Grayslake Arts Alliance seeks new members for 2021
The Grayslake Arts Alliance, a not-for-profit arts group dedicated to supporting the arts in Grayslake, is in the midst of its 2021 membership drive.
The organization was founded four years ago by a handful of local artists looking to band together to transform Grayslake into a center for the arts in Lake County. The group's mission is to promote the arts through education, participation and development.
"Despite the continuing pandemic, we've just concluded one of our best years ever," said Paul Price, a member of the GAA's executive board.
"We transformed our member shows into virtual events, staged our first ever Community Photo Contest, participated in our annual Giving Tree display, and coordinated three dine-out fundraisers. To top it off, we just launched our online store, a 24/7 marketplace that allows the public to explore artwork created by dozens of local artists.
"We were able to stay engaged and were so successful due to the creative and innovative thinking by our membership," he said.
The group certainly stayed engaged with the community, reaching more than 70,000 people through their Facebook and Instagram accounts.
"It was this connection with the community that helped grow membership, too. We have a total of 60 members, an increase of 22 percent from the prior year," Price said.
Next year, the group plans to bolster its arts education program, which is headed by Zee Lacson.
Goals include offering virtual workshops for the public and GAA members, updating the downtown display case once a month, and hosting a community arts contest, he said.
"We would also like to return to our normal schedule of offering four in-person shows a year, including our signature events, MayFest and the Holiday Fine Art Show and Sale," GAA President Ernest J. Schweit said. "But that will depend, of course, on if the pandemic is under control and public gatherings can be conducted safely."
GAA membership is open to any artist or patron of the arts for $50 per year. Every member receives a variety of benefits, including:
• The chance to sell their work at four in-person art shows each year.
• The chance to sell work in the new GAA online store.
• A standing listing in the GAA online gallery, including their artwork and contact information.
• First chance to register for GAA classes and workshops.
• The opportunity to propose and teach workshops.
• Networking opportunities with other artists, as well as community partners.
• The monthly GAA email newsletter.
• Participation in public arts projects, fundraisers and other one-of-a-kind events.
Join the GAA by visiting www.grayslakeartsalliance.org/join. Scroll down, click on "Apply for Membership" and follow the prompts. Membership runs Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. Memberships are also accepted by sending your application and $50 check, made payable to the Grayslake Arts Alliance, to P.O. Box 559, Grayslake, IL 60030.
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