Covid 19 & Me

May 2021 AOuNrotDeirFecrtoomr

Staff “COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World” came about because
Russell Serrianne, Curator of Collections & Exhibitions, and I
Bethanie Muska Lawrence, were talking through the importance of documenting this time
Executive Director in history. The pandemic has impacted everyone’s life, and we
knew it would be a missed opportunity if we did not find a way
Russell Serrianne, to capture this period in art.
Curator of Collections & Exhibitions
At the beginning of this initiative, I had no idea how important
Jenny Hutchinson, this project would end up being. I have heard from so many
Independent Curator for of the participating teachers that this project gave them the
“COVID-19 & Me” chance to talk with their students about the pandemic and,
in turn, allowed students the chance to share how they were
Diane Dumouchel, feeling or coping. Each artwork submitted for consideration
Bookkeeper was poignant and infused with emotion, each literary work was
overwhelmingly touching. Everything we have seen and read
Shane Frasier, has moved us deeply and has shown us just how much the
Marketing & Communications pandemic has impacted children.
Coordinator
While the world awaits a “return to normalcy,” this project has
Emily F. Wood, shown me how important it is to remember that children have
Membership & Program Coordinator truly lost a year of their lives to this virus. In the submissions, we
see children separated by literal bubbles, birds-eye-views of
Haley Bidwell and home classrooms and Zoom lessons; we read about children
Raquel Leonard, missing their friends and teachers, about students understanding
Front of House Sta the vast and longstanding e ects on their families, and about
how death was seemingly waiting at their doorstep.
Rebeka Antonelli and
Ilona Reilly, It is my hope that this project, the virtual exhibition, the
magazine, and the gallery exhibitions, will allow all of us to peek
BTrouasrtdeeosfMuseum Educators inside the heads of those we tend to forget about – our country’s
children. I hope, too, that you will be encouraged to talk with
Dan Wade, Esq., President your children and family about how the pandemic has a ected
Jessica Pound, Vice President them, and to share how it has a ected you as well. Connection
Debra Smith, CPA, Treasurer grows out of communication, and sometimes children just need
Gretchen Steen, Secretary to hear that they are not alone in their experiences.
Linda Cappabianca
Sincerely,
Natalia Carusone, NBCT
Bethanie Muska Lawrence,
Nabil ElDib Executive Director

Caren Hoffman

Alina Kindron

Jamie Lewis, DMD

FMouusneudmerTimothy McAuley, MS, Ph.D.

Dr. Jacquiline Touba

2 • COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World • World Awareness Children’s Museum

“COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World” is a project to life. Their support allowed us to provide all
partnership with ten schools across the country to participating schools with a $100 materials stipend
ask the question: How has the pandemic a ected and a teacher shipping stipend for all art we bring
children? This groundbreaking and timely art initiative into our permanent International Youth Art Collection.
gives a glimpse into students’ profound emotions
by collecting creative expressions of students from The World Awareness Children’s Museum has been
across the nation. This project’s goal is to document a NYS Designated Charter Museum since 1995 with
the pandemic through children’s eyes by allowing a mission to teach children and families about our
them to submit artwork showing us how the pandemic diverse world and to inspire curiosity and foster
has changed their lives. We believe that art helps us understanding and appreciation of worldwide cultural
understand the world better and helps us process diversity. Its collection is comprised of pieces from 140
di cult times. We hope this art project will help countries including 10,000+ artifacts (fashion, musical
students explore and process the pandemic’s e ect instruments, dolls, toys, and other objects) as well as
on their lives and see that, though they might be 8,000+ pieces of international children’s art.
physically distanced from each other, they are not
alone in their experiences.

Thank you to our generous funders, The Touba
Family Foundation, Blick Art Materials, and Dr. Judith
Mysliborski, for giving us the means to bring this

SIeseAWhllatAOburoMuusteu!m
Visit www.WorldChildrensMuseum.org for information on
current projects, workshops, and artifacts collection, as
well as the “COVID-19 & Me” virtual gallery!

