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Grayslake MayFest art event to return to Heritage Center downtown in hybrid format

In another sign that life may be returning to a semblance of normalcy, one of the Grayslake Arts Alliance's signature events will be held in its traditional location outside the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum this Saturday.

Last year's edition of MayFest had to be moved to the internet because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though Arts Alliance President Paul Price acknowledged that the online MayFest was a success, he said he's excited it will be returning to an in-person format.

He said organizers are working hard to make sure their first in-person show since January 2020 is done safely.

“We're happy to set that precedent and return to an in-person show, but it is important that we are taking the proper precautions,” Price said.

Artists will display their wares, which will be for sale, outside the Heritage Center and Museum from noon to 4 p.m. Everyone will be required to wear masks and encouraged to socially distance. There will also be a music tent, and Price said four music acts and two authors are scheduled to appear.

One new wrinkle this year is that there will be a round of cleaning between each musical and spoken-word performance.

Price said the arts alliance wanted to also accommodate artist members who didn't yet feel comfortable with the in-person event, so there will be a MayFest Art Walk as well. Pieces from 13 artists will be displayed at eight businesses in downtown Grayslake throughout the weekend.

Price said the alliance held two Art Walks at downtown Grayslake businesses during the pandemic and both went well.

“It makes sure that those members had an equal opportunity to participate,” he said.

The only MayFest event that will be held online is a paid workshop, which will be broadcast over Zoom and hosted by artist Heather June Toser from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Toser will demonstrate how to create silhouettes decorated with flowers.

“It's a way to offer those who don't feel comfortable attending a way to participate,” Price said.

For more on MayFest, visit grayslakeartsalliance.org/mayfest.

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