The Michigan Legacy Art Park (MLAP) will open a “Stay Safe” mask exhibit in February at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts in Manistee, Michigan. The exhibit features over 300 paper mache masks created and decorated by people of all ages from across the state.
The exhibit began as a way for participants to explore and express their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was created by artist and Volunteer Director of Education for MLAP, Patricia Innis, and more than 400 people have participated since the launch in August of 2020.
Innis said, ““It quickly became apparent it was more than
just a fun thing to do. Families were using the masks as a starting point to talk about thoughts and feelings during the pandemic. I’m amazed at how many still want to create masks and the number of organizations who have expressed interest in bringing
the project to their own communities.”
There will be a free online tour of the exhibit on February 12th at 1 PM via Facebook Live on the Ramsdell Center’s Facebook page, and the Art Park has also created a How-To blog for anyone interested in participating in the project from home by themselves, with their families, or in a small group.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
