Living at Home Effects of a Global Pandemic on

Story by Tapanga Krause Photos by Zahn Schultz Design by Kayla Craig Effects of a

GLOBAL PANDEMIC

on Local Art

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.

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-

culties with transitioning the dance classes she teaches to the Zoom platform but explains that many of her students have reacted well. “Seeing the kids and their ability to stay positive and continue to work on their dances from wherever they are keeps me going,” she says.

But it isn’t just students that have to find ways to cope with doing things online; galleries and museums also have to find a way to work around the closures.

Miller says, “We really miss seeing our community in person but we are trying to use this time as an opportunity to connect to each other virtually.” While having access to an art gallery online just isn’t the same as going to one in person, it might be one of the best ways to stay connected with the Ellensburg art community right now.

The Impact of Art During a Pandemic During isolation, people need outlets of creativity almost more than before, in order to release their emotions about the unknown.

Craig explains that art allows you to express your ideas in a visual and striking way.

“The arts are more critical and essential than ever,” adds Miller. Art can give people the outlet to express themselves in many ways, whether it’s through a poem, music, a painting or a dance routine, there are many mediums to choose from.

“Art means everything to me,” Stewart says. “I can’t think of a single day in my life when I haven’t [sung] or danced. I feel lost without it … art is my safe place.”

There are a lot of negative feelings surrounding this pandemic, but there are also many positive

takeaways that people can gain from it as well.

“This pandemic has demonstrated the awesome love we can have in our community when we come together and make the effort to understand others,” Stewart explains. “I’ve seen so much love for high school seniors, healthcare workers, the sick, single parents, college students, small businesses and many other demographics that have been affected more than others.”

This dedication to supporting others during a critical time shows just how much artists have all come together as a community.

“If we can continue to make an effort to understand and have empathy for those around us . . . we can do so many great things,” Stewart says.

Remember that you are not alone in this; there are so many others out there that are going through the same thing and understand how you are feeling. Your feelings are valid and you deserve to express them in any way that you choose because, according to Stewart, “Art is what makes us human.”

Contributions by Kyle Wilkinson & Madeline Wilson Photos by Casey Rothgeb & Zahn Schultz Design by Sara Roach

Take a look at what it’s like on the streets of Ellensburg amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Central’s dining halls are hungry for community and student customers during the shutdown. Business is not as usual while Washington state Gov.

Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order is in place. The walkways of Central are bare and the usual buzz of college students is gone. Closed signs hang from empty buildings and only a few people walk by.