World Awareness Children’s Museum • COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World • 3

Annalysse Wilson, 12th grade. Seeing Red: COVID-19, Collage

Claire Seleen, 10th grade. Glens Falls City School District is located in Glens
Remote, Marker Falls, New York, with a total of about 2,000 students
in grades K-12. Their mission is to provide a safe,
positive, and stimulating environment — one that
fosters self-growth, a passion for continuous
learning, confidence, and the ability to succeed in a
changing world.

We have been creating art dealing with the
pandemic since September. It has changed
everything in education and the lives of our students.
Self-portraits in school means — mask on! We were
working on a project right before learning about
the “COVID-19 & Me” project, based on finding an
art form as an outlet to reduce stress, or expressing
your voice about your current state of being. The
“COVID-19 & Me” project meant so many di erent
things to my students.

- Sue Botch, Art Teacher

4 • COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World • World Awareness Children’s Museum

Governor’s Ranch Elementary School is located in
Littleton, Colorado. The school is part of Je erson
County Public School District with a total of 386
students in grades K-6. Their mission is to provide
a quality education that prepares all children for a
successful future.

I know going back to school 100% in-person Mariana B., 4th grade. In This Together, Marker
with students gave me anxiety, but what about Darby, 3rd grade. We’re All In This Together, Marker
my students?

When this opportunity came to explore and reflect
on the year of the Covid pandemic, I thought, what
a great opportunity to gauge how students were
feeling. Art is always a good way to capture a
moment in time and be honest with yourself and
others. As I started introducing this assignment to
students, I was only going to have my older students,
4th and 5th grade, participate. Foolishly, I thought
they would be the grade levels to grasp the idea
and concept best. As I had to quarantine myself
for a few days, I had to think of quick lesson plans
for my younger students. What a great opportunity
for my kindergarten through 3rd grade to actively
participate and reflect as well. When I was able
to return to in person and start going through the
artwork, I was amazed at the thoughtful and honest
drawings. Dare I say, they were better than my older
students were on the pulse of current events. Moving
forward through these times as a teacher, I have also
grown and had my eyes open to my students’ global
views. I am excited to incorporate more current
events into my elementary art classroom. Thank you
for allowing me and my students to participate and
for the opportunity.

- Shannon Sage, Visual Art Teacher

World Awareness Children’s Museum • COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World • 5

Hadley-Luzerne Central School District is located in Lake Luzerne, New
York, with a total of over 700 students. Their mission is to foster a positive,
safe, and healthy environment that will enable every student to achieve
their highest potential.

Kim Fisk, Participating in this project gave me a window into the lives of my
8th grade. students. Because I am going through cancer treatment this year, I have
Cracked by COVID, not been able to have face-to-face interactions with students. Online
Acrylic canvas on board classes don’t lend themselves to any kind of discussion, let alone anything
personal. My 8th grade students don’t want to have their cameras on
Shane Carlton, and will only verbally participate when directly spoken to. For this and
8th grade. other logistical reasons, I decided to make this project voluntary and
Masked Up, extra-curricular. Few of my students chose to participate, but the work
I got back was great. Unsurprisingly, it varied in perspective and tone.
Acrylic on stretched canvas Some were quite joyful, while others were somber.

When I went to the classroom to pick the submissions up, a folded
note addressed to me was left on my desk. It was from one of the 8th
grade artists, explaining that her painting was about the separation she
experienced from her father during COVID. That understanding brought
a whole new depth to her painting and gave me chills. Another 8th
grade student, Kayliann, painted two buildings: One, the school, has a
big red X blocking us out. The other is filled with people, her large family,
all trying to concentrate on remote classes in one house. 8th grader
Hannah’s painting shows a computer shouting “DUE” and “LATE” and 5th
grader Jocelyn’s art features a computer announcing, “Sorry you lost all
connection.” These images say a lot.

The generous materials stipend allowed me to make painting kits for
participating students to pick up at the school and take home. Several
students expressed their happiness just to be able to paint, something we
have not been able to do in class this year. 8th grader Zoe said, “I was
surprised about how the colors turned out and I found a new technique
for blending color in clouds.” Jocelyn said, “I felt like I could share my
feelings with everyone because some people might feel the way I feel. I
haven’t touched paint since 4th grade. I feel like someday COVID will stop.
Someday, someday I just keep telling myself. Someday it will get better.”

Others, like 5th grader Alexis and 8th grader Olivia expressed joyful
images of spending time with family. Alexis said, “I am so thankful to
be able to make a project and to be one of the people that survived
COVID-19.”

When I shared their images with the sta and community, many people
expressed their gratitude at being given a window into the perspectives
of our students. I feel the same as Jocelyn and Alexis do, that these
pictures help us see how much we share in our COVID experiences and
gratitude in making it through.

- Maya Puchkoff, Art Teacher

6 • COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World • World Awareness Children’s Museum

Hawthorne Christian Academy
is located in Hawthorne, New
Jersey, with a total of 493
students in grades PK-12. Their
mission is to inspire and equip
their students to grow in spiritual
maturity, to achieve academic
excellence, and to impact the
world for Christ.

In a year of change and
uncertainty, emotional outlets
are a necessary part of the
coping process. The e ects of
COVID-19 on children are vast
and I was struck by the eagerness
of students to express their
experiences visually. As students
brought their completed works
to me, I asked them to explain
their work. Their stories were filled
with the weight of the impact this
had on the world, their own lives,
and for some students through
this struggle, they had gained
an increased appreciation for
community and loved ones.

- Elizabeth Westerman,
Art Teacher

Top Left:
Gabriela Mallack, 12th grade.

Safe at Home, Digital art

Bottom Left:
Ianna Suarez, 12th grade.

Anxiety, Acrylic

World Awareness Children’s Museum • COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World • 7

Landmark School is a coeducational day and residential school for
students diagnosed with dyslexia or another language-based learning
disabilities. Landmark is located in Beverly, Massachusetts, with a total
of 470 students in grades 2–12 and a student-teacher ratio of 3 to 1.
Their mission is to enable and empower students with language-based
learning disabilities to reach their educational and social potential
through an exemplary school program complemented by outreach and
training, assessment, and research.

Landmark School was thrilled to be invited to participate in this program.

We did not know who or how many students on our High School and

Elementary-Middle School campuses would choose to contribute

artwork. As the deadline approached, the submissions poured in. Sophia Pirone,
12th grade.
We were all struck by the talent, skill, and vulnerability that our students Unmasked,
Etching
shared. These pieces of artwork and their authenticity and creativity, will
Paraic Kehoe,
forever help us commemorate this strange, challenging, and disruptive 3rd grade.
Untitled,
moment in time.
Colored pencil
- Susan Tomases,

Director of Marketing and Communications

We used the “COVID-19 & Me” project as an optional assignment for
our students at Landmark High School as well as the Elementary-
Middle School. Our marketing department advertised the project and
even created an internal competition within our school to get students
interested and excited about making new art. All art teachers presented
the assignment and gave students some time to think about a project
concept. What was wonderful is that some students were compelled
to work independently on their submissions and developed high level
responses on their own time. One student, in particular, is fully remote this
year and has been excelling in art even though she’s never stepped foot
in the department. She was really motivated by this project and used it
as a way to reflect on her experiences during COVID-19. Another student
advocated to adjust the current project in charcoal portrait drawing so
that she could express her idea for the COVID-19 & Me project in the
media that she was starting to excel in. Overall, this collaboration with
the World Awareness Children’s Museum provided students an outlet for
their expression as well as a rare opportunity to be part of a collective
show about a current issue that they are enduring.

- Beth Jamieson, Visual Arts Department Head

8 • COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World • World Awareness Children’s Museum

Savana Parrish, 7th grade. Midlands Arts Conservatory is a free, public
Lottery, Mixed media charter school located in downtown Columbia,
South Carolina. The school is a part of the South
Brielle Black, 8th grade. Carolina Public Charter School District and at full
Zoom, Digital art capacity will enroll 60 students per grade for a total
enrollment of approximately 420. Their mission
is to prepare students for arts-related careers, a
lifelong appreciation of the arts, and for high quality
postsecondary studies.

