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A Note from Kim Corben

Executive Director

My family uses art to stay connected

I’m not usually at a loss for words. But like everyone, A master of progressive
I have fewer new topics to discuss, especially with abstract art, Hudson
extended family whose conversations center around astounds us with a vision
what everyone has been up to lately…um…not of hope. One is first drawn
much. to a peculiar look upon our

But that’s changed! hedgehog face as he appears
to beam a smile across the
My family has discovered a way to be EXCITED to chat bow of all who look up it. This
with long distance relatives. Our common language is character seems wild with
ART.
excitement as he holds within
Back in October my brother bought a drawing tablet. his grasp two cherished
He invited my 20-something son and daughter to an objects that seem to emit a magic – the feather and the
art challenge figuring the exercise would force him to key. Or perhaps the magic is simply the reflection of our
learn the new tablet’s features. My niece heard about friend’s smile. All this is expressed using just two-colored
the challenge and asked if her children, ages 4, 8 and crayons on a background of white. A bold minimalist
11 could join too. statement indeed!

The first week’s theme was “feather, hedgehog, key”, Now we have lots to talk (and laugh) about as we make
meaning those elements must appear in the creation. art together in our own ways. For me it has raised my
No rules for how the art is made: crayons and paper, awareness of perspective. There are so many ways to
digital tablet, paint, any medium could be used. tackle a challenge.
Everyone had fun making and seeing the different During these unusual times, creativity has been an
ideas and perspectives.
essential part of my work-life, and now I appreciate
My brother added to the entertainment—he curated how it has helped my family stay close. As we work
each extraordinary piece, describing the artist’s choice toward playing music again, I’ll be relying on these
of materials and the particulars. He playfully described creative skills in a big way.
a drawing by Hudson, age 4:
For now, I must make my masterpiece!

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