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Brit Austin

2020 Pumpkin Decorating Contest Winners

Having a Gourd Time with Your Library!

We are thrilled to have received 42 pumpkin submissions for our first virtual Pumpkin Decorating Contest! It was hard to choose the winners, as we adored so many. Thank you for submitting, attending the virtual decorating programs and carving out fun with the folks at the library!

Best Kids Upto Grade 5 Pumpkin:
"The Witch" by Elaina Villwock

“I was not alone in the pumpkin patch. There were warty pumpkins and neat pumpkins and big pumpkins and small pumpkins. One day, a farmer picked me up out of my patch and drove me to a nearby grocery store to sell me. Soon, a masked man came and picked me up (it’s coronavirus, dude). He drove me to his home and there was a little girl and her mom. They cut me and carved me and poked me and prodded me. One time, my owner picked me up and put me in the bathroom (for some reason). I finally saw myself through the bathroom mirror. I had an ugly, big nose and a long pointy black hat and silver paint smudged everywhere and big eyes. And then I thought, this look suits me.” – The Witch (aka Eliana, age 8)
Eliana Villwock, "The Witch" - “I was not alone in the pumpkin patch. There were warty pumpkins and neat pumpkins and big pumpkins and small pumpkins. One day, a farmer picked me up out of my patch and drove me to a nearby grocery store to sell me. Soon, a masked man came and picked me up (it’s coronavirus, dude). He drove me to his home and there was a little girl and her mom. They cut me and carved me and poked me and prodded me. One time, my owner picked me up and put me in the bathroom (for some reason). I finally saw myself through the bathroom mirror. I had an ugly, big nose and a long pointy black hat and silver paint smudged everywhere and big eyes. And then I thought, this look suits me.” – The Witch (aka Eliana, age 8)

Best Grade 6-12 Pumpkin:
"Just Eat It" by Anne Amoussou

Anne Amoussou, "Just Eat It"

Best Adult Pumpkin (TIE):
"It's a Magical World" by Steve Madaio and
"Arthur Celebrates Libraries" by Abby Hargreaves

The "stars" were made using 3 different sized nails inserted at various angles, so their luminosity changes depending on your viewing angle. So if you walk around the pumpkin, it "twinkles". Also, Hobbes' orange fur is the skin of the pumpkin.
The "stars" were made using 3 different sized nails inserted at various angles, so their luminosity changes depending on your viewing angle. So if you walk around the pumpkin, it "twinkles". Also, Hobbes' orange fur is the skin of the pumpkin.
Steve Madaio, "It's a Magical World" - The "stars" were made using 3 different sized nails inserted at various angles, so their luminosity changes depending on your viewing angle. So if you walk around the pumpkin, it "twinkles". Also, Hobbes' orange fur is the skin of the pumpkin.
As a kid, I watched Arthur on PBS regularly. Years later, I revisited the series and found it just as charming as it had always been. Now, I read Marc Brown's Arthur books to my niece. As a librarian and book lover, it's no wonder my favorite scene from the series is Arthur and his friends' performance of "Library Card," a song that appears in the episode "Arthur's Almost Live Not Real Music Festival" and proclaims "Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card." I couldn't help but illustrate Arthur's library card and sage lyrics on a pumpkin with paint. And, Arthur, I heartily agree.
Abby Hargreaves, "Arthur Celebrates Libraries" - As a kid, I watched Arthur on PBS regularly. Years later, I revisited the series and found it just as charming as it had always been. Now, I read Marc Brown's Arthur books to my niece. As a librarian and book lover, it's no wonder my favorite scene from the series is Arthur and his friends' performance of "Library Card," a song that appears in the episode "Arthur's Almost Live Not Real Music Festival" and proclaims "Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card." I couldn't help but illustrate Arthur's library card and sage lyrics on a pumpkin with paint. And, Arthur, I heartily agree.

Honorable Mentions...

Best Alternative Gourd:
"Dragons Love Halloween Candy" by Kelley Miller

Best Dressed:
"Minnie Fang" by Ari Taylor

Most Intricate:
"Spotted Owl" by Carolyn Bainer

Hey Judges! Do you love pumpkins? And Halloween? And candy? So do dragons! If you want dragons to trick-or-treat at your house (socially distanced, of course), you’ll need boatloads of candy! Just make sure you bury all the spicy candy in the backyard or donate it to a Tasmanian devil. The one thing dragons can’t stand is spicy Halloween candy because it gives them the yummy troubles. Hey Dragon, how do you feel about Red Hots, Fireballs, and Hot Tamales? Too late...
Kelley Miller, "Dragons Love Halloween Candy" - Hey Judges! Do you love pumpkins? And Halloween? And candy? So do dragons! If you want dragons to trick-or-treat at your house (socially distanced, of course), you’ll need boatloads of candy! Just make sure you bury all the spicy candy in the backyard or donate it to a Tasmanian devil. The one thing dragons can’t stand is spicy Halloween candy because it gives them the yummy troubles. Hey Dragon, how do you feel about Red Hots, Fireballs, and Hot Tamales? Too late...
Carolyn Bainer, "Spotted Owl"
Ari Taylor, "Minnie Fang"

Check out these other pumpkins we loved!

