I organize and encourage socializing with one or a small group WHILE physically distancing. Being safe does not mean solitary confinement. People need to interact and laugh to deal with the stress in their life. I also spend weeks at a time staying with my 96 year old mother several hours from me as I share caretaking with several siblings. As I can not teach painting at senior centers, long term care facilities and children's camps during all this I do paintings of peoples pets and homes to continue using my art abilities and bring joy with art. I continue to offer online instructor training to teach artists my special Art is 4 Every1 method of teaching so they can have their own business helping others see like an artist and change lives.
Smiling at strangers, or sharing a laugh with everyone we see in a day can really bring a change to people’s being and mood. I am honored when people have told me “I always feel better after I am with you.” Not being able to share smiles has been the hardest part of mask wearing. I recently read that face shields were as good as masks and hope that is true and become accepted as approved coverings in casual social settings so we can all share smiles again!
