If you happen to be in the Midwest the weekend of June 21, you might want to swing on by Grayslake, Illinois for the fantastic Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Show. This annual show is a three day celebration of things folks and fiber. The show started it’s run in 2008 and is now in it’s fifth year. It will be held at the Expo Center at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake Illinois from Friday, June 21 through Sunday, June 23. Each day will be filled with fun, educational workshops, inspirational art, handmade goods, and homegrown music.
The Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair
Lake County Fairground
1060 East Peterson Road
Grayslake, Illinois 60030
Friday, June 21 – 10 am – 6 pm
Saturday, June 22 – 10 am – 6pm
Sunday, June 23 – 10 am – 4 pm
$10 per day or purchase a 3 day pass for $25
Kids under 10 are free. And parking is free too!
This venue is indoors and is air conditioned, so rain or shine, heat or cool, it will be going on.
Workshops
Whether you are a novice or advanced crafter, there are dozens of workshops to participate in. The list consists of 21 different categories, each with a number of different classes you can take. Some course for fiber crafts include knitting, crochet, dyeing, and felting. Other crafts include embroidery, bookbinding, and beading. There are even yoga course available. Check out the full list of workshops available, along with descriptions, times, and fees.
The Market
There are currently 70 vendors listed for the market at the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Show, and there’s still room for it to grow! Visit the site for to preview what nifty shops and fiber mills will be represented that weekend. Vendors will be selling a little bit of everything– yarn, fiber, art, and handmade clothing. There will also be a farmer’s market.
Exhibits and Competitions
Check out a variety of fleece with sheep, alpaca, and llamas in the Three Bags Full Fleece Competition. There will also be a show spanning the whole weekend from the International Llama Registry Show. Visit the llamas and learn a bit about them. Submit your own handmade pieces to the Vintage Handbag Exhibit or the Garment Extravaganza. And of course, there is the Fine Fiber and Folk Art Exhibit featuring the work of an array of artists. According to the site, the submission deadline has not be set yet, so you might still have time to enter your own piece. After the show, the exhibit will be moved to the Old Courthouse Art Gallery located in Woodstock, IL and will remain open throughout July.
Music
It wouldn’t be a folk show without a little bit of music. Artists and bands will performing Friday through Sunday. Take in various different music genres including folk, classical, bluegrass, and rock. Take a look at the full schedule of performers for the entire weekend.
What fiber and art shows are in your area this summer?
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