Westport really is an arts community.
Yesterday I tossed out an idea: In these perilous times, let’s share art. I promised to post some of what I got every Saturday.
I wrote:
It doesn’t matter how old (or young) you are. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never picked up a brush, crayon or camera in your life. You don’t have to be an experienced painter, sketcher or collagist. You can work together, or with your family or anyone else you’re self-isolating with
All you need is an idea and a way to express it. Serenity, love, calm, separation, friends, solitude, fear, hope — whatever you’re thinking or feeling, get to work!
Artwork flooded in. It was broad, beautiful and imaginative.
Uh oh. Much of it was also created before (remember those days?) the pandemic hit.
My idea was to get folks — amateurs and professional, of all ages — making art, of all types. I guess some people just skimmed the story.
I’d love to showcase all the art I got. Right now, I’m limiting it to work that was specifically created during this crisis, or that shows powerfully some of the effects these days are having on us.
Here’s the first batch. Enjoy this virtual gallery.
Keep the submissions coming (based on the criteria above). And if yours is not posted today, be patient. There will be more next Saturday, and every week after until there’s no more art. As if.
PS: Thanks, Stacie Curran, for the great suggestion to call this new feature “0*6*Art*Art*0”!
Haiku, by Westport poet laureate Diane Lowman
“Find Your Beach” (Max Szostak, 17 years old)
Robbie Sumberg
Chalk art by Kassia Stedman, 8, and Avery Stedman, 6
A bra makes an impromptu face mask (Amy Schneider)
Alex Drexler couldn’t sleep. He took his dog on a 5-mile walk. The sunrise helped.
The new Merritt Parkway rush hour (Paul Delano)
Lonely boy (Finley LaPick)
Brenda Giegerich
“Heads Above Water” (Heidi Palmer)
Long Lots Elementary School student Ben Kuster spent the week decorating t-shirts
Mara Barth
All fantastic!!
So inspiring! I love this idea, Dan! Loved every piece you chose. Wow!
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Great idea! I love all the art work. Thanks, Dan, for cheering us up this morning. Mary Condon
Great art work. Thanks for cheering us up this morning, Dan.
Mary Condon
Ahhhh … a balm for the spirit in this Brave New World. Thank you, Dan. Health and Wellness to you and your readers from Colorado.
Wowza … that was a good idea
Second that.
third that
Fabulous! Love ‘em all!! Is Ben selling his T-shirts?
Way to go Stace!!! Thank you Dan and all these talented people. You put a smile on my face .
Dan, thanks for all you are doing! You are keeping us informed, connected, involved and entertained. During these difficult days, “ who could ask for anything more”. Stay safe and well, Barbara Zwick.
Sent from my iPad
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Artrepreneur.com is a free site for artists and arts organizations to upload work and we beam it out to the world. My team launched a similar call-to-artists a few days ago. Art is the center of everything and it is always a source of hope, joy, & inspiration. To artists and designers, we welcome you to our wonderful community. To art lovers, please browse through the great works by artists from all over the globe. In this time of social distancing, many are turning to the arts as a way to find strength and stay connected. Please keep yourself and those around you safe.
Thank you..
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Outstanding idea Dan.
NiCE!
WOW,,,,,Thanks 06880 and thank you Stacieâ¦.love it… Sauce >
Love it! Inspiring…
Really wonderful to see all these! Thank you!
What a Wonderful idea! Great Artwork! Thank you, Dan!
😂😂😂 I’m the bad example of a “skimmed the rules”
>> Mara Barth >> Finisher: 108 marathons, >> 5 Ironman Triathlons >> http://www.ayearwithoutrunning.com >> “Mommy” as of 10-8-04 Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks Dan. We all needed that!
So lovely. Thanks Dan, for this ray of sunshine. And for including me! Diane
Love it! Keep em coming! I’d join in but after just moving I think I’ll be unpacking for the next month…at least it’s something to keep busy 😅
Thank you Dan. Another terrific idea.
To Heidi, what a beautiful choice. Aren’t we all just trying to “keep our heads above water” these days.
Wonderful job everyone! Westport still the creative town I remember! Lots of creativity happening up here in New Hampshire…and around the world…it all helps!
Thanks so much Dan. Just like during Superstorm Sandy you are my connection to the outside world of Westport. The whole blog today was great. I sent different parts to select people who would appreciate each one. I loved it all and have bookmarked a few of the links. Hope you are well and staying safe at this crazy but new normal time!
Bobbi
Thanks, Bobbi. Right now, all we have is each other. But that is plenty. We’re very lucky to live in this wonderful community, for sure. Thank YOU for all you do, for so many kids!