the Center.

The A2AC Social is a high-demand ticketed event that encourages the community to "grab your friends and escape the cold for a night out in Ann Arbor." It is a key date on the Ann Arbor social calendar, providing an opportunity to support the Center's ongoing educational and public art initiatives while enjoying a vibrant evening within the newly evolving A2AC space.