Months-long sheltering in place has resulted in loneliness and isolation for senior citizens, stress for parents and boredom and restlessness among youngsters. Artists affiliated with Silicon Valley Open Studios have arrived at a possible solution to this angst.
Sunnyvale resident Christine Oliver, whose specialty is watercolors, is among those who have stepped into the breach. An art major in college, she worked in advertising and communications and upon retirement has devoted her time to sharing her skills; her favorite subjects are landscapes, wildlife, seascapes and still life. Active in the local art scene, she has exhibited at the Saratoga Rotary Art Show, among others, and won first place at the AVA Art Fest.
Pre-pandemic, Oliver taught at community centers where her students include the elderly as well as youth. With the disruption caused by COVID-19, she now teaches art virtually through Zoom.
Bronwen Thomas, one of her senior students, acknowledged that Zoom classes can be a challenge to those not computer-savvy. On the other hand, she says, “Taking lessons virtually is almost as good as doing it in person. You don’t have to pack your painting supplies, fight traffic, and you save time, thereby reducing stress.”
Art teacher Patricia Johnson has a studio in the Rose Garden area of San Jose; she is a former professor in the digital arts department at Pratt Institute, NY.
“During the current crisis, I have learned firsthand that art-making, even experienced remotely, can be valuable and therapeutic,” she said. “The goals of all my classes have been collaboration, creative problem-solving and building a sense of confidence.”
Beyond its therapeutic value, studies have shown that there are benefits in pursuing art. Creative efforts help with social and cognitive development, particularly for young people. Art also develops spatial skills that assist with mathematics and science.
Geeta Taneja relied on the therapeutic aspect of art by painting her impressions of COVID-19 in “We are in it together,” a watercolor and gouache painting that won an award from the Fine Arts League of Cupertino. Tech worker Bhawna Seth of Sunnyvale regulates her stress by learning art online.
To combat isolation, Annie Haines hosts Zoom critiques for Los Gatos Art Association Plein Air Painters. Likewise, tech professional Shubha Prithviraj, as president of the Fine Arts League of Cupertino, is organizing virtual artist meet-ups.
Willow Glen resident Lisa Pelgrim continues to create her sculptures—some ceramic and others papier-mache—in the privacy of her backyard.
“In uncertain times, you can focus on your art, and it can be a very comforting feeling,” she said.
For more information about virtual art classes with Silicon Valley Open Studios, visit www.svos.org
