With amazing edgy art from across the country, the award winning 2ist Annual Funky Ferndale Art Fair returns to the streets of downtown Ferndale in Michigan on Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21. Designated by Sunshine Magazine, year after year, as one of the top 200 art fairs in the country, The Funky Ferndale Art Fair puts the edge into art fairs. It is a juried show of more than 140 artists, but in addition to using high quality standards, the jurors look for art that stands out rather than blends in with the furniture. Ferndale is the perfect location since the city is known for its edgy vibe.

Organizer Mark Loeb explains, "We're looking for artists that push the boundaries and are not afraid of making a point with their art. I would say that half of our shoppers are traditional art fair buyers looking for something a little different. The other half, I call art lovers that did not realize that they loved art. These are people that may have been turned off by traditional images and stuffy museums."

Among all the creativity that astounds at the Funky Ferndale Art Fair, are the metal creatures by artist Joseph Lamontagne, glass robots by glass blower Ian Zapico, wood crafted curmudgeon characters by Liz Martinez and paintings of all varieties from naturalistic to anime style. Among the variety of works offered by artists from across the U.S. is street art transformed to canvases and emotional tributes to activist leaders or rock stars. There is all kinds of wearable art including clothing created out of photos of Detroit, African inspired pieces and jewelry using every type of natural material.

The show includes all art mediums from painting to sculpture, jewelry, mixed media, fiber, clay, and functional.

The Detroit Institute of Arts will be on site leading special art making projects. Another special feature of The Funky Ferndale Art Fair is the returning Authors Row featuring a dozen local authors and their books for children and young adults. Musical performances will be on the stage at Nine Mile and Allen.

Last year an exciting flash mob showed up with a great spontaneous dance performance on Saturday at the art fair and who knows what surprise is in store this year.

The art fair is located on Nine Mile west of Woodward which is the home of some of the finest restaurants in the metro area and offers a perfect time to sample some of these great eating spots while taking in the art fair. A list of downtown restaurants is available on the art fair website.

After visiting The Funky Ferndale Art Fair, it's fun to head over to the DIY Art Fair on Nine Mile east of Woodward for music stages and beer tents as well as vendors. It continues later into the evening each night.