Grayslake Gives:
Grayslake Arts Alliance
Promoting the Arts in Grayslake through education,
participation and development.
About the Grayslake Arts Alliance
The Grayslake Arts Alliance (GAA) has been present in the community since 2017 when a group of artists began meeting at Somethings Brewing with the intent to form a 501(c)3 to sell art. In February 2018, they officially made it happen, forming the Grayslake Arts Alliance Inc, an organization that has been bringing together artisans over the last six+ years to showcase, sell and encourage participation of art here among Grayslake residents and visitors.
The group at large holds monthly meetings at Agora Coworking, where they also have a hybrid art gallery people can visit and purchase GAA member’s art, as well as host dedicated meetings based on specific themes such as the Navelgazing Artists: Book Club, workshops, various mixers and more - all as an opportunity to foster collaboration, education, and build art awareness in Grayslake.
Only a couple weeks back, the GAA held one of their large, annual community events in the Village Center - MayFest. This event was held at the Grayslake Heritage Center (one of their largest partners here in the community). It brought people together to view art created by GAA members, listen to live music, hear author readings, and participate in art-focused activities.
Up next in the Village Center, the GAA will host their 2nd Annual AuthorFest on Saturday, June 22nd featuring over 40 authors, bookish vendors, and free attractions such as author panels, adult and youth writing workshops, poetry wall, open mic poetry, kids’ story time, art activities, and more.
The GAA’s strong presence both in the Village Center and throughout Grayslake can be seen through the variety of events they host, participate in, and through partnerships with other businesses and organizations. In fact, new in 2024 are the GAA’s Featured Artist Partnerships that take place at Beer Bazaar (Center Street), Stone Grill & Catering (Route 45), Andy’s Records (Whitney Street) and Black Lung Brewery (Route 83). The Featured Artist’s artwork can be found on display during a two-month period with a special meet and greet event. Art is not only for viewing, but also for sale at these businesses.
In March, the GAA, in partnership with the Grayslake Area Public Library Foundation, held Pouring Over Pages, a fundraiser for the library that featured artwork by many GAA members. You’ll also find them on the second floor of Village Hall the night of the annual Tree Lighting. There, they host their Holiday Fine Arts Show & Sale where one-of-a-kind items can be purchased, live music heard, and ornament activities available for the whole family. The GAA also participates in the Grayslake Giving Trees beginning that same evening, with their decorated tree on display at the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum for the holiday season.
You can find them regularly partnering with the Heritage Center, where their Writers’ Group meets monthly, for new exhibit openings, such as offering art activities that coincide with the exhibit’s focus, as well as with the Grayslake library for additional initiatives.
What makes the Grayslake Arts Alliance special?
Even in 2020 when the world faced shut downs and unpredictability, the GAA was still committed to bringing arts to the community by holding online art activities and take-and-make projects to keep arts at the forefront and in turn, keep people’s spirits up.
Their unwavering dedication to being present in Grayslake is seen through the events and offerings previously mentioned, along with other places such as the Grayslake Farmers Market in the summer or seeking out additional partnerships for their Featured Artist Series.
As Zee Lacson, past president said, “You don’t need to be an artist to support the Grayslake Arts Alliance. It’s art that unites us, heals us and makes a better community. Grayslake deserves art.” And we sure are fortunate to have the GAA here in Grayslake to appreciate.
Want to learn more?
To become a member of the Grayslake Arts Alliance, the annual membership fee if $50 and for students, $25. You can learn more about the Grayslake Arts Alliance by visiting https://linktr.ee/grayslakeartsalliance. Follow them on social media to learn about their ongoing events and happenings and let yourself be inspired.
