The art fair that's part of Royal Oak’s Arts, Beats & Eats is ranked No. 7 in the country for fine art and design in Sunshine Artist magazine's annual "200 Best" rankings.
It's the highest-ranked fine art fair in Michigan on this year's list and the highest national placement the ABE&E art fair has ever received. The Sunshine Artist rankings are based on feedback from artists who participate in art fairs across the country. The magazine, established in 1972, is the top publication in the U.S. for art and craft show vendors, promoters and attendees,.
"To know that this recognition comes from the artists themselves makes it especially meaningful," said Shannon Wojtas, AB&E art director. "These are professional artists who travel the country exhibiting
their work and experience art fairs from coast to coast. To have them rank Arts, Beats & Eats No. 7 in the nation and higher than any other Michigan fine art fair is an extraordinary endorsement of what has been built here in Royal Oak."
Each year, Sunshine Artist magazine surveys artists and craftspeople, asking them to identify the events where they recorded their strongest sales during the previous year. Those responses are used to compile the publication's national rankings of art and craft shows.
“It’s the result of a lot of hard work,” Wojtas said, “and it really means for us that we’ve been able to build a place that artists from all around the country feel is worth their time and energy and effort — to work all year on their hard stuff, pack it up, and then drive to Royal Oak for the weekend. And we also think we've built a place where people from all over metro Detroit, whether they’re a first-time art purchaser or a seasoned collector, feel comfortable coming and seeing art and possibly purchasing a piece.
“I feel like art, especially fine art, is often seen as something that’s for wealthier, older people. And as we get further and further into this age of AI and being hyper-connected on the internet but minimally connected in person, I feel like art shows are such an incredible way for human beings to connect. Not only are you there, possibly seeing a piece that moves you and that you could take home and see every day, you get to connect with the artist who actually created it.”
Wojtas emphasized that the Arts, Beats & Eats art fair has something for everyone.
“There are a range of prices and sizes and types of pieces,” she explained. “So even if you’re on a very tight budget, you can still come and stroll through the art show and find something to take home. Or if you’re a collector who is looking for a specific piece for a specific place or even want to commission something, you’ll find that there as well.”
This year’s Arts, Beats & Eats festival will take place Sept. 4-7 in downtown Royal Oak.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Poll of artists ranks Arts, Beats & Eats fair among nation's best
