The Covid-19 pandemic has proved to be a life-changing event in human history that has forced everyone to cope with this global crisis in their own way. For artist Evelyn Ray and the senior citizens who participate in her art classes, the pandemic has been a trying time that forced them to seek camaraderie and recreation using unconventional means. With the pandemic forcing many of the city's elderly to remain indoors, these seniors have chosen to cope with this reality by creating art. 

After five of the senior centers where Evelyn taught closed due to the pandemic she immediately knew that her students would need a new way to access her art classes. So Evelyn reached out to her students via email and inquired about who might be interested in taking her new virtual class.

Initially, the classes started out with two students but eventually, the group grew into a class of eight.

Unable to provide the seniors with supplies, Evelyn asked the students what materials they had at home. This established the group’s weekly focus for each piece of art. 

The resulting artwork ranges from language art stating “peace” and “stay safe at home” to floral collages, and drawings. Some of the art is simple and focused on single motifs such as deer drinking from streams, solitary trees, and other work, like their multi-colored mandalas, that are breathtaking to behold. 

Each session running from the end of April into the summer was cherished by the seniors who found the art classes were a welcome source of tranquility. The artwork created by Evelyn’s students embodies the resilience, versatility, and creativity that these seniors possess.

Please feel free to view a digital presentation of this exhibition on Vimeo.