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Hi.

My name is Gary Zidek. Welcome to The Arts Section. Tune into the radio program every Sunday morning on WDCB 90.9 & 90.7 FM or listen to it online here. I'll be showcasing a variety of arts & entertainment stories.

Art Museum Finds New Ways to Engage

Art Museum Finds New Ways to Engage

WDCB’s Gary Zidek visits the Elmhurst Art Museum to learn more about its efforts to balance safety, programming and community.

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WDCB's Gary Zidek visits the Elmhurst Art Museum as it continues to adapt to the new normal.

“We’re glad to welcome people back, we’re glad to be open. There’s nothing like seeing art work in-person, of course virtual is fun, but It’s very different in-person.” - Elmhurst Art Museum executive director John McKinnon talking about the museum opening its physical doors again after being closed to in-person visits for 3-plus months.

Elmhurst Art Museum executive director John McKinnon

Elmhurst Art Museum executive director John McKinnon

Museums and cultural institutions have had to adapt on the fly over the past five months. Most organizations implemented some type of remote-viewing programming as a way to connect with audiences while everything was shutdown. In recent weeks, museums have begun opening their doors again to in-person visitors, but with specific rules and restrictions in place. It’s a challenging time for many institutions as they attempt to balance safety concerns, economic realities and community service.

The Elmhurst Art Museum is attempting to walk that line by welcoming visitors back to its physical space with new exhibits and with an ongoing MUSEUM FROM HOME initiative that aims to engage people at home.

Outside the Elmhurst Art Museum

Outside the Elmhurst Art Museum

In addition to some new traditional exhibits that are in the works, the Elmhurst Art Museum is also inviting the public to engage in the creative process with a project that only requires some imagination and a stamp. It's called ART IN THE POST, You can learn more about how to participate by clicking here.

Some of the “mail-art” people have sent to the Elmhurst Art Museum

Some of the “mail-art” people have sent to the Elmhurst Art Museum

Two of the postcards submitted for ART IN THE POST

Two of the postcards submitted for ART IN THE POST

Another piece submitted for ART IN THE POST

Another piece submitted for ART IN THE POST

The Elmhurst Art Museum is open Wednesdays - Sundays, noon - 5:00 pm. Online reservations at elmhurstartmuseum.org are encouraged. You can also check out institution’s Museum From Home programming and learn more about ART IN THE POST there.

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