Nicolas Duarte, "The Scary Tree"
Sharing a love of books and storytelling to playing outdoor hide and seek, the Feliciano brothers and Kan kids live across the street from each other and have become the closest of friends this year. We had a blast carving pumpkins together on our driveway - a first time for most of the kids! Pumpkin seeds were saved to roast and snack on and the pumpkins will be composted after Halloween in the bountiful Kan garden. Happy kids carved happy pumpkins!
Jennifer Feliciano, "Happy Pumpkins, Happy Kids!" - Sharing a love of books and storytelling to playing outdoor hide and seek, the Feliciano brothers and Kan kids live across the street from each other and have become the closest of friends this year. We had a blast carving pumpkins together on our driveway - a first time for most of the kids! Pumpkin seeds were saved to roast and snack on and the pumpkins will be composted after Halloween in the bountiful Kan garden. Happy kids carved happy pumpkins!
Wakana & Akane Hatta, "Oh, Nooooo! My Sister!!!!!"
"I love Bad Kitty books because they're funny and she's silly. I've read almost all of them by myself and with my mom and dad. My pet cat, Bartleby, looks just like Bad Kitty."
Amelia Hamilton, "Bad Kitty" - I love Bad Kitty books because they're funny and she's silly. I've read almost all of them by myself and with my mom and dad. My pet cat, Bartleby, looks just like Bad Kitty.
This year my daughter and I read through the entire Tiffany Aching series within the Discworld Series by Terry Pratchett. In the 4th book, I Shall Wear Midnight, a repeated image is a hare running. It has been our favorite series of books to read. She related a lot to Tiffany, a young witch and I related a lot to the older witches in the stories who helped guide Tiffany. I hope that my daughter will always remember those stories and the many many hours we spent reading together. The quote repeated within the story goes - "The Hare runs into the fire. The fire, it takes her, she is not burned. The fire, it loves her, she is not burned"
Janet Hamilton, "The Hare Runs into the Fire" - This year my daughter and I read through the entire Tiffany Aching series within the Discworld Series by Terry Pratchett. In the 4th book, I Shall Wear Midnight, a repeated image is a hare running. It has been our favorite series of books to read. She related a lot to Tiffany, a young witch and I related a lot to the older witches in the stories who helped guide Tiffany. I hope that my daughter will always remember those stories and the many many hours we spent reading together. The quote repeated within the story goes - "The Hare runs into the fire. The fire, it takes her, she is not burned. The fire, it loves her, she is not burned"
During COVID quarantine time, I thought it'd be cute to build my own pumpkin house. Went flower picking in Loudon County, and used them to decorate the windowsills of the pumpkin chalet!
Kathryn Hogan, "Pumpkin Chalet" - During COVID quarantine time, I thought it'd be cute to build my own pumpkin house. Went flower picking in Loudon County, and used them to decorate the windowsills of the pumpkin chalet!
Arlene Goyette, "This skull is on fire!"
As someone with the bad habit of constantly touching my face and eyes, the CDC's COVID prevention recommendations (don't touch your face, eyes, nose, mouth) have been very hard to follow! My pumpkin is an homage to how much scarier my bad habits became in 2020.
Amelia Robert, "Don't Touch Your Eyes!" - As someone with the bad habit of constantly touching my face and eyes, the CDC's COVID prevention recommendations (don't touch your face, eyes, nose, mouth) have been very hard to follow! My pumpkin is an homage to how much scarier my bad habits became in 2020.
This pumpkin were carved by 3 beautiful girls who had a blast, every single one has different inspirations. Mariana, 10 years old, was the artist behind the first pumpkin, first one to the left, she was inspired by her favorite emoji face. Maddie, 9 years old, was behind the throw up pumpkin, and she wanted to create something scary and disgusting at the same time and I think she did a wonderful job. Layla, 5 years old, was the artist that required the most help but still she did a wonderful job with the mini hear emoji pumpkin which she choose the design of, helped the grown ups with the cat pumpkin and she also made a beautiful design with marker on the remaining pumpkin, no carving necessary she said is perfect jus the way it is. With love Andy Aupair
Andy Morales & kids, "Dream Work" - This pumpkin were carved by 3 beautiful girls who had a blast, every single one has different inspirations. Mariana, 10 years old, was the artist behind the first pumpkin, first one to the left, she was inspired by her favorite emoji face. Maddie, 9 years old, was behind the throw up pumpkin, and she wanted to create something scary and disgusting at the same time and I think she did a wonderful job. Layla, 5 years old, was the artist that required the most help but still she did a wonderful job with the mini hear emoji pumpkin which she choose the design of, helped the grown ups with the cat pumpkin and she also made a beautiful design with marker on the remaining pumpkin, no carving necessary she said is perfect jus the way it is. With love Andy Aupair
One day, like any other, there was a pumpkin. A farmer was soon coming to harvest it. Of course the pumpkin didn't have feelings, but if it did it would feel proud being from "the finest in the patch," the farmer said. A kid picked up the pumpkin and said in a gruff voice, "This is the one!" Back at the house, the kid was ready to carve.
Alex Kerr, "Stumpkin" - One day, like any other, there was a pumpkin. A farmer was soon coming to harvest it. Of course the pumpkin didn't have feelings, but if it did it would feel proud being from "the finest in the patch," the farmer said. A kid picked up the pumpkin and said in a gruff voice, "This is the one!" Back at the house, the kid was ready to carve.
2020 has been quite a year...while grappling with the pandemic and other terrible occurrences, I've also had a number of successes and happy moments. As a tribute to both the good and the bad of this year, I carved these pumpkins - one happy, one scary!
Hannah Abrams, "Beauty and the Beast" - 2020 has been quite a year...while grappling with the pandemic and other terrible occurrences, I've also had a number of successes and happy moments. As a tribute to both the good and the bad of this year, I carved these pumpkins - one happy, one scary!
