Brighter Days - Susan Daly

Title: Brighter Days
Artists: Susan Daly in partnership with Mental Health Association in Atlantic County

We all have mental demons.
An electrical storm in our head
Some more than others.
We are forced to cocoon.
We suffer in isolation.
I am fine, not to worry.
Now asked to emerge.
Told things are different, and you must change.
How?
Some want to give up.
This chair is a safe place to sit and contemplate.
A place where you can reach out and talk to someone.
The numbers are at your fingertips.
Your phone is in your pocket.
Call.
Choose LIFE.
Tomorrow is a brighter day.

Photos Courtesy of Alex Mazzo

Adirondack Chair Map

Zen Chair – Emma Owen

Title: Zen Chair
Artist: Emma Owen

Painting the Adirondack chair was an amazing opportunity and I had such a great time doing it! I painted a tropical beach scene to bring a warm welcoming feeling to the park that is so close to the beach. I was inspired to do this scene because I love the ocean and the summertime feeling. I want people to gravitate towards the bright colors of the chair, sit down, take a deep breath, and relax by the sea. I hope people feel a sense of serenity while sitting in this chair. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this experience.

Adirondack Chair Map

Yemoja, Patron Spirit of the Oceans – Simone Squared

Title: Yemoja, Patron Spirit of the Oceans
Artists: Simone Squared

With our planet experiencing both environmental and spiritual distress, I wanted a piece that would evoke peace and love. I wanted something bright and uplifting that would make you smile. Yemoja, a Yoruba deity, is surrounded with African symbolism of Royalty, Creation, Energy, and Protection. Approach life from a “seat of love.”

Photos Courtesy of Alex Mazzo

Adirondack Chair Map

Our Time to Shine - Artists from The Arc of Atlantic County

Title: Our Time To Shine
Artists: Artists from The Arc of Atlantic County

Artists who are attending art classes at The Arc of Atlantic County's Adult Training Center in Egg Harbor Township created this chair. Each artist contributed images to the chair that represented things in their lives that made them feel happy or proud. Some drew on paper first and transferred those designs to paint, while others painted their creations directly onto the chair. As a result, the chair shows many self-portraits and other faces, in addition to imaginative seascapes, colorful flowers, and cartoon characters. Many artists expressed a desire to sit in the chair upon installation and were very proud to contribute to this year’s 48 Blocks AC.

Photos Courtesy of Tim / Keenvision

Adirondack Chair Map

Artist Resources during COVID-19

We realize this can be an especially difficult time for artists, freelancers, and self-employed creatives. We’re compiling a list of resources for funding, maintaining your business online, and staying connected.

If you have a resource to add to this list please email Loryn.

Resources

Conversation Series on How Artists Can Survive Times of Crisis - Fresh Arts’ series of online conversations related to how artists can work through sudden economic downturns. Topics will include crisis communication, emergency grants available to artists, applying for SBA loans, unemployment eligibility for freelancers, healthcare for artists, etc.

Panel: Artists In a Time of Global Pandemic (ASL & Captioned) [RECORDING] - For US-Based Freelance Artists and Cultural Workers in all Disciplines. HowlRound plus a group of artists, arts administrators, and others from around the US discussing how COVID-19 is impacting freelance artists (those who identify as independent contractors) from all disciplines and where artists can look for support in this complicated moment. The conversation focuses on shared resources (legal, advocacy, how to take your work virtual, finding emergency funding, and financial best practices in crisis) and building and grounding our national community.

Digital Tools for Artists to Run a Remote Career During Coronavirus - Tools to transition your business online & maintaining a remote career from Artwork Archive.

Financial Relief

COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources - An aggregated list of FREE resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to artists of all disciplines, designed to serve freelance artists, and those interested in supporting the independent artist community.

COVID-19 Resource List from National Endowment for the Arts - An aggregated list of resources compiled by the National Endowment for the Arts.

COVID-19 Emergency Funding and Artist Resources - A round-up of emergency funding sources and additional resources for artists from the blog I Care if You Listen.

Emergency Funds - All Disciplines - An aggregated list of funding resources compiled by WomenArts.

Financial Resources During COVID-19 - An aggregated list of funding resources compiled by Artwork Archive.

MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund - To help address the concerns of the music industry during this time, MusiCares has expanded their services to include lost income due to the cancellation of scheduled gigs or performances due to Coronavirus/COVID-19 precautionary measures.

Resources & Information for Artists & Arts Organizations - Financial relief options, information, resources, articles, and activities compiled by Americans for the Arts.

Rauschenberg Emergency Grants - Grants to assist professional artists of all disciplines in need of emergency medical aid. The program will provide one-time grants of up to $5,000 for unexpected medical emergencies. The grants are available to visual and media artists and choreographers who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the United States, District of Columbia, or U.S. Territories.

Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources - From the US Small Business Association.

Disaster Loan Assistance - From the US Small Business Association. Learn more & apply online.

Facebook Small Business Grants - Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries.