Art lovers can peruse a contour sketching demo, clay art created by students and myriad drawings, paintings and photography to the background of jazz music at the Grayslake Art Alliance’s art show March 11 at the town’s heritage center.
“We have 15 artists showing,” said Ernest Schweit, one of the alliance founders. “We have everything from water colors to pastels. We’ll have encaustic paintings – an old process done with wax.”
The arts alliance is a new community group, dedicated to promoting the arts through education, participation and development. Its long-term goal is the creation of an arts center in Grayslake’s downtown area, he said.
Schweit and his wife, Maureen Fisher Rivkin, both have a background in art. They moved to Grayslake a little over a year ago, and noticed the dearth of art galleries in town.
So they created the alliance, which now has more than 90 members, Schweit said. They hope their shows bring more people to their town, which they said is a destination place for tourists.
While at the event, attendees can listen to jazz music, meet the artists, enjoy free dessert and coffee, and observe the heritage center’s exhibits.
Schweit said he’s particularly excited about the contour line drawing demonstration done by member Adam Reh, an art teacher in North Chicago who lives in Grayslake.
Instead of looking at his canvas, Reh will look at the subject he’s drawing the entire time
“It’s pretty cool,” Schweit said. “My wife has done it. It’s a pencil drawing, but it’s done with more of a challenge. And it comes out looking more abstract.”
More Top Picks Best Makita Combo Kits
Reh, an eclectic artist, will also show some of his paintings, which include one of beer bottles in refrigerators, Schweit said.
In addition, Rebecca Stahr, an artist with a studio in Grayslake, will show her paintings that employ the encaustic method, an ancient medium that features multiple layers of opaque and translucently colored wax.
Stahr said art brings together people who might not have anything else in common, and a greater art presence will bring more people to Grayslake.
“We thought, as artists, if we came together, we could totally be a powerful force and get the community together through arts and culture,” said Stahr, who helped found the alliance.
The March event will also feature the works of four students from Old School Montessori in Grayslake.
Students will show their pieces of pictures done in clay, Schweit said. “It’s three dimensional. Imagine a landscape done in clay. The clay could represent the water, or a boat or the sun.
“We want to get some of the younger artists in our shows so they can get the experience of producing work for public consumption. It adds purpose to your work when you have a goal.”
The alliance hopes to show young people’s art in all its future exhibits, Schweit said.
At the show, pianist Jeff Moore will perform jazz music and Something’s Brewing will donate sweets and coffee.
“There will be great food and music and a chance to mingle with the artists,” Schweit said.
“It’s a great opportunity for the community to get together.”
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
Grayslake Arts Alliance Fine Arts Show
When: 5-8 p.m., March 11
Where: Grayslake Heritage Center, 164 Hawley St.
Tickets: Free
Information: 847-609-8070; www.facebook.com/grayslakeartsalliance