Helen Tin, "Haunted House Pumpkin"
Once upon a time, there was a ghost and the ghost met a pumpkin! And the pumpkin turned the ghost into a fox and the fox ran away. The fox turned back into a ghost and then a big dinosaur came and ate the ghost up. And then the dinosaur stomped into the water and sank and turned into a fish. The fish turned into a tiger shark! And the tiger shark never turned back into a dinosaur. The pumpkin with the face turned into a...pumpkin (without a face)! And lived happily ever after. The end.
Ella Hagerty, "Ghost Carve Boo" - Once upon a time, there was a ghost and the ghost met a pumpkin! And the pumpkin turned the ghost into a fox and the fox ran away. The fox turned back into a ghost and then a big dinosaur came and ate the ghost up. And then the dinosaur stomped into the water and sank and turned into a fish. The fish turned into a tiger shark! And the tiger shark never turned back into a dinosaur. The pumpkin with the face turned into a...pumpkin (without a face)! And lived happily ever after. The end.
Tricia Thacker, "Pumpkin Sweet Pumpkin"
Jadon Otobo, "Winking Jack"
I am 8 3/4 years old and I carved this pumpkin all by myself. I choose the name 'give me a treat!' because, she is looking up and smiling so I thought it would fit. I hope you choose mine!
Kira Shah, "Give me a treat!" - I am 8 3/4 years old and I carved this pumpkin all by myself. I choose the name 'give me a treat!' because, she is looking up and smiling so I thought it would fit. I hope you choose mine!
My pumpkin dreams of going to space. Her gaze is directed towards what is up above, the stars, planets and the moon.
Jaya Shah, Jack o' Astronaut" - My pumpkin dreams of going to space. Her gaze is directed towards what is up above, the stars, planets and the moon.
Girl Scout Cadette Troop 502 spent time decorating pumpkins for the contest. Thank you for inspiring the fun!
Olivia Quinn, "Flower Forest" - Girl Scout Cadette Troop 502 spent time decorating pumpkins for the contest. Thank you for inspiring the fun!
Girl Scout Cadette Troop 502 spent time decorating pumpkins for the contest. Thank you for inspiring the fun!
Katie McDonald, "I Will Try" - Girl Scout Cadette Troop 502 spent time decorating pumpkins for the contest. Thank you for inspiring the fun!
Girl Scout Cadette Troop 502 spent time decorating pumpkins for the contest. Thank you for inspiring the fun!
Katerina Broadbent, "COVID Cadette" - Girl Scout Cadette Troop 502 spent time decorating pumpkins for the contest. Thank you for inspiring the fun!
Girl Scout Cadette Troop 502 spent time decorating pumpkins for the contest. Thank you for inspiring the fun!
Lucy Meder, "Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Pumpkins" - Girl Scout Cadette Troop 502 spent time decorating pumpkins for the contest. Thank you for inspiring the fun!
Girl Scout Cadette Troop 502 spent time decorating pumpkins for the contest. Thank you for inspiring the fun!
Hadley Bowlin, "Cadette Craving Creativity" - Girl Scout Cadette Troop 502 spent time decorating pumpkins for the contest. Thank you for inspiring the fun!
Girl Scout Cadette Troop 502 spent time decorating pumpkins for the contest. Thank you for inspiring the fun!
Alexis Quinn, "Pom Pom Beehive" - Girl Scout Cadette Troop 502 spent time decorating pumpkins for the contest. Thank you for inspiring the fun!
Girl Scout Cadette Troop 502 spent time decorating pumpkins for the contest. Thank you for inspiring the fun!
Delanie Jones, "Masky" - Girl Scout Cadette Troop 502 spent time decorating pumpkins for the contest. Thank you for inspiring the fun!
In memory of my beloved recused cats. I loved and cherished them. They were such a comfort to me. Starbucks my black Halloween cat Charvet my furry white cat Puzzles my brown furry cat Tiffany my black dog
Kathryn Dominguez, "My Cats" - In memory of my beloved recused cats. I loved and cherished them. They were such a comfort to me. Starbucks my black Halloween cat Charvet my furry white cat Puzzles my brown furry cat Tiffany my black dog
COVID 19 has turned the world upside down so ...When life gives you pumpkins, make pumpkin pie. As a proverbial phrase, it’s helped and encouraged optimism and a positive can-do attitude in the face of adversity or misfortunes. Like a pumpkin, you must be well rounded and get plenty of sunshine and the great outdoors. Have thick skin, appreciate and give thanks to life’s bounty, breath, breath and breath!!! Keep growing big as a pumpkin but be gentle to your surroundings. God bless the little ones in our lives who help us during these challenging times ❤
Amy Frazier, "When Life gives you pumpkins..." - COVID 19 has turned the world upside down so ...When life gives you pumpkins, make pumpkin pie. As a proverbial phrase, it’s helped and encouraged optimism and a positive can-do attitude in the face of adversity or misfortunes. Like a pumpkin, you must be well rounded and get plenty of sunshine and the great outdoors. Have thick skin, appreciate and give thanks to life’s bounty, breath, breath and breath!!! Keep growing big as a pumpkin but be gentle to your surroundings. God bless the little ones in our lives who help us during these challenging times ❤
Loren Keymer, "Bloody Vampire"
I created this pumpkin by using masking tape to make the shapes.
Malina Abraham Essam, "Mr. Pumpkin" - I created this pumpkin by using masking tape to make the shapes.
Mila Noelle, "They Are Back"
Olive Goyette, "Howloween"
Sanjay Ramiah, "Pumpkin Scarry- like Richard Scarry"
I carved different sea creatures all around the pumpkin and then painted an ocean scene on it.
Sophia Ghosh, "Ocean Commotion" - I carved different sea creatures all around the pumpkin and then painted an ocean scene on it.
General Grevious was one of the most feared and terrible Jedi Hunters of the Clone Wars, he is the perfect character to carve on a pumpkin!
Siddharth Ghosh, "The Wrath of General Grevious" - General Grevious was one of the most feared and terrible Jedi Hunters of the Clone Wars, he is the perfect character to carve on a pumpkin!
My son absolutely adores Star Wars and wanted to decorate our pumpkin really unique this year, because no “ordinary” pumpkin will do in 2020!!
Sydney Kaiser, "Space Pumpkin" - My son absolutely adores Star Wars and wanted to decorate our pumpkin really unique this year, because no “ordinary” pumpkin will do in 2020!!
Gabriella Zakrocki, "The Witch Flies at Midnight!"