First let us begin with thanking WACM for the
opportunity to participate in the “COVID-19 & Me”
project. Allowing our students to engage in the arts
community greatly benefits the understanding of the
art world and our student artists’ purpose in
that world.

There is something about art…Art is amazing and the
children who create art are amazing. This project
invited the students to engage in their innermost
struggles and e ectively communicate their interior
experience into the exterior world. Although this
year is unique to any previous year, the children
are still children and need space to process their
experiences creatively and artistically. This project
encouraged students to do just that. The weight of our
human experience is lessened when shared with the
community, by the community, and for
the community.

When we talk about the experience of the children
it’s fascinating to see the intelligence and variety in
understanding. Our students were able to convey
their thoughts and feelings through their art. Everyone
has been given the same di cult challenge due to
COVID-19, especially the children. To see how many
feel alone and isolated is important so we can better
see them. Then there are those children who found
ways to cope and even moments of joy in this di cult
time. The students were able to process all through
the medium of visual art.

- Alia Schwartz & Criss Mitchell,
Visual Arts Instructors

World Awareness Children’s Museum • COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World • 9

Above: Kaitlyn Haywood, 8th grade. Odyssey Charter Junior Senior High School o ers
All Burnt Up, Mixed media a holistic education program that blends the
Montessori approach to education in Kindergarten
through 3rd grades with other compatible models
such as research/project-based education for 3rd
grade through high school. Odyssey Charter is
located in Palm Bay, Florida, with a total of nearly
2000 students in grades PK-12. Their mission is to
work in partnership with the family and community,
with the aim of helping each child reach full
potential in all areas of life.

This was truly a profound and momentous
opportunity. I was amazed at the creativity and
talent of my students as they courageously expressed
their experiences through these changing times. We
studied many contemporary artists and how they
are creating through the pandemic, brainstormed
ideas, and shared stories. These young artists had
such a myriad of journeys and perspectives, and the
“COVID-19 & Me” project empowered them to speak;
they saw that their voices were heard and that their
art mattered. Several of my students shared that they
had lost family members to COVID-19 and created
art to honor them. Another created a painting that
she shared was about how polarized views on the
pandemic and masks were dividing her family. Many
shared how the pandemic had upended their world
and how they are navigating this new normal.

- Karina Reilly, Art Teacher

Bottom Left:
Sarah Brent, 9th grade.
Germaphobe, Watercolor and acrylics

10 • COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World • World Awareness Children’s Museum

Bandie Pickenpaugh, 2nd grade. Darkness, Watercolors

Park County School District #16 is located in Charlee Keller, 1st grade.
Meeteetse, Wyoming, with a total of 110 students in Untitled, Markers and colored pencil
grades PK-12. Their mission is to set the standard
for educational achievement as they challenge their
students with an uncompromising commitment to
excellence as respectful individuals, independent
thinkers, lifelong learners, and tomorrow’s leaders.

World Awareness Children’s Museum • COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World • 11

Jillian Suarez, Ioanna Tsompanellis, 10th grade.
9th grade. Hello My Name Is…, Colored pencil

Quarantine Friend,
Colored pencil

Pascack Valley High School is
located in Hillsdale, New Jersey,
with a total of 1,209 students
in grades 9-12. Their mission
is to prepare their students for
successful college and career
experiences with the needed
mindset, skills, structures,
and knowledge to accomplish
that goal.

12 • COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World • World Awareness Children’s Museum

Tséhootsooí Middle School is located in Fort Defiance, Arizona. Naomi Williams, 7th grade.
The school is part of Window Rock Unified School District #8 Untitled, Acrylic paint
in the Navajo Nation with a total of 352 students in grades 7-8.
Their mission is to ensure relevant learning for all students to be Starr Lee, 7th grade.
successful in a multicultural society. Meowdy, Acrylic paint

Our Experience with Dikos Ntsaaígíí náhást’éíts’áadah (COVID-19)

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought Tséhootsooí Middle
School’s closures. I made a makeshift o ce in my living room in
Lók’aa’ch’egai (Lukachukai), Arizona. (Lók’aa’ch’egai means “reed
streaking out white.”) I picked a spot by my window with Wi-Fi, lighting,
desk, and chair. My daughter set up 3 printers, 2 laptops, and 1 desktop.

