Creativity amid crisis: Bringing art outdoors to lift spirits
By Gail McCarthy
The Eagle-Tribune
Earlier this month, Gloucester artist Kathy Roberts hosted a “Drive-By Art Show” on Lendall Street. She hung a clothesline with her artwork in front of her house and set up easels on the sidewalk and on a table to bring color into the neighborhood. Courtesy photo.
Editor’s note: This is one in a series of stories on how the arts community is weathering the challenges brought on by COVID-19.
As the impact of the pandemic spread, Gloucester artist Kathy Roberts found it challenging at first to get into her home art studio to paint. But before long, she picked up her paintbrushes again and began to work.
She finds artistic inspiration in everything around her in this seaside community, from the pounding surf on the Back Shore to scenic views in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Her compositions include the harbor and beaches, as well as floral works and still lifes.
"Artists often are drawn to subjects that have a strong emotional appeal," Roberts said. "For me, it is Cape Ann's scenic coast, where I spent all my summers at the beach as a child and which I still enjoy as an adult. I always feel at peace when I am painting in that environment.
"I have more time on my hands now because usually I watch my grandchildren two or three days a week and visit my mom," she said. "But that has come to a halt. So with this time, I am trying to make the best of it and see the silver lining. It is an opportunity to paint more, read more, and do my social marketing on Instagram and Facebook."
She had an art show planned for the month of April and part of May at Santander Bank in Manchester-by-the-Sea. But that was canceled. She also had to cancel her spring "Watercolor for Beginners" class, which she held at her home.
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