Thanks for joining us. See upcoming library events for all ages here.

Quaranzine: Issue 10

July 20: Nostalgia, Setting In

Quaranzine is a weekly collection of creative works from the Arlington community that documents how we responded to this strange time we find ourselves in. Submit your own work.

Modified photo
Diane Kresh, "Things I miss #4792" - Modified photo
Bolton
Alexandra Bowman, "Bolton"
A poem written during a sleepless night
Amy Sherman, "I Hope We Learn" - A poem written during a sleepless night
While trying to come up with a different way to say "Wash Your Hands", the Addams Family came to mind. Snap snap.
Brit Austin, "Wash Your Thing" - While trying to come up with a different way to say "Wash Your Hands", the Addams Family came to mind. Snap snap.
One of the things my wife and I miss from pre-Covid times is going to the movies. Last weekend we went to the drive-in theater to see Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and my wife coordinated her mask and t-shirt to the movie.
Christopher Sweetapple, "At the Drive-In" - One of the things my wife and I miss from pre-Covid times is going to the movies. Last weekend we went to the drive-in theater to see Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and my wife coordinated her mask and t-shirt to the movie.
Before, during and after 3,201,878 Coronavirus cases in the U.S. and 134,976 deaths, Americans looked to their government for a national coordinated response to threats to our nation.
David Dastnly, "Looking For Leadership " - Before, during and after 3,201,878 Coronavirus cases in the U.S. and 134,976 deaths, Americans looked to their government for a national coordinated response to threats to our nation.
Sharpie and watercolor on a paper napkin, unfolded.
Liz Laribee, "I Miss What Summer Used to Feel Like" - Sharpie and watercolor on a paper napkin, unfolded.
A meditation on the meaning we impart to nature.
Edgar Evans, "Winter" - A meditation on the meaning we impart to nature.
A cry, as of the pained heart. The long, despairing moan of solitude. Darkness. Cold. Death and sickness everywhere...tears...pain. Where am I? Is this my world? My life to be? Why am I cold? Am I crying? Yes! (mixed media on wood: acrylic and metallic paint, collaged paper, sharpie pen, colored pencil, stamps 18" X 18" jenniferbeinhacker.com art outside the edge)
Jennifer Beinhacker, "I Cry for the Lost Souls in this Time of the Covid-19 World Wide Pandemic" - A cry, as of the pained heart. The long, despairing moan of solitude. Darkness. Cold. Death and sickness everywhere...tears...pain. Where am I? Is this my world? My life to be? Why am I cold? Am I crying? Yes! (mixed media on wood: acrylic and metallic paint, collaged paper, sharpie pen, colored pencil, stamps 18" X 18" jenniferbeinhacker.com art outside the edge)
This time of isolation has forced many of us to confront our feelings, and our conditions during this strange time. While many of the emotions and situations are negative, there are positive elements interspersed. I have tried to examine this in this mosaic. The negatives are in black and white, but the others are brighter and more complex in their depiction. The opalescent glass represents the complex and beautiful matter of our brains.
Maria Frescas, "The View Inside" - This time of isolation has forced many of us to confront our feelings, and our conditions during this strange time. While many of the emotions and situations are negative, there are positive elements interspersed. I have tried to examine this in this mosaic. The negatives are in black and white, but the others are brighter and more complex in their depiction. The opalescent glass represents the complex and beautiful matter of our brains.
Shutter speed 1/500th-of-a-second would be fast enough to stop motion of a bee's wings, right? Apparently not.
Mark Charette, "Bees Wings How Fast?" - Shutter speed 1/500th-of-a-second would be fast enough to stop motion of a bee's wings, right? Apparently not.
A couple weeks after we began staying at home, I realized that I was recycling something that would make an interesting art piece - the cast off part of a scarce resource during the beginning of the pandemic. Since then, I have been collaging with scraps from my desk on every toilet paper roll we have used. The title reflects the idea of having enough in this time when many do not and has me thinking about what I can do to be a better member of our community. I also miss going to museums and galleries to see art in person, so I installed the rolls with fishing line and painter's tape from the ceiling above my workspace in my studio. It is almost like a personal mini exhibition every time I sit down to work.
Molly McCracken, "Flush" - A couple weeks after we began staying at home, I realized that I was recycling something that would make an interesting art piece - the cast off part of a scarce resource during the beginning of the pandemic. Since then, I have been collaging with scraps from my desk on every toilet paper roll we have used. The title reflects the idea of having enough in this time when many do not and has me thinking about what I can do to be a better member of our community. I also miss going to museums and galleries to see art in person, so I installed the rolls with fishing line and painter's tape from the ceiling above my workspace in my studio. It is almost like a personal mini exhibition every time I sit down to work.
I like to take inspiration from both the Jane Fonda that hung out with the Black Panthers, and the Jane Fonda that wore tiny leotards and told you to feel the burn. I think an updated Jane Fonda workout would include aerobics, core, anti-racist readings, and cardio in the form of marching on the streets. Thinking of activism as a workout, something you do continuously rather than it being a one-and-done thing, would definitely be Fonda-approved.
Nico Felsenheld, "Are You Ready to Do the Workout?" - I like to take inspiration from both the Jane Fonda that hung out with the Black Panthers, and the Jane Fonda that wore tiny leotards and told you to feel the burn. I think an updated Jane Fonda workout would include aerobics, core, anti-racist readings, and cardio in the form of marching on the streets. Thinking of activism as a workout, something you do continuously rather than it being a one-and-done thing, would definitely be Fonda-approved.
During the pandemic, I've been inspired to paint - something I haven't done in years.
Sarah Roberts, "Possibilities" - During the pandemic, I've been inspired to paint - something I haven't done in years.
These pictures are from a socially-distanced water balloon fight with friends who are moving out of state.
Sheela Ahluwalia, "Goodbye Battle" - These pictures are from a socially-distanced water balloon fight with friends who are moving out of state.
My Monday a.m. class now meets only on Zoom, where we get together and show our work. But, more importantly, we see familiar faces.
Winifred Scheffler, "My Shrinking World" - My Monday a.m. class now meets only on Zoom, where we get together and show our work. But, more importantly, we see familiar faces.
Submit to Quaranzine

The next deadline for submissions to Quaranzine is Thursday, July 23.

Quaranzine: Issue 9

July 6: All Together Now - Work From All Ages

Quaranzine is a weekly collection of creative works from the Arlington community that documents how we responded to this strange time we find ourselves in. Submit your own work.

