#LittleArtsOfKindness
In November 2020, I launched an "art hug" movement to send small artworks as a way to encourage front-line workers and people isolated because of the pandemic. What began as a small way of saying thank you to the doctors and staff at a local COVID-19 testing clinic gained traction as word got out. After an article about #LittleArtsOfKindness was published in the Tri-City News as well as Vancouver is Awesome, artists from around BC, Alberta, Quebec, and Ontario committed to participate. As of February 2021, the movement has expanded across Canada to Nova Scotia, as well as down to Michigan and California in the United States.
The idea is simple:
- Create one or as many little pieces of artwork as you'd like.
- Post about them using the hashtag #littleartsofkindness and ask your community for recipient nominations.
- Send off the pieces to bring a little light to someone's life.
#LittleArtsOfKindness in Local Newspapers
I'm grateful to the Tri-City News and the Glacier Media News family for interviewing me and amplifying the #LittleArtsOfKindness movement both online and in print. From their exposure, I have received notes of encouragement, inquiries for nominations as well as for artists who want to participate.
In this year that has seen so much grief and loss, it feels like a small, but important, initiative to bring some light and beauty to those who need the encouragement.
As an artist friend of mine said, "Maybe we can get a kindness movement going."
Details for Those Who Want to Participate
I've been asked by several people for details about how I did it so I'm going to share it here. You don't need to do it exactly the same way, but if you need a springboard for ideas, hopefully this will help.
Funding
The Little Arts of Kindness are offered free of charge to the nominees and nominators. However, feel free to ask your community for financial partners to cover the cost if you need to. I have had someone offer to cover the cost of postage for one of my sets and I know of another artist who had a friend partner with her.
Canvases
I bought my mini canvases at my local Michael's Store. It's about $7 for a pack of 8 2"x2" canvas boards.
Paintings
The subject, style, and medium of your artwork is up to you. I like skyscapes so that's what I did.
Backs
Once my paintings were complete, I glued a small magnet to the back and signed each one.
Notes
I included a handwritten note with each painting. Samples of the text are below.
Sample Text - Asking for Nominations (Feel free to adapt)
#LittleArtsOfKindness
As the battle against COVID-19 continues and second lockdowns are happening, I have been thinking of the front line workers who have held up for so long and have to yet again dig deep to respond. Also on my heart are people who live on their own and face prolonged isolation.
I wanted to offer these mini paintings as a form of encouragement to these people during this time. If you know of a front-liner or someone in isolation who could use a little art hug, let me know. The first eight names DM’d to me with addresses (preferably in Canada) will receive a painting along with a handwritten note.
By myself, I cannot make too much of an impact so I’d like to invite other artists to join in. Your art can be any size, medium, style or subject and you can give away as many as you want to. Just create one or more mini artworks, ask for nominations for recipients from your social network, tag #littleartsofkindness, and send them off to bless the world!
If you know someone who might be up for joining this initiative, please share this post or tag them in the comments. Beauty brings hope and I believe we can get through this together.
Sample text - Note for Isolated Individual (Feel free to adapt)
Dear ______,
You were nominated by, _____, to receive this original mini painting to encourage you in these tough Covid times. It's like an art hug! You are remembered and thought of, and you matter. Hope this painting can remind you that you are loved.
Take care stay well,
[your name]
Sample text - Note for Front-Line Worker (Feel free to adapt)
Dear ______,
You were nominated by, _____, to receive this original mini painting to encourage you as you serve your community during COVID-19. Your hard work is being noticed and what you are doing matters. I hope this little painting reminds you that you are not alone and that you are loved. May you find strength and rest for the days ahead.
Take care and stay well,
[your name]