A Note to Our Community Amidst COVID-19
IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATE
We have tried to stay open as long as possible for our artists experiencing homelessness. We know that one of the most important aspects of POVA is a safe, clean, and calm space for our artists to create. Unfortunately, the time has come that we need to follow the recommendations for social distancing. We don't take this lightly, as isolation is reported to be one of the most difficult experiences during homelessness. Given the continued uncertainty of how COVID-19 will spread or when it will be contained, we will be closing the POVA Studio & Gallery from 3/18 - 3/31 and will reassess opening at the end of the month. Everyone's health, safety and well-being are of utmost importance to us. We will continue to communicate through email and social media as needed to provide updates and other relevant details ongoing.
We are sending our artists out with "care packages" (pictured above) so they have a few tools for their physical and emotional health. We'll also be checking in with them regularly during our closure, as we hope you are also doing for your loved ones. For now, please consider supporting our Artist Collective through one or more of the ways below.
"In uncertain times, do not stop creating! Artists are the encouragers that give the world hope." -Beth Inglish
Ways to Help POVA during COVID-19Like many small businesses, POVA is experiencing the impact of social distancing and quarantine. It is likely that this impact will span the course of several months, severely impacting our spring fundraising and sales efforts. Many of the spring events that allow us to generate income for our artists have been cancelled. Partnerships with local universities, exhibition venue opportunities, and workshops with local artists are coming to a screeching halt. Many future opportunities on the calendar for May and June are currently at risk of being cancelled leaving a bleak outlook for nonprofit fundraising and our artists' hope for income through these events. These changes and challenges create a significant strain on our small team, as programming and fundraising efforts become more complex and vital than ever before. We recognize that many donors and small businesses we rely on no longer have the funds to continue to donate.
If you have the funds, here are a few ways you can support POVA and our artists during COVID-19:
Shop POVA art online HERE and select shipping or curbside pick-up.
Send a notecard to your quarantined loved one with an encouraging message inside. Shop cards HERE.
Buy a POVA shirt HERE and we'll receive a percentage of your purchase.
Grant a wish from one of our in-kind donation wish lists HERE and ship something special to the studio.
Give an online financial donation HERE to support our operating expenses and Spring Art Education Fundraiser.
Self-Care Tips from the CDC
"The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger." --Centers for Disease Control
Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.
Things you can do to support yourself
Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row. View the CDC's Guide to managing stress during COVID-19 HERE.