Seattle, WA. Museum director Sylvia Wolf says the Henry Art Gallery still has a lot to offer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The museum on the University of Washington campus has shifted many of its offerings to a virtual format through #HenryAtHome. Sylvia Wolf, says #HenryAtHome is a “suite of digital offerings to stay connected to contemporary art and ideas.”
Sadie Barnettes 2019 “Room To Live” is a mixed media installation with holographic vinyl sofa, metal flake TV, archival inkjet prints, and metal flake security cameras. Photo credit, Mark Woods.
Through Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, the Henry is giving the public “insights into artwork, interviews with artists, stories about objects in [the Henry’s] collection, and ways to make art at home.” The Henry’s website features a variety of online presentations, including works from its collection and in-depth information on its exhibitions. The Henry Art Gallery has moved ArtVentures, a free art-making workshop for intergenerational groups, online. The Henry’s In Plain Sight film series, created in collaboration with Northwest Film Forum, has found a new home online as well. Watch the video below to hear more about artist Oscar Tuazon’s contributions to the Henry’s In Plain Sight exhibition.
The Henry Art Gallery closed its doors on March 10th when COVID-19 cases began increasing in Seattle. Since the organization’s closure, the Henry’s staff has been working remotely, except for essential personnel working onsite to ensure the safety of the Henry’s building and the art within it. Wolf says that moving to remote work was “a fast pivot,” but “one that staff responded to with grace, flexibility, and inventiveness.”
Wolf, whose title includes a nod to donor John S. Behnke, says that the online programming featured in #HenryAtHome has “generated an extraordinary amount of interest from people around the world.” Specifically, the Henry’s Re/frame program has transitioned to an online format and drawn in global attention. Re/frame is a recurring program in which items from the Henry’s collection are brought under one theme and presented to the public to view. According to Wolf, the widespread interaction that Re/frame sparked has “encouraged broader conversations and deepened engagement with the works and how they relate to today’s times.” In response to this feedback, Wolf says that the Henry’s staff hopes “to offer this and other programs onsite and digitally as [they] go forward.”
Beatriz Cortez’ work for the exhibition, In Plain Sight. Photo by Mark Woods.
In response to the Black Lives Matter movement transpiring throughout America, Wolf says that the Henry Art Gallery “stand[s] in solidarity with Black and brown artists, colleagues, and community members.” Moving forward, Wolf says the Henry will “deepen [its] commitment to confronting overt and systemic racism.” The Henry will also “actively support the shifting of power from those who have benefited from structures of racism to those that have been oppressed by the cultural climate and practices within the art world, and by institutional racism in general.”
william cordova’s work for the exhibition In Plain Sight. Photo by Johnathan Vanderweit.
Within the Henry Art Gallery, Wolf says that staff is “taking time to listen and reflect on what [they] can do to become a more anti-racist organization.” This means looking closely at how systemic racism plays out within their organization, taking steps to create structural and systemic change, and diversifying staff, management, and board governance to represent the greater-Seattle region. The Henry Art Gallery will also continue “diversify[ing] programming to amplify the voices and views of many, and to celebrate art in a broad variety of forms.” To learn more about the Henry Art Gallery’s commitment to racial equity, people may read its full Pledge to Racial Justice here.
Hayv Kahraman’s work for the exhibition, In Plain Sight. Photo by Mark Woods.
Wolf recognizes that “art has the power to incite, challenge, heal, and to imagine new possibilities.” Thus, Wolf shares that the Henry is “encouraged by the response to [its] programming” and that the organization “look[s] forward to continuing a multitude of offerings.”
From the Henry Art Gallery:
To support the Henry Art Gallery, people are welcome to follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, subscribe to its YouTube channel and sign up for its e-newsletter to hear updates on the Henry’s latest content and programming. People may also support Henry’s efforts to build future programs and partnerships by becoming a member, which helps the Henry make free art content for the public.
The Henry is internationally recognized for bold and challenging exhibitions, for pushing the boundaries of contemporary art and culture, and for being the first to premiere new works by established and emerging artists. Through individual experiences with art, we inspire visitors to upend their expectations and discover surprising connections.
