Calling All Creatives: Inaugural Art Show for Wellness and Advocacy

Denise Blough, Inktober Favorites 2020, Illustration, Adobe Photoshop

“For the last few years, my mom and I have participated in Inktober, a 31-day drawing challenge. In 2020, the practice of setting aside time each day to be creative and the simple joy of texting each other pictures of our art (however rushed or uninspired we were that day) was a buffer against all the stress going on in the world. I’ve picked a few of my favorites to share. If you couldn’t tell, I am a full-out amateur.”

 

Samantha Hicks (Staff member), Quarantine Crochet, Acrylic and wool yarns

“My aunt taught me to crochet years ago, but learning only the most basic stitches relegated me to making scarves and other rectangular items. After unsuccessfully scouring the internet for satisfactory soft-soled slippers, I decided to make my own. I pulled out some stashed yarn, and before long I had matching slippers, gloves, and a hat. Pictured are three hats and a neck warmer I’ve made. Crochet has proven to be highly meditative for me, and I now regularly use it as part of my self-care routine.”

Samantha Hicks (Staff member), In Bloom, Photography

“Flowers are one of my favorite subjects to photograph. The folds of the petals, the structure of the pistils and stamens, and the verdant green stems and leaves make it easy to take a great photo.”

Samantha Hicks (Staff member), Seeds, Photography

“I took this picture last summer during the Black Lives Matter protests. Hundreds marched by this mural as they walked downtown to the Statehouse to protest police brutality. The mural was painted in 2018 in response to President Trump’s rescindment of DACA, and I think it serves to remind all of us that we can all be the seeds of change.”

 

Dena Hussain (Undergraduate Student), Siblings Portrait, Acrylic on canvas

“This is a painting of my two fur children, Navi and Chip. They are siblings who don’t typically get along, but this shows a moment where they accepted each other. For me, I paint when I want to exercise my creative side and have spare time to do so. I feel connected to my inner artistic self when I create art, and this is a piece that I never actually finished but am proud of.”

Dena Hussain (Undergraduate Student), Furry Face and Purrfect Paws, Acrylic on canvas

“I depicted the cutest parts of my fur children (in my humble opinion). It’s all about appreciating the little (furry) things in life. I decided to divide this canvas into two parts because both babies deserve the spotlight. This painting was created over winter break of 2020 and brings back memories of self-care, determination, and fun.”

Katherine Denune (Alumna), White-throated Sparrow, Painted shale

 

Katherine Denune (Alumna), Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Painted shale

 

Mindy Freed (Staff member), Mod Cats, Acrylic on paper

 

Mindy Freed (Staff member), Lucky Cat, Acrylic on paper

 

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Teresa Long (Faculty member), Spotted Turtle, Painted Sandstone

“Inspired by my daughter’s painted rocks during lockdown, I decided to try. I chose a spotted turtle as it fit the rock shape and is an at-risk species in our Ohio wetlands and waters. Let’s protect their habitats.”

Teresa Long (Faculty member), Goldfinch on Coneflowers, Acrylic paint on sandstone

“During Covid-19 “lockdown,” creating a new art object that brought joy to our neighbors, was rewarding. Our front yard pollinator gardens became a place of beautiful nature and fun art creations.”

Teresa Long (Faculty member), Squirrel, Acrylic on shale

“Rock painting of favorite wildlife has become a fun shared family pastime during the Time of Covid-19. Squirrels are the nemesis of our beloved dog, Raven, so having a squirrel in the pollinator garden (that couldn’t run away) was for her.”

Katherine Denune (Alumna), Chickadee, Painted Shale