‘We’re at our best under fire.’ Despite coronavirus shutdowns, arts still alive in Merced
To the outside observer, it may look like the coronavirus pandemic put the brakes on downtown Merced’s burgeoning arts community.
Whereas on an average day, visitors might been visiting an art gallery, going to a play, or checking out a show, these days downtown is less active than it was before Gov. Gavin Newsom’s state-mandated stay at home order.
Despite hubs like the Multicultural Arts Center (MAC) and Playhouse Merced closing their doors to the public, however, social limitations have not ceased the artistic expression of Mercedians. In fact, many are continuing their craft by using different avenues to reach the masses.
“I think we’re at our best under fire,” said Andrew Burkum, a local artist, acting teacher and one of the founders of Merced-based Phoenix Creative Collective. “We have no choice but to find different ways to do things, and that’s the definition of creativity.”
Burkum is aiding in several coordinated efforts intent on promoting the arts during social isolation, while also providing the community with meaningful human interaction.
“When the shelter in place order hit . . . the first thing I thought of was not only how do we just maintain the arts, but how do we continue to help people connect?” Burkum said.
One way is through Arts of Merced’s new platform aimed at keeping the arts alive locally amid COVID-19, Burkum said.
The site lists local artists who are streaming themselves performing, painting, sculpting, singing and more. Interactive classes via Zoom will soon be listed on the website. Artists can sign up to host a streamed class as well.
Donations are being accepted, with funds going to Playhouse Merced, Phoenix Creative Collective and the MAC to support staff while normal business is closed.
Merced residents can also look forward to a local rendition of “The War of the Worlds” Burkum is putting together as a podcast. Twenty local actors recorded lines from the 1938 Orson Welles radio script for Burkum to stitch together as a comprehensive performance.
“It’s just a fun project because we all had the opportunity to act together, but separately,” Burkum said.
The podcast will soon be up on Phoenix Creative Collective’s website.
Playhouse Merced is generating new entertainment off the stage as well.
The launch date of its free app was pushed forward to bring content, classes and more to patrons while the Playhouse’s doors are closed, said Artistic Director Alyse Neubert. Beginning acting and ballet classes, as well as community challenges, are available for free on the app.
“Through the medium of the arts, that’s how we will get through this,” Neubert said. “Just stay connected to us,” she added.
Suggestions to support the playhouse while closed are listed on its website.
Cooking together, apart
Merced residents looking to get creative in the kitchen with simple, accessible ingredients can tune in to local Caterer Tanisha McClain’s Facebook page Quichey Creations, where she is streaming cooking classes.
Recipes emphasize a down-home feel and use supplies typically already in the kitchen, ensuring residents don’t have to unnecessarily go grocery shopping during the stay at home order.
“Being stuck in your house, you get a little stir crazy,” she said. “Having human interaction, doing something with your hands, it takes your mind off everything and makes you do something constructive.”
Viewers send her videos of their own creations after watching her tutorials, McClain said. Creating something tangible and enjoyable together, while maintaining social distance, provides a sense of purpose and community during isolation.
“They have fun hanging out with me for a little bit,” she said.
McClain’s creations are available for pickup as well. Recent recipes include cornbread, Japanese milk bread, cinnamon rolls and macaroni and cheese. Orders can be placed on Quichey Creations’ Facebook page.
For families
The MAC’s regular ARTREE classes moved to its YouTube channel, offering free online art classes twice a week. ARTREE brings local artists to Merced County classrooms to teach visual and performing arts.
With recent school closures, students can continue a guided arts education.
For music education, parents can get guidance from Noelle Chandler, a contractor with the Merced County Office of Education, co-founder of Phoenix Creative Collective and founder of Miss Noelle’s Musikgarten.
Chandler recently set up a subscription service with Patreon called Miss Noelle’s Music for Little Minds. Different membership levels provide access to varying music education services.
“I’m teaching you how to be the best music teacher at home for your children,” she said.
Parents running out of ideas for what do to with kids suddenly stuck in the house can benefit from Naomi Sukenik’s COVID-19 Blog.
The founder of Merced-based Play Adventures, Sukenik pivoted to sharing her philosophy of unstructured, self-directed play for children online while self-isolating with her own family.
“This is the perfect opportunity to let your children lead,” she said, noting that the increased time together allows parents to learn about their children and see what motivates them.
The COVID-19 blog lists daily activities and advice for families, as well providing a structured routine, which Sukenik says children need to feel secure during these uncertain times.
Sukenik also put out a community challenge to make obstacle courses on sidewalks out of chalk, creating one large course for kids in the same neighborhood to play at a safe distance. Sukenik and her kids will judge videos sent of the courses, with the winner getting a free block party once the pandemic’s danger passes.
Sukenik will also do Zoom hangouts while playing with her kids, allowing other families to join in a virtual play date. Play materials will only include items families already have in their homes, she said.
