Shelter Art Project: COVID-19 and Me
The second annual Shelter Art Project, co-hosted by SEWA-AIFW and Violence Free Minnesota, is concluded! The hope of this project was to show the world through art that, despite the violence faced by the artists, they are not only survivors but victors. These artists have transitioned, triumphed, and won over their obstacles and difficulties.
The theme this year was “COVID-19 and Me: Transitions, Triumphs, and Difficulties.” Below, you can find the anonymous winners for the Shelter Art Project of 2021. They have been separated into two different age groups. For further context, this project highlights the work of survivors in shelters across Minnesota.
Age Group: 8-18 Years
Winner
Three children celebrating their shelter under the sun.
Crayon on paper.
A busy four-way intersection with various businesses positioned on the corners.
Crayon and pencil on paper.
Bustling life along the streets. There is a lake and a fair, and people passing between each.
Marker and crayon on paper.
Two people, one happy in their office, and the other crying outside.
Marker and crayon on paper.
Age Group: 19+ Years
Winner
Shelter and mask the world to stay safe during the pandemic.
Marker and colored pencil on paper.
Transcript of the Text:
STAY HOME, STAY SAFE
During the pandemic times
Mask should be definitely
required for safety concerns to all.
“You Are My World, You Are My Sunshine.” A butterfly hovers above the Earth, surrounded by sun rays.
Colored pencil and marker on paper.
“In order to avoid Covid-19 and domestic abuse, I would go to a hotel where there were several domestic disputes and a shooting. Like Covid-19 domestic violence is a public health epidemic. An individual victim of domestic violence struggles against the insidiousness of the disease:
Invisibility to those closest to the victim,
Denial,
Financial cost,
Physical injuries,
Emotional degradation.“
Additional words from the artist, Female, Aged 56
A collage of the obstacles between the artist and their goal: Safety and Home.
Paper and clippings on paper.
A protective hand holding the artist safely in their shelter, away from the virus.
Colored pencil and crayon on paper.
“The description of my picture is the virus is behind the door and God’s has protected me from the virus. And through my faith, God’s hold me in his hand. This drawing symbolizes how God protects all through faith. Amen.”
Description provided by the artist, Female, Aged 60
A journal entry detailing the effects of COVID-19 on the writer’s life this past year.
Pencil on paper.
Transcript of the Entry:
Covid-19 4/22/21
My name is [redacted for anonymity]
When Covid hit I was very afraid because with my illness it was very hard for me to stay safe. Just not being able to go out when you want was very difficult now it’s a little better because we have to wear masks. I feel a little safer. Covid has changed my whole outlook on how I do things. Whether inside or outside.
Because of Covid, some of my doctor’s appointments had to be virtual instead of in-person which is not good I’d rather be able to see my doctors in person. But I guess in order to stay safe it’s a good thing. Covid has made me more aware of staying healthy and safe. Covid has also helped me to get more intuned with the things I love to do.
Covid has made the internet more useful to me than it has ever been. Covid has made me afraid to be around a large group of people because I fear of catching covid. But by the grace of God, I haven’t caught Covid. Because of Covid, I have been able to strengthen myself and deal with my situation head on.
Covid has impacted my life in various ways mainly on how to stay safe sanitizing everything making sure I’m masked up at all times. During Covid, I pray everyone stay safe. I [redacted] has been vaccinated.
Below, the past, where we have come from in the pandemic. Above, the hopeful future for a return to life as we knew it.
Colored pencil on paper.
“Below- past> Pandemic, where we’re coming from
above- is where we’re currently heading
My prayers that we all be open to this change and support one another through these challenging times may we come out of this stronger than ever before.”
Additional words from the artist, Female, Aged 31
Transcript of the Text:
May all those who have lost; May It be lives, loved ones, or hope, be gifted with much grander than ever
Before, ay energies of healing, comfort, unity, laughter, companionship, kindness, unconditional love, harmony belonging, mercy + grace+ ease.
Provide belief in positive earth, may they have openness to change + guidance along the way. Blessed be.
An artistic showing of the symptoms of COVID-19 and effective prevention measures. Study up!
Marker and crayon on paper.
Uncertainty in uncertain times for the artist.
Colored pencil and crayon on paper.
Transcript of the Text:
“Your silence will not protect you.” — Audre Lorde
SAFETY, HOPE
Stay home, stay safe?!
A conversation between two people on the street of Minneapolis, one looking out for the other.
Colored pencil and crayon on paper.
People masking together, uniforms matching.
Colored pencil and pencil on paper.
The battle of the world versus COVID-19.
Marker on paper.
Transcript of the Text:
Please save me…
I can’t breathe…
A city skyline rises above chaos below; people getting tested, fighting for groceries, mass graves, and daily struggles on the streets.
Colored pencil on paper.
Winner
A survivor of sexual assault learning to smile again with the help of a stranger.
A series in a journal by a Female writer, aged 47.
Pen on paper.
Transcript of Page Text:
May 2021
A monster destroyed my smile…
What do I do? Where do I go to get another one?
I can’t buy one at a store…
A series in a journal.
Pen on paper.
Transcript of Page Text:
Through the hours, seconds, days until I don’t know when…
I’m discovering that people borrow theirs in ways they don’t even know…
My 1st loan — Sloppy Joe Girl —
a little curly-haired girl came up to me, with sloppy Joe splattered cheek to cheek.
A series in a journal.
Pen on paper.
Transcript of Page Text:
To the women that offered me homemade soup when I reached for ramen and the sweet soul who gave me summer clothes off her back thank you for your loan, you have helped me start to heal and find joy and love in strangers again.
It’s hard especially now with covid covering our…
A series in a journal.
Pen on paper.
Transcript of Page Text:
…smiles with masks, I look for the kind eyes, the eyes that light up and tell you they’re smiling under their mask.
I feel your kindness and love and I thank you.
– J
A series in a journal.
Pen on paper.
Transcript of Page Text:
with big blue eyes, she said to me “wanna see how fast I can run?!”
I said “Yes! Yes, I do!” and she took off like lightning and roared with giggles!
about two weeks after I met sloppy Joe Girl, I can still hear her giggles, I can still hear the pitter-patter and I smile.
Thank you.
Thank You to the Artists!
These art contests are possible because of the talented and passionate artists in our community. These stories and topics are deeply personal, and we cannot thank each of the artists enough for sharing with us.
Thank you for sharing your experiences on such important and personal subjects.
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