A portrait of Dr. Fauci by Violet, age (almost) 3
Violet Radzin, "Dr. Anthony Fauci" - A portrait of Dr. Fauci by Violet, age (almost) 3
I created some mini paintings on a canvas pad using acrylic while on a zoom chat with some friends. They were fun and I found it easy to hop around while the paint dried and not worry so much about little details.
Allison Coyle, "Summer Essence" - I created some mini paintings on a canvas pad using acrylic while on a zoom chat with some friends. They were fun and I found it easy to hop around while the paint dried and not worry so much about little details.
Speaks for itself
Jonina Duker, "My Coronavirus Six-Word Memoir" - Speaks for itself
Melted beads molded into a 4.25" diameter bowl.
Aria Reynolds, "Melted Bowl" - Melted beads molded into a 4.25" diameter bowl.
Screaming Cat
Alex Bowman, "Screaming Cat"
A sunset over a lake that shows the reflection of the trees. Birds flying in the distance. The moon is there. I know it’s supposed to be a sun but I like the idea of the moon being there.
Callie Dower, "Sunsets" - A sunset over a lake that shows the reflection of the trees. Birds flying in the distance. The moon is there. I know it’s supposed to be a sun but I like the idea of the moon being there.
This image portrays the idea of getting a perspective on your surroundings when it seems like the sky is falling.
David Stanley, "Safe Place When the Sky is Falling" - This image portrays the idea of getting a perspective on your surroundings when it seems like the sky is falling.
I got this idea from our neighborhood because I have seen animals more often lately. I've noticed the birds chirping and bunny and deer have been out and about more. I thought to myself, "what if animals had party decorations?" So, I made it like "we're free! No one can bother us anymore and we can finally can eat in peace!!!"
Divya Konduri, "How Animals Reacted to the Quarantine!" - I got this idea from our neighborhood because I have seen animals more often lately. I've noticed the birds chirping and bunny and deer have been out and about more. I thought to myself, "what if animals had party decorations?" So, I made it like "we're free! No one can bother us anymore and we can finally can eat in peace!!!"
We may not get to go on our beach trip this year, but we will read books, learn through bookflix and explore & paint shells from past trips! So much to learn about the ocean. So much time to learn in quarantine.
Elle DiPasquale, "Seashells in Arlington" - We may not get to go on our beach trip this year, but we will read books, learn through bookflix and explore & paint shells from past trips! So much to learn about the ocean. So much time to learn in quarantine.
I hope this poem enlightens anyone who needs help or support right now.
Freya Kalanchoe, "Getting Through This Together" - I hope this poem enlightens anyone who needs help or support right now.
The bunny house is a building where 3 bunnies live. And the entrance is shaped like a rainbow
Diya Garg, "The Rabbit House" - The bunny house is a building where 3 bunnies live. And the entrance is shaped like a rainbow
Dawn on the way to work
Liese McCullough, "Trader Joes" - Dawn on the way to work
Stainless steel European 4-in-1 chain weave; wet-molded leather; cotton. I have been making chainmaille and scale maille pieces for roughly eight years. This is not the greatest skill to have when making masks to combat viral infections. Nevertheless, I Googled "chainmaille mask" to see what was out there, and I was immediately struck by World War One-era tank masks. These masks were worn by tank gunners to protect their faces against schrapnel. They are heavy and strong and yet vulnerable to other dangers of war, such as poisonous gas and infection. I knew I immediately had to make one of these masks to manifest some of my pandemic emotions.
Ever McKinney, "Tank Mask ("splatter mask" "schrapnel mask") " - Stainless steel European 4-in-1 chain weave; wet-molded leather; cotton. I have been making chainmaille and scale maille pieces for roughly eight years. This is not the greatest skill to have when making masks to combat viral infections. Nevertheless, I Googled "chainmaille mask" to see what was out there, and I was immediately struck by World War One-era tank masks. These masks were worn by tank gunners to protect their faces against schrapnel. They are heavy and strong and yet vulnerable to other dangers of war, such as poisonous gas and infection. I knew I immediately had to make one of these masks to manifest some of my pandemic emotions.
I used to attend paint nites regularly in Arlington and DC. Now I do this at home while watching the instructor on zoom. This night, the instructor was in Arizona.
Juliet Antipolo, "Paint Nites at Home" -I used to attend paint nites regularly in Arlington and DC. Now I do this at home while watching the instructor on zoom. This night, the instructor was in Arizona.
Hosta flowers have begun to open. As soon as sprinklers shut off, the bees start collecting pollen.
Mark Charette, "Bumble bee: Halquist Hospice" - Hosta flowers have begun to open. As soon as sprinklers shut off, the bees start collecting pollen.
I created this as a reflection of myself. I took the photo and edited it! I am proud of my work, and of being myself!
Nadia Lachhab, "Be Yourself" - I created this as a reflection of myself. I took the photo and edited it! I am proud of my work, and of being myself!
Boomerang Design
Lilian Thompson, "Boomerang Design"
I have been learning to sketch the characters from Harry Potter during this quarantine period. This is Professor Dumbledore.
Tanish Singh, "Professor Dumbledore from Harry Potter" - I have been learning to sketch the characters from Harry Potter during this quarantine period. This is Professor Dumbledore.
I made this art thinking about COVID-19 and how it has changed our lives, and how all the doctors and nurses have gotten together to defeat it. We have to stay calm, think positive, do our part by staying at home, and things will get better; as good always wins over evil. The bright yellow border side of my art is happy and bright for good and the dark border side is showing evil.
Saira Bagai, "Good (Humans) over Evil (COVID-19)" - I made this art thinking about COVID-19 and how it has changed our lives, and how all the doctors and nurses have gotten together to defeat it. We have to stay calm, think positive, do our part by staying at home, and things will get better; as good always wins over evil. The bright yellow border side of my art is happy and bright for good and the dark border side is showing evil.
Markers and water color
Oliver Reynolds, "Tree Branches" - Markers and water color
On June 20, bikers of all ages met at Northside Social in Clarendon and rode to the Lincoln Memorial, stopping traffic along the way, to protest the killing of countless black Americans by police.
Sarah Holcomb, "Juneteenth Bike Ride for Justice" - On June 20, bikers of all ages met at Northside Social in Clarendon and rode to the Lincoln Memorial, stopping traffic along the way, to protest the killing of countless black Americans by police.
Daughter and Mother collaboration-poem and response art (pen) about racism
DELETE_Sedona & Heather Reichert & Stemas, "Here Is the One Thing"- Daughter and Mother collaboration-poem and response art (pen) about racism
Submit to Quaranzine

The next deadline for submissions to Quaranzine is Thursday, July 16.

