COVID-19 has turned the world upside down. Amidst the initial chaos and uncertainty, heroes have risen. We are truly grateful to those on front lines—first responders, the medical community, grocery store workers, delivery drivers, restauranteurs… the list goes on. It is because of them that we have hope… and know that, united, we can make it through the storm and ultimately sail calmer seas.
For me, the upside in all of this is that it is truly wonderful to see communities come together--supporting each other, local businesses and individuals. And, as always, many in the creative community have stepped up—determined to bring the light in the darkness.
It is our privilege to recognize a few of these wonderful individuals who have found a way to use their talents and skills to help others during this challenging time. We know there are many more who deserve recognition—although they would never seek it out. If you someone is your community is one of these heroes, please take a moment to recognize them any way you can. A simple ‘thank you’ makes all the difference.
Stefanie Marco, @Kindspin_Design
“I'm helping the community through my art and by supporting our art community in THE WEHA Artists Emporium enabling them to help the community even more. This has been a very difficult time since all my shows are shut down... I needed to redirect my art energy I started sending out happy art notes to friends family and those in need of extra positive energy. I created PSA art all on old records for my front yard with wording "Don't panic", "wash hands", "elbow bump" and a garden of hearts to share extra love with anyone in need..... There's been so much interest in the heart records signs, I'm thinking of putting extras in the yard for people to donate money- this would help me pay some bills and half of the money I'll donate to friends that are making masks. I try to check in on the all the incredible essential work humans to make sure they're doing ok and let them know how much we appreciate them. I'll often chalk up the driveway and sidewalks with uplifting messages and designs too!”
Grace Epstein, @Luxenberg2005
“I was kicked into gear by a CO mom I know online through FB Art Beyond Loss. She also had lost a child to suicide. She was sewing beautiful masks. I have a sewing machine, excess fabric and basic skills. How could I not help! Hartford Health Care had patterns. Lakeville Interiors coordinated a drive to provide masks for medical staff at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. That was the beginning and the end is not in view. It's meaningful creative work that may keep more people healthy and alive.”
Bushy Hill Bonanza, @bushyhillbonanza
“The COVID-19 crisis has been an unexpected and unprecedented event in all of our lives. As the sister and friend of numerous medical professionals, as I began to understand the severity of the shortage of proper personal protective gear, I reached out to them to see if they needed my help in creating masks. After all, I have plenty of fabric, elastic and flannel! I couldn’t imagine not helping my loved ones stay even a bit safer if I was able to - and they were happy to let me know they would accept homemade masks.
I started making masks just for donation for medical professionals and essential workers plus a few friends with medical needs. However, as word spread and then as the CDC recommended masks for all in public, the need and demand rapidly increased. I have opened up my shop to accept orders of masks for all, although I prioritize all first responders and essential employees first. And I’ve enlisted the help of my mom / shop partner to help.
We’ve raided our large fabric stashes and gotten creative when our elastic supply dwindled to supply about 200 masks to date. I juggle this with my day job and I am blessed to have generous friends who have helped with supplies - and I cannot imagine not doing this. I’ll make masks for as long as there is a demand / need and hope that that time ends quickly for the good of all of us.”
BH Upcycle Designs, @bhupcycledesigns
MaryLynne Boisvert normally focuses on 'rescuing clothes that people are done with. If they are wool or cashmere sweaters, they get felted, then cut up so that the fabric can be used. Cotton, silk and linen are gently washed, then cut up, and sewn into new things so they can have a whole new life.' These days, she's also giving hope and new life to people in her life who are at-risk and in need of masks to help protect them from COVID-19.
She's given masks to Bristol Hospital. Closer to home, she's made several that have gone to her father and other residents at his apartment complex. Her husband has also joined the effort by helping with the process. "I'm just trying to do my part," she commented on one of her Instagram posts.
Our community is so grateful for the contributions of all of these wonderful women... and to everyone who is stepping up to provide for those in need! Thank you for all you do!