As the world continues to shift into new modalities and routines, people are left looking for new hobbies to fill their newly adapted lifestyle due to the pandemic. Others are left to find a way to make art still a part of their lives, even if technology is another tool next to their canvas. This is where prior art enthusiasts and those looking for a fun, yet relaxing experience meet in the middle.

This year has brought a surge of creativity into society as many people started to become more innovative in the way they release stress, make plans with family/friends, and occupy their free time. It is without a doubt that art has always piqued the interest of many. There are a number of places one can take a class or visit to admire art if the world had returned to its “normal” estate. These places include art museums, pop up events, Groupon art classes, etc, but alas, we need to find a way to modify our outings while still entertaining our old hobbies and interests.

COVID-19 has allowed us to integrate technology into our everyday lives even more so than before. There are now online art classes that are being used instead of the conventional face-to-face method most are used to learning in. Online classes are a different experience, but an experience nonetheless. The MoMA is one of the museums currently offering a plethora of online courses. These courses are “Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC)” and are instructed through Coursera. Here, everyone registered for the course will be able to listen to artists speak on their work while meeting people with similar interests as them and be able to experience this together. Additionally, some perks of this online course include being free and having numerous options to enroll to. For instance, one can enroll in a course about contemporary art, fashion, modern art, photography, etc.

Although online courses like this have been around for some time, they have begun to grow some popularity, given the current status the world is in. With that being said, it is very likely for online courses that teach about art from the artist themselves to continue to thrive in the upcoming year as well.

University students enrolled in art majors and minors have also had to shift to an online curriculum. Classes include those of dance, art and design, television, film, etc. Students have had to adapt to a new modality of learning, that does not include a face-to-face and hands on experience. In the beginning, many students were concerned with their education in the arts. However, Zoom has been an efficient way to reach students and help them understand the material. Education has not lost its value because it is taught and consumed through a screen. Instead, students have adapted to this pedagogy used to keep the educational system at its standard.

Many art classes for instance, have tried to maintain the course as close to a regular class setting instruction as well as simple. Professor Chavooshian at Montclair State University in New Jersey teaches Production Design 1. She has tried to maintain her class as close to her prior experiences at the university by handing students all materials necessary to work on projects and assignments at home, while on Zoom with the class. Some of the materials given to her students include but are not limited to: acrylic paint, brushes, styrofoam boards, X-Acto knife, gel, etc. This has helped the class tremendously as supplies are still being distributed in the way they would be if class were not in a synchronous online modality. Additionally, this helps the class stay consistent in the way the supplies are used weekly while also keeps the class on the same page.

Art can be very fun, in all forms. One way people were able to maintain their creative side during quarantine was with live paint and sip sessions online. As many struggled to find a place, especially in heavily populated cities during the pandemic, many turned to our good ole friend, the Internet. There are various websites to choose from that can help suit the painting experience that is being looked for. One site in particular is Cityartroom.com. This is a site that allows groups starting at 6 people up to 300 to join the fun. Prices range from $45-$65 depending on canvas size or glass selection. One of the most appealing parts of this virtual class is the fact that these are live. Having a live class helps make the experience similar to being in a studio participating in the same event. It would not be the same outcome, had it just been a pre recorded session on the instructors part. The classes may take anywhere from one to two hours. This allows plenty of time to not feel rushed and enjoy. Although this is an activity that should be planned at least two weeks in advance to allow supplies to arrive, it is definitely something to look forward to doing with friends or family.

2020 has been a year full of difficulties and surprises. It is fortunate for us that we live in an era where technology allows us to still keep a somewhat normal life even when in quarantine in a pandemic. Technology, especially when concerning virtual meetings have allowed art to continue to be practiced and have fun with. Life without art would be quite uninteresting, but now with the help of technology we can make sure we will not have to see a world without art.

Sources:
https://www.moma.org/research-and-learning/classes
https://cityartroom.com/virtual?gclid=Cj0KCQjw28T8BRDbARIsAEOMBcypfeMiWV_t0WSp1RjNuRup2yhnPQnS295tkBxvW2M4ZpKESq0nwBcaAhTPEALw_wcB