There’s nothing like a glass of wine to help you appreciate the art on display at the Grayslake Arts Festival and Wine Tasting. The 26th annual event, organized by the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce, returns this year to pair fine wine and finer art at the festival June 18.
“About five years ago we came up with the idea of adding wine tasting to the art fair,” said Maribeth Hamm, executive director of the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce.
“So in between the artists’ booths, you’ll find that we have tasting areas scattered around the festival. It’s a fun way to walk around and do the different tastings and explore the art. It adds a nice little twist to the event.”
Hamm expects between 35 to 40 artists to take part in the juried festival, displaying their creations in a variety of mediums.
“The artists submit samples of their work in advance, and we invite a good mix of them to participate,” Hamm said. “It’s a little bit of everything: we’ve got sculptures; we’ve got jewelry; we’ve got paintings. There’s even someone we’re expecting who’ll be doing glass blowing.”
Artists working in ceramics, metals, colored pencil, photography, candles and fused glass will all be represented.
“There’s someone coming making cutting boards out of exotic hardwoods that are really something to see,” she said. “We like to find new people every year who are doing things you haven’t seen before.”
Admission to the art festival is free, and while wine-tasters must be at least 21 years old, this event welcomes people of all ages.
“There will be food trucks here, and lots of people bring their families to eat, enjoy the music, and see the art,” Hamm said.
The entertainment stage will be filled throughout the festival, starting with a performance by Dance Connection at 10 a.m. A “Summer Cabaret” will feature performances by members of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts beginning at 11:15 a.m., followed by two bands — Jazzeros starts at noon and Slam Funk, a jazz band organized through Grayslake North High School, will play at 2 p.m.
For the wine tasting, tickets are available for $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Each ticket will get you a glass and four pours, plus additional pours may be purchased at the festival.
“I think it’s a part of the arts festival that is unique, and it’s a lot of fun,” Hamm said.
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But even if you’re not a wine lover, there will be plenty to enjoy at the festival.
“Every year I see something new,” Hamm said. “It gives people a good excuse to spend time in downtown Grayslake and enjoy all it has to offer. I’m happy that so many people come back year after year.”
Grayslake Arts Festival and Wine Tasting
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 18
Where: Whitney Street municipal parking lot, downtown Grayslake
Tickets: Free; $15-$20 for wine tasting
Information: 847-223-6888; grayslakechamber.com
Jeff Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.