Photographer Pictures a Great Art on the Grand

Berkley photographer Kim Ritsema made it through last year's rain and wind to come back for another turn at Art on the Grand.

The annual art show opens Saturday at 10 a.m. on Grand River, between Grove Street and Farmington Road in downtown Farmington. It runs through Sunday.

Ritsema first came to Art on the Grand when it was part of the Farmington Area Founders Festival, and said she "fell in love with Farmington. I loved the small-town feel of the community.

From a participant's point of view, she said, separating the event from the festival has greatly improved it. Until last year, Art on the Grand was set up in , at the corner of Grand River and Oakland Street, during the three-day July festival.

"From an artist's perspective, you are not sure whether people are there to buy art or just for the entertainment," she said. Having the event in June also removes a conflict with the vastly larger Ann Arbor Art Fair, where she also exhibits.

Ritsema said from a logistical standpoint, "it's nicer to have a street. You know people are passing, and you know, no matter what, they'll pass by your booth."

A family and children's photographer by trade, Ritsema will bring her nature photography to Art on the Grand.

"Everything I do is pretty much based in nature," she said. "Over the years, I've honed in and developed a style. My sole focus now is on macro nature photography. But I'll promote my photography business as well."

While she'll attend a number of festivals this year, Ritsema said Farmington's Art on the Grand has something special. 

"It feels very community-supported," she said. "You don't always see that in shows."

Learn more about Ritsema's art at kimritsemaphoto.com.

What you need to know

Art on the Grand will be held Saturday and Sunday on Grand River, between Grove Street and Farmington Road, including the street in front of in downtown Farmington. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Grand River closes at 7 p.m. on Friday to allow the artists to set up. The street in front of the downtown Starbucks will close at 11 a.m. on Friday.

The Art on the Grand preglow will be held Friday from 6-11 p.m. in the , as the “Grapes on the Grand” wine/beer tent officially opens to the public. Entertainment is by top-40 cover band Killer Flamingos, and admission is $5.

More information is available in Your Guide to Art on the Grand.