Last year we missed one of our favorite events of the year, cancelled because of Covid. This year, ArtFields returns, the first event of any kind we have attended since the pandemic began. It felt so wonderful to get away, see people, see some amazing art, and feel a little normal again.
Lake City made a huge effort to provide safety for all. Masks (optional in our state now) were mandatory and social distancing enforced so we felt safe attending.
ArtFields was started in 2013 to exhibit artists of the Southeast, while bringing fine arts to rural South Carolinians and revitalizing a small Southern town.
The competition offers over $100,000 in cash prizes. Two People’s Choice Awards are determined by the votes of people visiting ArtFields. A panel of art professionals selects all the other awards, including the $50,000 Grand Prize and $25,000 Second Place award.
While there is never a stated theme, it does seem that most of the artists’ works that are selected by the jury are comments on timely social and political issues of the day.
As one would expect, many and diverse works reflected on the pandemic that has snuffed out the lives of 575,000 Americans and turned the lives of the world upside down for over a year.
I liked this one a lot, telling the stories of some very average people in one neighborhood who answered the question, “How has the coronavirus affected you?”
This photo essay made me think about how I might have answered.
I think I would have said something about missing all the important events and milestones of my family members for over a year, grandchildren growing up, all those sweet moments I can never get back again.
There were about 300 works in the show, spread all around the town, and we spent two full days taking it all in.
I have lots more interesting things to show you, including the pieces we voted for for the People’s Choice Award, and next week, the winners. I hope you will enjoy the wonderful imaginations and the talent of these artists as much as we did!
Very interesting! Such a wide variety of affects.
ReplyDeleteI would say " My husbands health is so much better during Covid, he isn't sick all the time, isolation, masks, hand washing and social distancing have been good for him!"
Individual stories make it more real than just statistics.
ReplyDeleteSo sad to read their stories though not the full version.
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea to showcase these photos.
It seems like an exceptionally fine exhibit and it does showcase the impact that COVID has had on the lives of so many. It is like a retrospective of the period taking place while it is still happening. It will be interesting a few years from now to look back on what has been written about COVID and what I suspect will be its lasting impact on how societies function. As the population of the world spirals ever upward toward ten billion it is hard to believe that this is the last pandemic we will face.
ReplyDeleteNeat exhibit. Before COVID we went to a Friday night Art Walk at a local town. Downtown streets were blocked off and various artist set up booths to showcase and sell their art. We enjoyed it a lot and saw a variety of things including paintings, drawings, stained glass art, belly dancers and more. There are several monthly Art Walks in around the OKC metro area and I think they have started back up. This reminds me to check on that and to get out there and see the art!
ReplyDeleteThose are some very moving stories about what Covid has meant for them. Unfortunately Covid - deniers have held their hands to cover their ears throughout the year we've been dealing with this. Can't wait to see more.
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