Why Community Matters
Local creativity is overflowing in communities as moms, dads, small business owners, nonprofit leaders and volunteers are finding new ways to communicate in this new world of social isolation. Their coping strategies and ingenuity are beyond inspiring!
We are proud to introduce you to these innovators in “Why CommunityMatters”, a series made possible by LIFEWTR.
Three questions with Lisa Stretton, owner of the Lisa Stretton Art
With the new norm of practicing social distancing, how are you finding creative ways to connect with family and friends?
In a time of social distancing, technology is playing a key role in connecting with friends and family. We have been utilizing Zoom meetings to connect with friends or family. We all log into the meeting at the set time. We are able to mirror our computer screen on the TV. We are able to see all our friends or family at the same time and virtually share a glass of wine or beverage of choice. We cracked a few jokes and then participated in board games such as Quiplash from Jackbox or Cards Against Humanity.
My kids are connecting to their friends through Facetime. This is not new for them but they are connecting with friends both for fun and for support with schoolwork.
Can you tell us if you or any of your colleagues are doing creative things at home to find joy and inspiration?
With the outbreak of Coronavirus, we are at a time when art and music are needed to bring comfort and peace to people dealing with an unprecedented situation. Artists are needing to go back to art to find solace and inspiration as well. Just before the outbreak of Coronavirus, I was in process of launching a new business, Real Art Real Artists (aka #RaRa) because I saw the need to help artists get discovered in their communities. RaRa is an online directory website that connects artists and their artwork to their community. The directory is organized by location, price, and style, giving local artists an opportunity to showcase their talent and sell their own art. It’s spring, a time when art events, exhibits, and fairs are in abundance. They are now canceled, and galleries are not able to open. This website can really help artists be found by consumers in their location thus making curbside drop-off of original art a possibility. RaRa is offering free memberships to artists through the coronavirus pandemic.
If you are a parent, have you found creative ways to engage kids at home?
My kids have been overwhelmed with the amount of schoolwork. I have found playing jazz music off Alexa while kids are doing schoolwork eases some of the stress and sets a peaceful tone for the day.
Two of my boys play soccer for SoccerViza and they have been sending homework drills. The drills have been really helpful in giving the kids a physical, yet directed outlet. They boys videotape their homework drills and then post it to a soccer app for their coaches to see. It has helped to keep a sense of community.
Community matters - now more than ever. We are thankful to LIFEWTR for helping us to connect and stay strong.