There isn’t one person I know who’s life wasn’t completely upended by the Covid-19 pandemic. Whether it was the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of a trip, or all of the above, people experienced a lot of loss in 2020. Many people had extra time on their hands to experiment with new hobbies, and many turned to art to express how they were feeling.
I was recently invited to visit the Santa Cruz MAH, Museum of Art and History; therein I found an exhibit called “In Uncertain Times…”
The exhibit featured art not only created in the times of Covid, but also those that addressed the murder of George Floyd and so many others at the hands of police, as well as the social justice movement that followed in the wake of Floyd’s death. Every piece of art in this exhibit was so moving, but none more so than the image of George Floyd made up of protest pictures. It brought me to tears.
The museum also featured a rooftop garden, a Santa Cruz history room that was both fascinating and informative (and I mean truthfully – they did not shy away from the harder truths like racism and colonialism), and a room devoted to art about creating a more sustainable earth.
One of the most eye-catching pieces is one that can be seen right as you enter the museum, and any time you go up or down a floor: it is a cardboard art installation that was brought in and hung in two separate pieces, featuring various flora and fauna, especially butterflies. It is magnificent.
I am so glad that museums and exhibits have been able to open their doors once more: I am feeling so much more inspired and connected to art after having been to two museums in the last month. I’m hoping for many more to come this year!
What is your a favorite museum to visit?
xoxo
caryn hewlett 
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