An online exhibit from the Western Heritage Center in Billings will show just how locals are feeling about the coronavirus pandemic. It’s called “Art in Isolation: Response to COVID-19.”
Lauren Hunley with the Western Heritage Center says the exhibit has nearly 170 unique and original pieces of art by Montanans expressing such emotions as anger, gratitude, humor and spirituality during the coronavirus pandemic.
“This is really an emotional time and people are using art to process and express those emotions,” she says.
The exhibit is divided into six sections which include embroidery, quilts, sculptures, photographs, sketches and music.
One photo is a black and white picture of a birthday cake by Heidi Overgaard. It represents how her daughter spent her 15th birthday, a party of three — her mom, brother and the birthday girl.
“Sometimes, I just get an idea and snap a shot,” Overgaard says.
There’s poetry, including a poem by 12-year-old Sage McKnight, who reads it aloud to YPR, “I miss school. At first you’re excited and it is great, then your happiness turns into hate. In the beginnings there are things to do, Then boredom chokes you until you're blue. Too cold to go outside, The problem is worldwide. In the house along with nobody to talk to, You wish you were back at school with your crew. No drama at home is the good thing, This whole problem is like a bee sting. Government keeps adding plus two, While we're here not knowing what to do. This issue is ravenous for the old folks, I wish this problem was made up of jokes. I will never hate school again, I can promise that until I am one hundred and ten.”
Exhibit organizer Lauren Hunley says this free-to-view online exhibit is a way of documenting an historic time.
“Understanding that we’re living in historic times,” she said. “How do we document and track what is happening? How do we continue to be relevant for our community? How do we be a community space when people aren’t allowed to be in community spaces?”
Art in Isolation will be available on the Western Heritage Center’s website starting Friday, April 24 through December.