Seattle, Wa. The Pacific Science Center continues to connect with the Seattle-are community by hosting in-person science camps for kids K-8. COVID-19 adaptations include limiting the number of kids in the classroom as well as maintaining social distancing. The in-person summers camps continue through August as do virtual camps that kids enjoy online. Virtual camps for Curious Minds are “hands-on experiences this summer from the comfort of your home”. This multiple-week event allows children to explore “different activities and experiments around a theme, as well as ways to connect with other campers in this new, digital way. Group sizes are kept small and led by two virtual counselors so that experiences are interactive and engaging”. There is still time to sign up for the camps which run through August 28th. The camps are listed here.
A preview for Camps for Curious Minds hosted by Pacific Science Center.
For non-camp related events, there’s also a program called Curiosity at Home. This is an online virtual classroom that is “curating science learning materials for kids and families! Check back often for new content to inspire learners of all ages”. This webpage has many options for children and parents to explore and learn various topics being taught at the Pacific Science Center. An activity included is utilizing the video game Minecraft that allows a user to explore various planets and materials found inside this virtual world. For an interactive approach to exploring more, there are also virtual events and live-streams. These can be found on Facebook and YouTube Live. This virtual classroom allows children to “join us and meet some of our animals, caretakers, educators, and scientists in the community, as well as try fun at-home experiments”. There are new live shows being published on YouTube every week. Going over various topics in STEM and exploring other sciences and their properties in 20-30 minute videos.
Staying Safe and Curious during the Curiosity Summer Camp -2020.
The Pacific Science Center is also providing links to talk about more serious subjects with children and families. Such as “Talking to Kids about Race and Racism” where Pacific Science Center gives resources that help make understanding of such a hard but necessary topic. Other resources given explain the celebration of Juneteenth as well as many other subjects based on race. There are also documentary suggestions to help explain climate change and how it affects our environment around us. For parents, there are educator’s guides to help coach children through various subjects. The Pacific Science Center’s goal is to help people understand the “Science is for everyone. We believe that curiosity and critical thinking are essential to equity and justice for all. We embrace science as a process of inquiry, discovery, and problem-solving that helps us better understand our universe and each other. Science has the power to connect people and to develop solutions for the common good”.
Experimenting with Ooze at the Curiosity Summer Camp -2020,
Pacific Science Center Mission Statement:
Pacific Science Center ignites curiosity in every child and fuels a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking in all of us.
Pacific Science Center Location and Contact Information:
Pacific Science Center 200 Second Avenue North, Seattle, Washington 98109
Seattle, WA. Despite the challenges involved with social distancing requirements and remote learning, Page Ahead, a program dedicated to closing the literacy achievement gap experienced by at-risk children, was able to provide over 145 thousand books to kids in Washington this summer. “It was super important and extra challenging,” says Rebecca Brinbury, Page Ahead’s Development Manager.
Students receiving books
Book Up Summer, Page Ahead’s flagship program helps prevent summer reading loss, the decline in reading development that occurs when children are away from school. Research shows that summer reading loss has a more significant impact on lower-income students, largely because they have limited access to reading material. In a typical year, Book Up Summer allows students to choose twelve books each to bring home from school book fairs in the spring. This year, with schools and libraries closed, it was more important than ever that kids have books at home, but there were barriers at every step of the process.
With book fairs no longer running in schools, Page Ahead provided web portals and paper packets for children to select books from during remote learning. According to Page Ahead, the trick to “making” kids read is allowing them to choose books that they are interested in, so it was important that kids were still able to select their own books during the COVID-19 crisis.
After the books were selected, Page Ahead staff worked to coordinate the book shipments and deliveries. With many retailers closed, Page Ahead staff had to find substitutions for books that were out of stock.
In the end, Page Ahead was able to deliver over 145 thousand books. Brinbury emphasizes that Page Ahead is a four-person organization and that they would not have been able to deliver the books, were it not for the help of “some really amazing volunteers who wore masks and gloves, socially distanced, and were able to get thirty thousand books packed.” “With everything going on people really wanted to help,” says Brinbury. Many volunteers delivered books to Page Ahead’s partner schools themselves, and when students couldn’t make it to school to pick up their books, volunteers brought the books directly to them.
Now that Page Ahead has a model for providing Book Up Summer remotely, Brinbury says they are prepared for the possibility of running the program remotely again next Spring.
From Page Ahead:
Literacy can make the difference between the poverty of one generation and the promise of the next. Page Ahead helps children realize their potential by providing them with the inspiration to read.
Seattle, Wa. The Northwest Screenwriters Guild has moved its weekly scene analysis meetup to online only. This due to COVID-19 and its deterrent to be in large groups. Screenwriters used to sit side-by-side (above) but now instead of meeting in person at College Inn Pub, everything now can be found online. This event is held online doesn’t take away from the main focus in these meetings. “First and foremost, to assist fellow screenwriters hone the craft of writing scenes- both action and dialogue”. Normally people would bring in their working scripts and there would be a mass table read as well as critiques at the end. The only difference is not being in person, luckily the benefits are all there.” A chance to hear portions of your work read( by real people, not the final draft robot), as well as receive suggestions to improve the material”. There is no cost or additional fees to join, as well as no restrictions on your current skill level. The next analysis meetup will be held online on August 5th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
This vintage image shows how Northwest Screenwriters used to have table readings before COVID-19.
If screenwriting isn’t your passion you can also volunteer with the Northwest Screenwriters Guild. With various areas of need such as “event coordinators, fundraising and people to help with digital marketing”. There are multiple positions open currently on the Northwest Screenwriters website and you can always join in on volunteer meetings as well. The contributors at the Northwest Screenwriters guild believe that “every screenplay is a single person away from becoming a viable film or TV project, NWSG volunteers function on the social edge of the organization”.
Another option is to become a member of the Northwest Screenwriters Guild. This yearly contribution gains you access to educational workshops, script readings, and NWSG affiliated networking opportunities. As well as allows you to submit a screenplay to the Compendium Committee, who help young screenwriters gain access to the recourses needed to help create your movie. The NWSG membership helps you take that next step into making your next project.
Northwest Screenwriters Guild Finds New Methods To Help Young Filmmakers, 2019.
Northwest Screenwriters Guild Mission Statement –
The mission of the Northwest Screenwriters Guild is to promote professional screenwriting as a career across a broad range of ages, ethnic and gender identities, and experience levels in the Pacific Northwest, by providing access to industry professionals, educational programs, and mentoring.
Contact Information – The Northwest Screenwriters Guild can be contacted directly on its website linked here. There are no in-person meetings being taken place. All conversations and events will be held online for the foreseeable future.
Kirkland, WA. Kirkland Performance Center has launched KPC At Home: Livestreams, a series of ongoing performances from local artists streamed free for the public. KPC will stream weekly performances from 30+ local artists through the rest of the year and going into 2021. All of these streams are free to the public and can be viewed on KPC’s Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch. More information on KPC At Home: Livestreams is available on KPC’s website.
Kirkland Performance Center’s marquee prior to COVID-19
Kirkland Performance Center has operated since 1998 and each year over 85,000 people attend shows and events at its theater. Being a 400-seat theater, KPC typically books about 250 shows of wide variety each year, including comedy shows, musical performances, graduations, and diverse cultural expressions from all around the world. Executive Director Jeff Lockhart says that KPC’s mission is to be a “gathering space for people to come together as a community connected by culture.” KPC aims to be more than just a site for entertainers, but a place for connectors who seek to bring people together through creative expression.
Eastside Community Musical’s production of Mamma Mia! at KPC before the COVID-19 pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S., Kirkland was one of the first cities in America to suffer a significant outbreak. Thus, Lockhart shares that Kirkland Performance Center shut down in early March and “completely put the brakes on everything” as “safety is paramount” to the organization. Nearly half of KPC’s Curated Presenter season was canceled and the organization put a pause on its plans before deciding how to move forward. Ultimately, Lockhart and the rest of the KPC team realized that “just because the stage is postponed, doesn’t mean [KPC’s] mission is postponed.”
KPC rebranded as “KPC At Home” and launched several ongoing programs to connect with the Kirkland community virtually. These include “Throwback Thursdays,” in which KPC shares videos of past performances and “Staff Picks,” in which KPC staff members create music playlists for the public to listen to on the organization’s Spotify channel.
However, KPC’s livestreams have gained the most traction in the last few weeks. KPC has collaborated with various artists, including Stephanie Ann Johnson, Erin Rae & The Heartbeets, and Geoffrey Castle, to stream performances from artists’ homes and the KPC theater. Many of these streams receive upwards of 1,000 views. Future livestreams will include artists such as Drew Martin, DownNorth, Lucien LaMotte, and many more. In August, KPC will partner with artist Alec Shaw and chefs and wine tasters from The Heathman Hotel in Kirkland. Chefs and wine tasters from The Heathman will pair food and wine with each of Shaw’s songs. The public can order paired food and wine and enjoy a culinary experience paired with music in their homes.
