The East Central Regional Arts Council is one of many organizations adapting to the world of the "new normal." Art is still something people want to consume while stuck inside, and for some, more now than ever.
While the gallery remains closed due to COVID-19, the council's annual IMAGE Art Show is still scheduled to go on as planned.
"We are trying to be as accessible as we can during this time," said Katina Eklund, Grant Program Officer for the ECRAC. "They (artists) are what everyone turns to when you're stuck at home. You read a book or listen to some music or you do some painting or drawing."
Ecklund said the IMAGE Art Show was run for 30 plus years, but now will be held in a completely new format for 2020. It's going to be held completely online.
"We're hoping that it will be accessible to artists in our region to send us a photo of their artwork," said Eklund.
Pictures of each submission will then be displayed on the East Central Regional Arts Council's website for everyone to see in the comfort of their homes. Applications for the art show are currently being accepted through Friday, May 8. The show is open to artists from Pine, Isanti, Chisago, Kanabec, and Mille Lacs Counties, and the ECRAC expects over 160 artists to display their work.
The 2020 IMAGE Art Show is set to open on Monday, June 1.
