This year has been difficult. That is a statement everyone can agree with. One of the brighter happenings, for me, has been my involvement with the Columbus Area Arts Council, or CAAC. This small but mighty group puts the organize in organization. I’ll admit, at some point in my 5 years of experience in the non-profit arts, I began to doubt whether small communities can get it together enough to support local art happenings, create solid relationships, and secure tiers of support. I started to wonder if only bigger cities could succeed in engaging the public in such a way. I have new hope after witnessing the way that the Arts Council here in Columbus, Indiana has responded to the challenge of COVID-19.
I began my internship as the Community Outreach Coordinator in June, continuing until a few weeks into August. Nowadays I help once a week on Fridays and as needed. There is so much work to be done. On top of an incredible project called The Mask Project, the council hosted an online fundraiser to take place of their annual gala in the shape of an online Fine Art Auction and Student Art Sale.
I gathered my peers’ chosen work for the sale and it was a hit. Surprisingly, the Columbus community is excited about student work. This applies to all grades, not only the shiny new architecture program downtown. It is evident, walking around this town, that they embrace young creativity. Almost every piece sold! The pieces were displayed at 411 Gallery, the council’s physical space downtown.
Now, let’s talk about The Mask Project, funded by The Heritage Fund and Columbus Regional Health. The mission is to make 7,500 masks with fabric designed by a handful of local artists (including myself!) and distribute them to the community at no cost. So far, TMP has produced and distributed nearly 3,000 masks. This is no small feat, considering a team of four people, not including me, have been busy since May making this happen. Of course, we are a small team backed by 100 + volunteers that have stepped forward to cut and sew masks. Most of my days this summer consisted of picking up a coffee and driving all over town blasting music and delivering / picking up volunteer mask kits. I have permanent indents in my hands from cutting fabric. All the while, I met so many wonderful people, learned my way around, and developed an affection for Columbus, Indiana.
The masks range from size XS (which is important, because kids have a hard time finding comfortable masks), to L. I believe in the impact this project has, not only to provide a life saving item during a global pandemic, but to encourage a sense of community by normalizing wearing a mask. Powerful things happen when artists gather to promote public health and safety.
My mask design, “Beauty in Diversity”