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Diversion in the Year of COVID

by KATHRYN BOUGHTON

Do you remember when you were a kid and you pressed your nose against the window on a rainy morning, wishing the clouds away. What to do? What to do?

Well, clouds have gathered all over the world—thick, gray, threatening clouds that have rained on many a parade this spring. We are all stuck inside and, by now, many of us may be running out of ideas of how to fill hours usually consumed by work, taking our children to lessons and games, and socializing with friends and family.

It is a strange new world, filled with fear and frustration. But it can also be a time for exploration, creativity and ingenuity—a time to take a breath and discover an inner life that perhaps we have ignored.

And we do not necessarily have to do it alone. Through the miracle of modern technology many interactions are still at our fingertips. It is possible to take a virtual tour of a museum, take an art lesson, join a yoga class, check out audio books and movies from the local library and for children to listen to story hours. It’s even possible to “attend” church, seeking the spiritual succor offered from the pulpit
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Here are a few local resources to lighten the hours:

Overdrive, an instant digital library available through many local libraries, offers tours of 12 international art museums such as the Guggenheim in New York, The London Museum and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris—just think no sore feet as you gaze that the wonders of the art world!

If you want a more tactile experience, try the Art Omni Sculpture & Architecture Park in Ghent NY as a place of respite and inspiration in fresh outdoors air. Closer to home is the Butler Sculpture Park at 481 Shunpike Road in Sheffield MA. A “single-sculptor designed park,” it features the works of Robert Parker, carefully placed on 40 acres of winding paths and open grassy exhibition areas. There is no admission fee, but those who would like to visit are asked to call 413-229-8924 and indicate what time they would like to come.

Want to take a more active approach to art? Try making your own creations—albeit this may be difficult if you don’t already have supplies at your fingertips. Art Omi: Education is launching a series of make-at-home projects highlighting contemporary artists and artworks. Join the Art Omni: Education email list (www.artomi.org) to have a new weekly project delivered to you every week.

Closer to home, go to standardspace.net for a virtual tour of the Sharon gallery’s latest exhibition, Self-isolation, which continues through May 10. Works are still being accepted, but are limited to one work per artist. Works, including title, materials, dimensions and Instagram handle or website URL and be submitted to info@standardspace.net.

Beginners can dabble in the art world, too. The House of Books in Kent has reacted to the Corona crisis by closing its physical store but has launched a brand-new online store via Bookmanager. And first among its offerings is How to be an Artist, a witty and warm primer on how artists think, signed by Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz who lives in Kent. Purchasers can even get a personally autographed copy, by writing in whatever personalization they would like under “instructions.”

If you don’t happen to have a full set of oils and canvas at home, you can still join in the fun. Go to www.artinstructionblog.com to see how you can color with crayons and baby oil, among other things.

Not all of us are interested in art. Some may be more comfortable with a sewing machine. And here, you can really do some good. Two local groups that are sewing 100 percent cotton face masks. The groups are led by Jane Zatlin in Kent and Lakeville Interiors co-owners Courtney Saulnier and Ashley Marchand in Salisbury.

Several local social service agencies have asked for the masks, the first set being delivered last week. Now local hospitals and other groups are requesting the masks so production needs to be stepped up.

The masks are not 100 percent effective against virus transmission but they are reusable, washable and can be sterilized for use by those who may be exposed to the virus during their work or volunteer activities. These masks are meant to be worn either by themselves or by medical personnel/volunteers over an N95 mask to extend mask life.

Sewing skill is not necessary. Volunteers can help by assembling kits of fabric, pattern, scissors and the like, cutting and ironing fabrics in their homes; delivering materials from the pick-up point to volunteers’ homes, picking up finished masks and more. If you want to help, email NWCTmaskmakers@gmail.com or call Jill at 860-364-0362 (home) or 202-525-8884 (cell).

There is a good feeling that comes from helping others as well as a feeling of empowerment as you work to combat the spread of this dreaded disease. But sometimes we need even more to achieve inner peace. Melissa Parsons and Nicholas Dalton of Padmalaya Yoga in Ancram NY are offering online yoga classes over Zoom. Classes are conducted on Saturdays, Mondays and Thursdays for $14 per class. Those who already have paid for a current series will have that amount deducted. For information go to www.padmalayayoga.com.

Joining together in prayer is helpful to many and St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church is responding to the need with virtual worship services at 10:30AM Sundays via its live YouTube stream. Worship will be followed by a virtual Coffee Hour via Zoom at 11:30AM. Samantha Lucas is available at 11:15AM to help work out the bugs. Feel free to call her cell directly for help before 11:30 at (551) 556-4508. Lenten discussions will be held Tuesdays at 5:30PM, also on Zoom. Go to www.stthomasamenia.com each week to find the links.

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