At the beginning of our school year, the first day is usually filled with
students in the hallways and classrooms. This school year was surreal
and out of the ordinary; it was unlike any other, teaching from an
empty classroom.

This past year, COVID-19 has put a strain on the ways we communicate
with our parents, guardians, and students. I would get a text from a
parent or student saying they had lost a family member to COVID-19
and requesting more time for their child to complete assignments. I
would call or text right away to o er my condolences to the family.

Many parents are working from home and their children are also
at home. All the daycare on the Navajo Nation has closed since
the pandemic. This has put a strain on our parents’ and students’
daily lives.

By Fall 2020, I was adjusting to the new schedule and teaching art
lessons remotely. Teachers and sta were working hard to support
our Tséhootsooí Middle School students with technology issues,
teaching lessons on zoom and communicating with parents, guardians,
and students.

Our computer service sta , bus drivers, teacher aides, and food service
workers assist wherever they are needed – delivering meals, learning
packets, and technical support. Custodians and sta disinfected our
classroom and school multiple times a day. Sta members took teacher
and sta temperatures when entering our school.

Educators and sta at Tséhootsooí Middle School continued their
e orts with maintaining the safety of colleagues and our students,
parents, and guardians.

I hope to see our TMS students back in the classroom once it’s safe.

- Clara Goodluck, Art Teacher

World Awareness Children’s Museum • COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World • 13

Excerpts from Literary Submissions

You have been the worst thing that happened to me in my whole life, because of you I
couldn’t meet my friends. I had been stuck in my house for about 3 weeks now. I couldn’t go
to church so I missed a lot because of you. My sister got sick twice because of you and my
brother, mother, and stepfather got sick too. I always wonder what it would have been like if
Coronavirus never came, because of you we have to wear masks and stay 6 feet apart from
each other. We always have to clean our hands from touching things that ain’t ours and have
to put on hand sanitizer before going somewhere or coming out of somewhere.

… For some people, you made their year better but for some people, you made their year a
complete hell for them. You made my dad smoke again and I hate you for that but I knew he
was going to do it sooner or later he says he is going to stop once you leave so please I’m
begging you Leave!

Excerpt from “Dear COVID-19” by Alondra C.
Grade 9 English as a New Language

Waterford-Halfmoon UFSD, Waterford, NY

I just want to thank you because of you i can sleep all day at my home, and don’t have to
wake up at 6 to go to school. I have time to stay home with my family, honestly my world very
clear because no pollution. …
Everybody very friendly before you come, we can talk together, can hold another hand, we
can hug each other, we feel love… but now everything changing. … A lot people died, a lot of
kids lost their parent. Many husbands lost their wife or their father and mother never can see
their child again in their life.
If you think you can destroy the world, you were wrong, humans were very strong and smart,
we never lost.

Excerpt from “Dear COVID-19” by Thu N.
Grade 12 English as a New Language

Shenendehowa High School, Clifton Park, NY

14 • COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World • World Awareness Children’s Museum

Thank Youto our generous partners!

Without your help,
this project would not exist.

Touba Family Foundation

The Touba Family Foundation mission is to support non-profit
organizations that promote the arts and cultural, educational,

and environmental programs.

Touba Family Foundation Board:

Dr. Riza Touba,
President and Treasurer
Susan Touba Wagner,

Vice President
Dr. Jacquiline Touba,

Secretary

Dr. Judith Mysliborski

a long-time supporter of the
World Awareness Children’s Museum

Blick Art Materials

World Awareness Children’s Museum • COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World • 15

89 Warren Street • Glens Falls, NY 12801

Come visit the

Bring this page to the museum for

One Free Admission!

(Value: $5)

Can not be combined with other discounts or o ers. Limit one coupon per family.
Expires 12/31/2023. This coupon is not redeemable for cash.

89 Warren Street • Glens Falls, NY 12801 • 518-793-2773 • www.WorldChildrensMuseum.org

16 • COVID-19 & Me: Changes in My World • World Awareness Children’s Museum