Quarantine Brings Artists Together At AiM Written by Shayda Windle | Photos by Joanne Maisano
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here’s no doubt this year has presented its challenges to businesses all over the world, nonprofits and corporations alike. Some have succeeded and pushed through the pandemic with innovative ideas and the use of technology, while others have found themselves struggling to get business back into some kind of “new normal.” This month we’re privileged to sit down with Sandy Danielson, executive director of the Artists in Middleburg (AiM), a nonprofit working to provide arts educational opportunities for all, especially the youth, to talk a little bit about how things have changed through the pandemic. “Most of our classes have been free since March,” Danielson says. “It’s been a difficult
time for most. Our goal was and is to inspire, uplift spirits, and invite all to learn, socialize, and have some fun!” AiM has continued reaching out to artists and others about online classes, which Danielson says has “opened doors for many who could not attend classes in the past due to distance, age, or disability.” She plans to continue the online services even after the pandemic. AiM was finally able to re-open their doors to the public with protective measures in place shortly after the town entered into Phase 3 of the reopening guidelines. “I’m incredibly excited to say we have two exhibits taking place in October,” Danielson says. “The first, called ‘Red Rules: The Power
of Color,’ takes place Sept. 19 - Oct. 18, and the second, ‘Always in Season, Landscapes of the Piedmont,’ will be Oct. 24 - Nov. 22.” There are only a few in-person restrictions that visitors must follow. Only two individuals are allowed in at a time, and of course, masks and social distancing are required. AiM will also provide hand sanitizer to anyone before entering the gallery, and names and contact information will be taken and used for contract tracing if needed. Some of the classes available in October through Zoom include equine and animal sculpture with Goksin Carey, introduction to drawing with Steve Myles, and pastel still lifes with Ann Wallace. There is no cost to Artists | Page 35
Photo on left: “Street Tango,” oil on canvas, 36” x 32,” Alan Rubin. Top right: “Red Flag,” acrylic on canvas, 26” x 48,” Matt Pavone. Bottom right: “And Justice for All,” oil, 24” x 30,” Ligia Inra. Photo on right: Sandy Danielson, executive director of the Artists in Middleburg (AiM).
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OCTOBER 2020