Quaranzine Kids: Special Edition 2

June 1:  From Our Youngest Friends

Quaranzine is a weekly collection of creative works from the Arlington community that documents how we responded to this strange time we find ourselves in. Submit your own work.

Sofia is 6 years old and she is a student at the Arlington Science Focus School. The title of the work is "Thank you dokters!" (aka Thank you doctors!)
Sofia Garmize, "Thank you Doctors!" - Sofia is 6 years old and she is a student at the Arlington Science Focus School. The title of the work is "Thank you dokters!" (aka Thank you doctors!).
This sort of spiraled from all my worries about Covid. But, I’m still trying to persevere in spite of these worries.
Noah Hessling, "Worries" - This sort of spiraled from all my worries about Covid. But, I’m still trying to persevere in spite of these worries.
Alexander is a three year old boy and loves to draw! This is the lucky giant fish, where you can wish on it and it will come true! It brings luck, and he loves to draw, especially when he is stuck inside!
Alexander Lachhab, "The Lucky Fish" - Alexander is a three year old boy and loves to draw! This is the lucky giant fish, where you can wish on it and it will come true! It brings luck, and he loves to draw, especially when he is stuck inside!
A reminder about social distancing.
David Moss, "You're Too Close" - A reminder about social distancing.
Azad (8) and Anoushka (6) each created a 6-part art project with Covid-19 depicted in drawing, with craft material, in painting, in modeling clay, in shrinky-dink, and in rice-krispy treat.
Azad & Anoushka Gohn, "Corona Collage" - Azad (8) and Anoushka (6) each created a 6-part art project with Covid-19 depicted in drawing, with craft material, in painting, in modeling clay, in shrinky-dink, and in rice-krispy treat.
Basically a new version of all the “Save the Environment” posters and mottos you see at schools.
Kimberly Lovo, "Keep ‘Em Glowing" - Basically a new version of all the “Save the Environment” posters and mottos you see at schools.
Made with recycled cardboard.
Kyra Swanson, "Sun Mosaic" - Made with recycled cardboard.
A poem I wrote while in my 5th week of quarantine.
Theo Mota-Clem, "How Was I To Know?" - A poem I wrote while in my 5th week of quarantine.
Poem by Sloane Cowart (almost 6 years old).
Sloane Cowart, "Around the World" - Poem by Sloane Cowart (almost 6 years old).
Copy of famous painting "The Scream" by Edward Munch. Crayon on notepad. Artist is six years old.
Leila Mihelich, "The Scream 2020" - Copy of famous painting "The Scream" by Edward Munch. Crayon on notepad. Artist is six years old.
Lucas spends some of his time inside being creative, such as drawing things like Germie the Badie.
Lucas Braunger, "Germie the Badie" - Lucas spends some of his time inside being creative, such as drawing things like Germie the Badie.
It’s a drawing of a dinosaur in a snow globe on someone’s wardrobe. The dinosaur has been there all its life and it’s never went outside but it’s fine with that. Just like you’re inside your home.
Amelie Shiao, "Room" - It’s a drawing of a dinosaur in a snow globe on someone’s wardrobe. The dinosaur has been there all its life and it’s never went outside but it’s fine with that. Just like you’re inside your home.
Watching time go by through my window—separated from both the world outside and the disease.
Abigail Murphy, "Time Blurs" - Watching time go by through my window—separated from both the world outside and the disease
These fruits are on a boat watching the sky as it is lit with fireworks. Even though I made this before this whole pandemic began, the fruits are still ripe, and I hope it gives you inspiration like it gives me inspiration - that we can’t give up during these times.
Vedica Chudiwale, "Boat of Light" - These fruits are on a boat watching the sky as it is lit with fireworks. Even though I made this before this whole pandemic began, the fruits are still ripe, and I hope it gives you inspiration like it gives me inspiration - that we can’t give up during these times.
An ikky is an alien that is very friendly.
Tommy Wonnacut, "Ikky" - An ikky is an alien that is very friendly.
This is a group of elephants walking in the middle of the night with their trunks holding on to the tail of the elephant in front of them. They are under a starry night and a full moon. I painted it because I thought it would be fun and it would keep me busy, so that I am not bored.
Mina Dowler, "We are Together" - This is a group of elephants walking in the middle of the night with their trunks holding on to the tail of the elephant in front of them. They are under a starry night and a full moon. I painted it because I thought it would be fun and it would keep me busy, so that I am not bored.
I wrote the poem because when we were eating dinner the door shut. That made this poem come into my head, and I kept trying different words until I came across this poem. The title is like the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, a book we just finished reading.
Marylynne Lay, "The Door, the Mouse and the House" - I wrote the poem because when we were eating dinner the door shut. That made this poem come into my head, and I kept trying different words until I came across this poem. The title is like the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, a book we just finished reading.
Submit to Quaranzine

The next deadline for submissions to Quaranzine is Thursday, June 4

Quaranzine: Issue 7

May 26: Keep Hope Alive

Quaranzine is a weekly collection of creative works from the Arlington community that documents how we responded to this strange time we find ourselves in. Submit your own work.

