LIFE WHILE IN QUARANTINE
Effects of a
GLOBAL
PANDEMIC on Local Art Story by Tapanga Krause Photos by Zahn Schultz Design by Kayla Craig
Creating art is about experimentation, community and a little bit of failure. According to Gallery One Visual Arts Center Director, Monica Miller, this is exactly what the pandemic feels like after the closure of her well-known gallery in Ellensburg. Due to the recent outbreak, people in the art world are being forced to adjust by finding new ways to stay creative while sheltering-in-place. 26
SPRING 2020 | ISSUE ONE
The Online Transition When Katelyn Stewart, senior Recreation, Tourism and Events and Dance double major and dance instructor at FootLites dance studio in Selah, Washington heard that classes were being moved online, she explains that she felt devastated. “This is my last quarter in my dance classes with people I consider to be my second family.” “I’ve always felt like the fullest version of myself in rehearsals at the dance studio, but just because we can’t be together doesn’t mean we can’t still grow and support each other in our craft,” she adds. Each community of artists has found new ways to come together and support their passions. Stewart explains that she has been constantly inspired by the creativity, positivity and support coming from the dance department. They have been coming up with many new ideas that allow their students to share their work and stay connected during this time, according to Stewart. Kayla Craig, fifth year Graphic Design major and graphic designer for PULSE, adds that the art department professors have also been very accommodating to the students by providing supplies and alternate forms of running class. Despite not attending inperson classes, many artists have been adapting to online work and teaching methods. Craig says that initially she was very taken aback by the idea of taking her classes online, especially the art-related ones. She explains the first thought she had was, “How am I supposed to [do] stuff without a studio?” Stewart faced similar diffi-
