QUARANTINE LIFE: ART

I’ve thought about it for a while—before, and throughout the pandemic. 

I finally said it out loud. “I do miss teaching. I want to teach in my community.”

Diane heard me. “Well, do it! What’s stopping you?” Daniese heard me, and shared my interest with the right person—Suzanne—who immediately asked for a written proposal. Whatever excuses, procrastination, doubt, or hesitation existed, had to go. Sometimes, people have more confidence in you than you have in yourself. Their enthusiasm is motivation not to drop the ball. I was suddenly grateful for everyone who taught me how to collect my thoughts in writing.

As with singing, I felt a little rusty. There are some things that may be innate, or appear easy, but you don’t just hop up and do them. With all that you think you know, or are capable of, some things demand care, study, and preparation. There’s always the possibility that concepts, standards, requirements, and strategies have changed.

I perused my Art books, read articles, OD’d on PBS documentaries, looked at the work of other artists, attended Art related programs via Zoom, and drew, and painted, and wrote. Even the conversations with patrons of Wellspring Manor on Gallery Walk days were encouraging. “You have a body of work, a story to tell, and much to share. It’s never too late.”

I dusted off my resume and cover letter (thanks, Lisa and Robyn), found my transcripts, completed a gang of forms, and a background check…

What I’d written down gradually became a syllabus. Everything in my head took shape. It had certainly been there marinating long enough.

The Fall semester has begun. The students I’ll meet this week aren’t little kids this time. They’re card-carrying AARP members, like me, but my elders, just the same.

This revived Art teacher can’t wait to meet them.

Maybe it’s time to stop titling my blogs “Quarantine Life”. Outside hasn’t been as uncertain and scary as it once was. 🙂