Quarantine Art Exhibition Depicting Global Pandemic Opens Online

Artists from across the globe explored the impact of COVID-19 on their work, their loved ones, and their community for QUARANTINE, a new online art exhibit hosted by the Thomas K. McKeon Center for Creativity on the Tulsa Community College Metro Campus. These artists, from seven countries on four continents, answered a 30-day challenge to create art based on their experiences with the coronavirus pandemic.

The virtual exhibition can be viewed on the McKeon Center for Creativity’s Facebook, June 6 through July 31, 2020. Throughout the course of the exhibition, the Center will release video interviews with exhibition artists and offer free online workshops that can be enjoyed by true beginners and those with artistic experience.

"We were amazed by the international response we received to this call for artists," said Annina Collier, Dean and George Kaiser Family Foundation Endowed Chair of the Center for Creativity. "The diversity of work and perspectives are a good reminder that while the virus is a global phenomenon, the impact on individuals and communities varies tremendously."

The exhibition showcases the work of local artists including artists representing four Native American tribes, and artists from Italy, Turkey, Finland, Pakistan, Argentina, and more. Artwork ranges from paintings, photographs, drawings, digital illustrations, to three-dimensional work. Some pieces are for sale, with all proceeds going to the individual artist.

The video interviews include photos of the artists' workspaces, views from their windows, and discussions about how the virus has changed their lives and communities.

"The interviews are a fascinating look into each artist's world and how their practice has been changed by the virus. Many have found new ways of creating that they expect will influence their creative process post-pandemic," said Collier.

The public can try their hand at creating their own artwork through three Zoom workshops. The workshops are free, and the supplies required are minimal, but pre-registration is required.

Friday, June 19, 3 - 4 p.m.

What Moves You: Photographing Motion with Angela Ambrosini

Have you ever wondered how to take that perfect soccer goal shot or the perfect night shot of moving objects? In this workshop, using perspective, light, and motion and adjusting your settings just right to tell the perfect story will be discussed. You will also be able to ask questions about your upcoming events and how you can get that perfect shot. Angela Ambrosini is a street photographer and storyteller who uses the world around her to create emotional connections.

Friday, July 17, noon - 1 p.m.

At Home, All Alone: An Exploration of Self-Portraiture with Edie Angela Fuertes

Many photographers have relied on the outside world for the creation of their images, but due to COVID-19, we suddenly and unexpectedly find ourselves alone. This is a workshop on the art and process of self-portraiture. In this workshop, we’ll get inspired through asking questions, create a setting, learn self-timer settings, discuss lighting and editing techniques, and discover how to befriend yourself -- as both the photographer and subject of your work. Edie Angela Fuertes is an alternative photographer whose work is built upon healing, reclamation, and a deepening of one’s relationship to their own body-image, environments, identities, and beyond.

Friday, July 24, noon - 1 p.m.

Paper Filigree Workshop with Antonella Tiozzo

Supplies needed: paper, glue, pins or needles (colorful paper is nice, but any type will do!) Create delicate and intricate works of paper art using minimal supplies. This meditative art form was practiced during the Renaissance by Italian and French nuns and monks, and the tradition continues today. Italian artist Antonella Tiozzo, who specializes in 3-D works, will help you create your own tiny masterpiece.