A little humor and a reminder to look on the bright side.
Katrina Kubik, "Sunny Side Up" - A little humor and a reminder to look on the bright side.
I drew this piece during my time spent isolating due to our current situation. I've noticed a lot more families spending time together and I wanted to make that the main focus of this piece. I think it is a sweet thing that even during scary times of uncertainty, you can see new positives such as neighbors working together as a community, people trying new hobbies, or even the increased amount of time spent outdoors.
Sirena Pearl, "The Quarantine is Surreal" - I drew this piece during my time spent isolating due to our current situation. I've noticed a lot more families spending time together and I wanted to make that the main focus of this piece. I think it is a sweet thing that even during scary times of uncertainty, you can see new positives such as neighbors working together as a community, people trying new hobbies, or even the increased amount of time spent outdoors.
Here's #CatadayApril Day 25, modeled after the "cat tuba" meme.
Alexandra Bowman, "#CatADayApril, Day 25" - Here's #CatadayApril Day 25, modeled after the "cat tuba" meme.
This is a pencil portrait of my 2 year old son, Krish. All I need is a good photograph, my sketchbook, pencils, and a quarantine to speed things up and finish in record time!
Rohitha Bhushan, "Krish" - This is a pencil portrait of my 2 year old son, Krish. All I need is a good photograph, my sketchbook, pencils, and a quarantine to speed things up and finish in record time!
A poem about changes that need to be made.
Rashmi Dighe, "New Day" - A poem about changes that need to be made.
Early in the pandemic, I received a postcard from a friend that prompted a much needed laugh. So I decided to start making some DIY postcards to send to folks using stuff I had around--mostly The Post, scissors, glue, and some markers. It's become a bit of an obsession.
Pat Loverich, "Postcards from the Pandemic" - Early in the pandemic, I received a postcard from a friend that prompted a much needed laugh. So I decided to start making some DIY postcards to send to folks using stuff I had around--mostly The Post, scissors, glue, and some markers. It's become a bit of an obsession.
During my Social Isolation I continue to create montages of my various interests and businesses to put in my over 135 scrapbooks and share with my 2,600 plus friends on Facebook. I have also been going through my collection of over 20,000 photos and using Photoshop. I have created some works of personal art and again enjoy sharing. I encourage everyone who is bored and looking for something to do during this period of quarantine to get out all those old memories, diplomas, military experiences, sports & other heroics, articles, invitations, photos etc. to organize them and share with friends and family. This is a particularly fun project to share with children and grandchildren. All you need to do this type of project is a printer, a scanner, glue, construction paper, scissors, and a scrapbook or binder. This is a montage of all the cars I have owned over the years, beginning with my first peddle car, and the more recent additions to the collection including my 1957 Thunderbird. I might also mention that sharing the things in my scrapbooks on Facebook has brought interest from all kinds of media, including feature stories in Arlington Magazine and Northern Virginia Magazine.
Michael O'Harro, "Photo Montage of my Cars Over the Years" - During my Social Isolation I continue to create montages of my various interests and businesses to put in my over 135 scrapbooks and share with my 2,600 plus friends on Facebook. I have also been going through my collection of over 20,000 photos and using Photoshop. I have created some works of personal art and again enjoy sharing. I encourage everyone who is bored and looking for something to do during this period of quarantine to get out all those old memories, diplomas, military experiences, sports & other heroics, articles, invitations, photos etc. to organize them and share with friends and family. This is a particularly fun project to share with children and grandchildren. All you need to do this type of project is a printer, a scanner, glue, construction paper, scissors, and a scrapbook or binder. This is a montage of all the cars I have owned over the years, beginning with my first peddle car, and the more recent additions to the collection including my 1957 Thunderbird. I might also mention that sharing the things in my scrapbooks on Facebook has brought interest from all kinds of media, including feature stories in Arlington Magazine and Northern Virginia Magazine.
John Conroy, "COVID Postcards"
The state of the union in the age of the global COVID-19 pandemic is sorely lacking direction. Our union needed to be prepared to act swiftly, but aside from a few other countries, this was not so. It is said "we are all in this together," but alas, this is not how many in our union are acting. If we do not act together, we will have no union left when we reach the other side.
Jennifer Beinhacker, "The State of the Union" - The state of the union in the age of the global COVID-19 pandemic is sorely lacking direction. Our union needed to be prepared to act swiftly, but aside from a few other countries, this was not so. It is said "we are all in this together," but alas, this is not how many in our union are acting. If we do not act together, we will have no union left when we reach the other side.
Poster art: Acrylic painting on Poster. “Seeing colors of creativity in 2020” Seeing and giving feeling to emotions using art to express The inner thoughts on social and emotional response to the current epidemic happening the world today.
Jennie Lovelace, "2020 Spectrum" - Poster art: Acrylic painting on Poster. “Seeing colors of creativity in 2020” Seeing and giving feeling to emotions using art to express The inner thoughts on social and emotional response to the current epidemic happening the world today.
I never thought that RuPaul's Drag Race would be helping me keep track of the days of the week, but here we are. New episodes on Fridays have helped punctuate the end of each week. Here is fan art of my favorite queen this season, Jaida Essence Hall. The runway theme was "Stars & Stripes."
Janelle Ortiz, "Jaida Essence Hall" - I never thought that RuPaul's Drag Race would be helping me keep track of the days of the week, but here we are. New episodes on Fridays have helped punctuate the end of each week. Here is fan art of my favorite queen this season, Jaida Essence Hall. The runway theme was "Stars & Stripes."
Many Arlingtonians are lucky to be in a position to contribute by staying at home during this pandemic. This painting represents how quickly that routine can feel like “Groundhog Day.”
Jacqueline Acker, "Groundhog Day" - Many Arlingtonians are lucky to be in a position to contribute by staying at home during this pandemic. This painting represents how quickly that routine can feel like “Groundhog Day.”
An abstract piece done in pen and ink with watercolor markers on mixed media paper. This piece is an example of one of the ways I've been dealing with this quarantine: through highly detailed, Zentangle-inspired art.
Hannah Foster, "Coral Roses" - An abstract piece done in pen and ink with watercolor markers on mixed media paper. This piece is an example of one of the ways I've been dealing with this quarantine: through highly detailed, Zentangle-inspired art.
In this time of quarantine, nature, even in our urbanized county, is fully available at all times, providing both solace and a space for reflection. My experience of the dusk, with its mellow light and late-singing birds is uplifting, but tinged with melancholy now.
Gregory Luce, "May Dusk" - In this time of quarantine, nature, even in our urbanized county, is fully available at all times, providing both solace and a space for reflection. My experience of the dusk, with its mellow light and late-singing birds is uplifting, but tinged with melancholy now.
Diane Kresh, "Playing for Time #2"
This conceptual work in the style of Paul Cézanne attempts to portray a man that is getting tired of social distancing along the banks of the Ohio River.
David Stanley, "Tired of Social Distancing" - This conceptual work in the style of Paul Cézanne attempts to portray a man that is getting tired of social distancing along the banks of the Ohio River.
Submit to Quaranzine