Geoffrey Castle performing at Kirkland Performance Center
Lockhart hopes that Kirkland Performance Center’s new offerings allow the organization to dive into “a whole new line of expression.” In addition to livestreams, KPC is looking into launching a lecture and book series program and music lessons for children in the fall. KPC recognizes that streaming is a great platform for up and coming artists and the organization wishes to utilize it to share more art with the community and connect people through culture. Moving forward, Lockhart and the rest of the KPC team wish to “be there for the community” and use art as a way to “hope, inspire, and help people be better people” throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Kirkland Performance Center:
People may view KPC’s livestream performances on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch, as well as access them through KPC’s website. People may also donate to KPC through their website, by contributing one-time or recurring gifts. Lockhart shares that even a recurring gift of $5.00 a month “goes a long way” and is “profoundly appreciated” as the organization is “living on donations” at the moment.
KPC provides a gathering place where people come together to express themselves creatively, exchange ideas, share culture, and connect with one another.
Seattle, WA. Seattle Arts and Lectures is launching its new season of literary events and providing online access to the public. Throughout next season, Seattle Arts and Lectures have 20 events booked, and all will go on whether they take place in-person or online. There are several subscription options available to the public to view these events. People may choose the “Create Your Own Series” option and choose four literary events to view. Or people may select the “Super SAL” option which provides access to 15 events of their choosing. Either subscription option will provide digital access to all events selected. More information about pricing and event options are available on SAL’s website.
Check out this video revealing SAL’s 2020-21 season of literary events:
Seattle Arts and Lectures is a literary arts organization that has presented the public with talks from various writers, poets, and scholars in large lecture and classroom settings for over 30 years. Associate Director Rebecca Hoogs says that when the COVID-19 pandemic hit Seattle, SAL “quickly shifted events and teachings online.” Authors who were booked to speak in the spring recorded their talks and readings from their homes and SAL packaged and produced them for people to view online. Despite the change in formatting, Hoogs says that many viewers “appreciated the intimacy of the events” as it “felt like they were sitting and talking with the authors.” Hoogs shares that the “direct connection” viewers felt with authors was a “silver lining” for audiences despite the change in event formatting.
Moving forward, even if events happen in person next year, Seattle Arts and Lectures will still offer livestreams for people who feel more comfortable viewing talks online. Hoogs suggests that it will likely take time for people to feel comfortable sitting in large lectures again, so providing livestreams will allow SAL the opportunity to expand its audience and provide widespread access to its talks.
Photo from a pre-pandemic literary event from Seattle Arts and Lectures at Benaroya Hall
In addition to its upcoming literary events, Seattle Arts and Lectures has announced its 2020-21 Seattle Youth Poet Laureate: Bitaniya Giday, a first-generation Ethiopian American poet who explores the “nuances of womanhood and blackness” through her work. The Seattle Youth Poet Laureate Program annually selects a young writer dedicated to poetry, social justice, and community engagement. Laureates gain various opportunities to share their voices, work among a cohort of poets in workshops, and even publish their work with Poetry Northwest Editions.
SAL’S 2020-21 Youth Poet Laureate Bitaniya Giday
Watch Giday read her work “Hyphenated Identity Crisis” here:
Seattle Arts and Lectures also connects with young people through its Writers in the Schools program. Through WITS, SAL connects professional writers and public-school students around the Puget Sound region. According to SAL’s website, WITS teaches students how to develop “authentic writing and performance voices” and “become authors of their lives.” Currently, SAL is working with teachers in the WITS program to plan how they will adapt their programming for the fall. Hoogs projects that the program will be conducted “either entirely or partially digitally.” Hoogs shares that due to the uncertainties underlying the global pandemic, it is especially “important to provide teachers and students with art right now” as a source of expression and storytelling.
WITS writer and YPL mentor Arianne True at a free online reading with SAL from July 10
Through its online lectures and various youth programs, Hoogs shares that Seattle Arts and Lectures will continue to “inspire people to read and think and be connected to writing and writers.”
From Seattle Arts and Lectures:
To support Seattle Arts and Lectures people can subscribe to different event packages, as well as purchase tickets to individual events. SAL emphasizes that there will be a digital component available for everyone, as well as flexibility for those who need to change their tickets or need refunds. Donations are always accepted, especially for SAL’s Writers in the Schools program.
Seattle Arts & Lectures champions the literary arts by engaging and inspiring readers and writers of all generations in the greater Puget Sound region.
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