East Lansing Art Festival goes digital with a plethora of art and music

Due to the cornavirus outbreak, holding the East Lansing Art Festival in its original form became an impossibility. But ELAF Manager Heather Majano worked with her team to put together a virtual version of the festival on Facebook and Zoom that includes magic, music and more.

“We’re ready for anything,” said Majano. “We even have pre-recorded videos of our live performances just in case our computers decide not to cooperate.”

Majano herself will be hosting an “Art-Along,” where participants can tune in to learn an easy craft. “It’ll be something you can do at home that most people will have the tools for. It’s a little silly, but I’m excited for it,” laughed Majano.

In addition to the Art-Along, the festival includes performances from musicians The Swift Brothers and magician The Amazing Clark. There will be pre-recorded videos of poetry readings from poets who have been featured in the ELAF Poetry Journal.

“We have an annual poetry journal that the festival puts out,” said Majano. “We will be printing that journal again this year, after the festival, when things are more open.”

For those who like to work with their hands, the festival features demonstrations from local artists. “Meg Croft will do a demonstration of fiber art and then talk about the history of the medium,” said Majano. “Lino Pretto will do glass blowing, and Manny Lopez is doing metalwork.”

Majano had no problem setting up the virtual version of the festival, but she is worried that things could go awry on the day of. Once she and her team figured out exactly how they wanted to run the festival, all it took was setting up Zoom, Facebook and their website. “Fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly,” said Majano. “I just hope technology is our friend on that day.”

On the day of the festival, attendees can use ELAF’s Facebook page to vote on who should win the People’s Choice Award. They’ll announce the winner at 6 p.m.

East Lansing Art Festival Online

Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

elartfest.com/virtual-festival

facebook.com/ELArtFest