Art Seen Festival Returns for 6th Annual Celebration in Sanford June 13
Community invited to help paint mural and enjoy free live music on June 13
The Art Seen Festival is excited to announce its 6th Annual event, taking place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Village of Sanford. This year’s festival will be hosted at Harry’s Sewer, where community members of all ages and abilities are invited to pick up a brush and help bring a vibrant new mural to life.
Now in its sixth year, the Art Seen Festival continues its mission to strengthen Midland County through accessible public art and live performances. The event is free to attend, with donations appreciated, and will also feature live music from The Blue Light. Audiences can expect lively acoustic performances from local artists, including Jolie Wing, with additional performers to be announced.
Festival organizers are especially excited to bring the event to Sanford this year, expanding its reach and deepening community connections through shared creative experiences.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Art Seen Festival to Sanford,” said Dolores Porte, President of the Village of Sanford. “This festival is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together, celebrate creativity, and create something lasting that reflects the spirit of our community. We are proud to host an event that invites everyone to be part of the process.”
The 2026 community mural was designed by Samuel Turner, an Ann Arbor-based artist known for his vibrant, character-driven work. A graduate of Stamps School of Art & Design, Turner has created murals and public art across Ann Arbor and Metro Detroit through collaborations with The Brushmonkeys and Treetown Murals, as well as private commissions. His work focuses on positive, community-oriented themes that bridge the gap between gallery art and shared public spaces.
Participants will contribute to the mural through a guided “paint by number” format, making it easy and welcoming for anyone to take part, regardless of artistic experience. The community mural will be facilitated by Parker Lane Art & Design Studios, who have been with Art Seen Festival since year one.
“Art Seen Festival is about creating a space where everyone feels invited to participate,” said Julia Kepler, event co-chair. “There is something powerful about watching a mural come to life through the hands of many. We are especially excited to bring this experience to Sanford and to continue building connections to community through art, music, and shared creativity.”
Art Seen Festival is a project of Public Arts Midland, which is an initiative of the Midland Area Community Foundation. The festival reflects a broader commitment to fostering belonging and ensuring that all people have opportunities to feel seen, heard, and included.
All activities are free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend, participate, and experience a day of art, music, and connection. The festival is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Harry’s Sewer, The Kepler Foundation, Capital Power, Domino’s Pizza, Consumers Energy, individual community members, and more.
About
Since 1973, area residents have been turning to the Midland Area Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We invite everyday people with a vision and a passion for community to create something together: For good. For ever. For all.
Art Seen Festival is a subcommittee of Public Arts Midland, which is an initiative of the Midland Area Community Foundation. For more information about the Art Seen Festival visit the festival website at artseenfestival.com.
