"Art is something that makes you breathe with a different kind of happiness."
The aforementioned quote is credited to textile and print artist Anni Albers, and it’s a favorite of the staff at the Springfield Museum of Art.
But in their daily mission to spread happiness, the museum has been hampered greatly since the COVID-19 pandemic forced its closure.
The Springfield Museum of Art, however, is not letting the pandemic render it obsolete. Instead of inviting the community through its doors, the organization is working to bring the museum to the people.
The museum has launched the Moments for Joy campaign to do just that.
"All of us here believe that art sparks joy and wonder, and brings us together. We recognized that many of us are scared or anxious or lonely in socially distancing ourselves. We wondered what our role as a museum is in times like this," says Jessimi Jones, executive director for the museum.
"What does it look like now that opening is not an option? We want to make sure that we can still support each other."
The spark for the Moments for Joy campaign came as Jones and staff found unused promotional materials for past exhibitions, namely art prints on posters and postcards. Rather than discard them, the museum began sending the prints to senior living facilities in the area. Since sent, the staff of the museum — a lot of them artists themselves — are creating their own prints to send now, too.
Jones encourages the community to follow the museum online as they post additional Moments for Joy. Upcoming programs could include scavenger hunts, lesson plans, and parent-led activities for children.
"With the physical space being closed, we’re really focused on bringing the virtual experience to the community," says Jones.
"We want to keep them connected and inspired by art."
Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.
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