As an artist and an art lover, Clay Crofton has been on both sides of the booth at Farmington’s annual ART on the GRAND fair.

So, what does he like best about the event?

All of it.

The setting along Grand River Avenue is accessible. The mood is upbeat and friendly. The artists are accessible. And the art is high-quality and diverse, including painting, ceramics, jewelry, wood, photography, glass, wearable art, sculpture, printmaking and more.

“The show is so friendly,” said Crofton. “The location is fantastic, the area is very walkable, it’s sized just right and the artists they choose are impressive.”

More than 40,000 visitors attended the show last year and — weather-permitting — a similar turnout is anticipated for this year’s event, June 7 and 8.

“ART on the GRAND is one of the first art fairs of the season, so artists always get a lot of love from fairgoers who have a sizable appetite for art and are ready to jump in,” said Rachel Timlin, cultural arts supervisor for the city of Farmington Hills.

Crofton — a Texan who moved to his wife’s native hometown of Novi seven years ago — first attended the show as a consumer, checking out the booths and presenters.

An artist and former art teacher, he subsequently dove in and began showing his own, unique work at the fair. Last year, his colorful and intriguing painting — he describes as “ethereal pop art” — received the show’s Mayoral Award.

“I try to do something I’ve never seen before,” he said. “The show provided such a great experience last year.”

This year’s show-goers will find work that is familiar and surprising, fair organizers promised.

“Walk through the fair and you’ll see an array of styles and arts,” said Karla Aren, cultural arts programmer and artist liaison for Farmington Hills.

More than 100 artists are expected. Among the offerings will be wildlife photography and Feng Shui drawings from Farmington Hills Artist in Residence Debblie Lim, and Star Wards and Big Foot digital drawings by former Artist in Residence John Martin.

The fair also features Kids Art Alley, with art for sale by 45 budding artists from grades 5-12. Kids Art Alley will set up in the Huntington Bank parking lot.

A separate Kid Zone will offer activities for young fairgoers, including art workshops with the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Show organizers said the event is intended to please attendees and presenting artists.

“We are proud to be one of the few Michigan cities with a dedicated Cultural Arts Division and even prouder to create spaces where artists of all backgrounds can share their work, connect with the public and spark creativity across the generations.”

Crofton said the show promoters sweat the details to enhance the experience for visitors and artists.

“They will stop by the booth to see how you’re doing and how they can help,” he said. “It’s the little things that make a difference. They make you feel like they are happy you are there.”

Added Aren: “If you are good to your artists, they will put on a great show.”

The show — presented by the Farmington Downtown Development Authority and the Farmington Hills Special Services Cultural Arts Division — will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 7, and from 11 am. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 8. The event will cover nearly a quarter-mile on Grand River Avenue, from Grove Street to Farmington Road, in downtown Farmington.

Admission and parking are free. An interactive map and details about featured artists are available at www.artonthegrand.com