What a strange year it has been. Art was certainly not in the forefront of my mind during mid 2020, but I was lucky enough to be able to be distracted by art during the height of the pandemic.
During the early months of the pandemic, in May 2020, I became involved with a group who was raising money for local non-profits (Hoboken Food Pantry & Hoboken Shelter). The project was called ‘The H Parade’, several artists participated. We were given wooden H’s and were asked to design them, then they were all auctioned off to help raise money.
Another project with another group came along shortly thereafter, FLAG (Front Line Appreciation Group of Hoboken) also initiated and organized fundraisers and auctions for not only our front line workers but also for those most vulnerable, again helping to support those in the community with food insecurity. I was asked to donate a piece of art for the auction and I happily donated this piece, Elysian Cafe.
Elysian Cafe, 2019.
Cut to months later, November 2020, the city where I live organized an outdoor Artist Tour/Walk to go alongside the newly finished Art Box Mural Project. A newly appointed arts council created an initiative to promote public art. The outdoor tour allowed artists to use public space to set up tables to display and sell art.
Artist tour/walk November 2020, Hoboken
Venuses of Hoboken Mural, Hoboken NJ
More recently I was chosen for the Honorable Mention Award in the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA) Winter Small Works Exhibit 2021.
Lena, 2019. Collage on paper 11x14”.
I have been luckier than most and have had the opportunity and ability to keep creating art during this crazy time.
