How to survive the current plague

Bravo to those who braved coronavirus exposure to attend the opening of “20/20 Vision” art exhibit! I was surprised (and relieved) to see collectors and artists crowding into the gallery for First Thursday.

But I’m also a little concerned about the people I didn’t see at the art walk. So here are my totally unscientific, Top Two Tips for surviving the current plague, whether you’re making or appreciating the art.

First: Artists can’t live in ghost towns.

Artist Susan Derrick gets a better look at “They Don’t Really Feel Pain” by Lisa Myers Bulmash

As you see above, art galleries are still open, and so are many artist studios. They rely on foot traffic, to some degree. If you’re still feeling pretty healthy (no flu-like symptoms, not coughing or sneezing into your elbow), go out. Go to the next art walk or performance, whether you’re in a spending mood or just showing up to support a friend.

Second: Fill your cart from home.

Maggie Jiang’s paintings at Koplin del Rio Gallery, Pioneer Square

The lovely thing about collecting art online is that there’s no risk of COVID-19 infection. It’s just you and the germs you’re already carrying. (Psst: wash your hands, kids.) Try browsing your favorite gallery or artist website and see if there’s an artwork you just can’t live without. Email/ direct message/ text the artist or gallery and arrange to pick up the work when you’re feeling better.

And in case I forgot to say it earlier: WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER. The longer you stay healthy, the more art events you can attend.

Show closing: Leaving the "Motherland"

This is it, folks: the last weekend you can visit the “Motherland.” Last flight out leaves Saturday.

You have two options left to you: join the artists, collectors and other art lovers at the closing reception…

Credit: CoCA Seattle

… or get your hands on a catalog of all the art exhibited.

This might be your best option if you’re committed to holiday-related events that overlap the closing reception. Bonus: The catalog cost also helps support future CoCA exhibits and events.

This is your engraved invitation — go!

In training for an Art Marathon

Getting down to the wire this weekend, as I prep for my first (art) marathon.

Friends of mine have participated before in this fundraiser for the Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA Seattle), but they have lots more experience creating work in front of a live audience. Me, on the other hand… I’m usually holed up in the studio muttering to myself as I work. So it’s a bit of a personal challenge. I’m honored to be working alongside 19 other artists, including painters Braden Duncan and Jazz Brown as well as kinetic sculptor Casey Curran.

But wait — there’s more! You’re invited to stop by and watch the paint fly on September 20th. This way, you get a special preview of the brand-new artworks to be auctioned off at the gala on September 22nd.

I’ve sketched out ideas, but details always change in the process — come see!