What an extraordinary time this has been for the world. To those who have lost friends and family, my heart and prayers go out to you. I know this has been devastating for many – from the loss of loved ones, the loss of jobs, money, in many cases homes. Watching the news is disheartening because we desperately need to stay home and stay in place – but that becomes an increasingly impossible choice in the face of the pressures to find ways to provide for families, preserve businesses that have taken toil and love and labor to build, and help others because it is their vocation and passion.
For entertainers, face painters and balloon artists, clowns and circus groups, there is a desperate need for real information about how we can resume. Many balloon artists have turned to “yard art” as one way of keeping a bit of money coming in. Some have turned to venues like YouTube, Vimeo, and other video sites to keep their names in front of the public and some earn a bit of income.
For face painters, how to further refine already safe practices to adapt to what we know about the virus is a primary topic online and in groups. Safety has always been top of mind for professional face painters. Perhaps the “good news” will be that festivals and other event planners will “shy away” from using “volunteers” who – with the best of intentions – often know very little about safe face painting practices.
If you are among the artists, craftspeople, and entertainers, take heart. We have been through several of these huge economic and social upheavals in the past and, in the end, new ways of bringing our work to the public have emerged. Be your very best self. Don’t be one of those who risks the safety of others for a quick buck – only to create long term damage. We have to make a living – but not at the expense of the safety of others. It would be a terrible legacy that would long outlive the impact of this virus if we were contributors to spreading the illness.
Let’s spend this time to look closely at ways that we CAN produce and distribute and sell and advertise our art while respecting the safety of others. Let’s be leaders in getting the world back to a place where joy, fantasy, and fun can be experienced without the fear of spreading this (or any other) disease. Art and imagination are hugely important – especially during times like this. Let’s have the most positive impact possible!
God bless each you in all your endeavors.
