Collective Art During COVID-19

During the recent pandemic, when our government gave a “Shelter in Place” order, many of us have faced a new struggle of being alone behind closed doors. For the first time, I heard some of my friends say, “I’m lonely.” To counteract this situation of prolonged isolation, I have been looking for new ways to…

Light Up Hope

While learning to adapt in times of uncertainty, some things never change—like our basic need to connect with others and our desire for beauty. So, in the middle of a pandemic, I’m searching for new ways to create art and spread hope. For a new project called Light Up Hope, I purchased one hundred and…

Childhood Studio

Through an art class, I have been recently introduced to artist Rochelle Feinstein. Feinstein writes about the importance of chronicling the creative process and each stage of making. She explains that these various periods became special markers. For her, the history of making started when she was only four years old. Her space, a child…

Broken Art

When I was young, my family spent a lot of time at the beach. My husband and I have continued that tradition with our own children. Last summer, while walking along the Atlantic Ocean’s edge, I thought about these nostalgic childhood memories. Although most beach-combers may look for perfect shells, I found a rough, broken…

Redemptive Art

The catalytic response from visitors surrounding my ArtPrize work caught the attention of the internationally known artist Makoto Fujimura. In 2014, Mako wrote, “Pamela Alderman’s installation The Scarlet Cord at the Ford Presidential Museum is attracting thousands. Her work of paintings combined with participatory, Yoko Ono-like installations hit home, and the lines for her exhibit…

Give Away Hope

While coping with COVID-19, I find that looking for ways to encourage others helps me keep my own anxiety in check. Here are a few ideas on how we can connect with our communities and get through these challenging times together: Create an art project with your children with simple materials like a paper plate…

When Life is Turned Upside Down

Art and beauty are especially needed in these times of uncertainty; hands-on activities promote emotional well-being. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are committed to serving others. After learning about a need for mini paint bottles at Holland Home, a local retirement community, we gladly shared our art supplies. To maintain social distancing,…