The next deadline for submissions to Quaranzine is Thursday, May 28

Quaranzine: Issue 5

May 11: Keep Your Chin Up

Quaranzine is a weekly collection of creative works from the Arlington community that documents how we responded to this strange time we find ourselves in. Submit your own work.

Sometimes home can be a refuge. In these times, home feels a bit confining. Tara Barr is a lifelong art lover and a working mom in the DC area. She recently decided to make painting a high priority in her life after setting it aside for over a decade to focus on her family and her career in technology. Tara is inspired by great design, interesting details, and nostalgic memories. You can show your support following @tarabarr.art on Instagram.
Tara Barr, "Woman House" - Sometimes home can be a refuge. In these times, home feels a bit confining. Tara Barr is a lifelong art lover and a working mom in the DC area. She recently decided to make painting a high priority in her life after setting it aside for over a decade to focus on her family and her career in technology. Tara is inspired by great design, interesting details, and nostalgic memories. You can show your support following @tarabarr.art on Instagram.
A comic about how our family is social distancing outside.
Meehea Davis, "Social Distancing" - A comic about how our family is social distancing outside.
Communication in the time of self-isolation - Long live the paper airplane (hands washed before folding, of course!)
Katrina Kubik, "Quarantine Conversations" - Communication in the time of self-isolation - Long live the paper airplane (hands washed before folding, of course!)
This year every polar bear gets his or her own ice floe, and a nice coronavirus mask to go with it.
Jacqueline Joyce, "Polar Bears Practice Social Distancing in the Age of Global Warming" - This year every polar bear gets his or her own ice floe, and a nice coronavirus mask to go with it.
A brief observation of two people in a situation that may illuminate new approaches to co-existing.
MaryAnn Cunningham, "Us, Quarantined and Disrupted" - A brief observation of two people in a situation that may illuminate new approaches to co-existing.
I captured this picture when I was exploring black & white in my photography work. Working on this made me understand even though there are no colors in the picture, it conveys many more ideas, philosophies, feelings and emotions that one might miss in a color photograph. Some, if not most of the time, different colors might distract from the actual content. I have used symmetry, weightage of elements in a frame as my compositional elements.
Naga Sathya Bharadwaja Dandibhotla, "Patience" - I captured this picture when I was exploring black & white in my photography work. Working on this made me understand even though there are no colors in the picture, it conveys many more ideas, philosophies, feelings and emotions that one might miss in a color photograph. Some, if not most of the time, different colors might distract from the actual content. I have used symmetry, weightage of elements in a frame as my compositional elements.
Watercolor Sketch
William Tinto, "Rosslyn from the Balcony" - Watercolor Sketch
Butterflies (angels) in the heavens protecting us and signalling us to stay calm and peaceful, that everything will be okay...while coronavirus is in mid-air, non-discriminating among human beings of all shapes & sizes, races, cultures, and ethnicities on earth.
Radhika Goel, "Be Zen" - Butterflies (angels) in the heavens protecting us and signalling us to stay calm and peaceful, that everything will be okay...while coronavirus is in mid-air, non-discriminating among human beings of all shapes & sizes, races, cultures, and ethnicities on earth.
While we are all in our little bubbles, it is important to maintain the connections between friends, family and other human beings in general. It may feel tenuous at times, but hold on and we will get through this together - at a distance.
Molly McCracken, "Hold On" - While we are all in our little bubbles, it is important to maintain the connections between friends, family and other human beings in general. It may feel tenuous at times, but hold on and we will get through this together - at a distance.
Six individually made masks using paper in various forms. Rolled newspaper, magazine paper, tissue paper, paper strips. Some pieces have additional materials such as beads and fabric. Cardboard for backing with hemp string for hanging.
Michelle Frazier, "My Paper Obsessions" - Six individually made masks using paper in various forms. Rolled newspaper, magazine paper, tissue paper, paper strips. Some pieces have additional materials such as beads and fabric. Cardboard for backing with hemp string for hanging.
My water color group is not meeting (physically) during the siege (that's what it feels like!), but I'm going through my photo albums for inspiration!
Winifred Scheffler, "Afternoon Street Scene" - My water color group is not meeting (physically) during the siege (that's what it feels like!), but I'm going through my photo albums for inspiration!
This papercut hangs on my door to thank all those working for USPS, parcel services, and delivery services. The figure is inspired by the eagle logo for USPS, in the style of the Egyptian god Horace (an eagle-headed human).
Melanie Kehoss, "Delivery Heroes" - This papercut hangs on my door to thank all those working for USPS, parcel services, and delivery services. The figure is inspired by the eagle logo for USPS, in the style of the Egyptian god Horace (an eagle-headed human).
It has become taboo for me to venture outside of my own yard in search of interesting subjects to photograph. The requirement to minimize exposure in public areas and maintain social distancing has forced me to look closer to home to find photogenic scenery. This has inspired me to venture into the world of macrophotography. Macrophotography is photographing very close objects and it calls for special lenses with very small minimal focusing distances. This particular shot was taken on the brick wall that comprises the barrier around my yard and garden. This small jumping spider was more than cooperative in staying very still during this shoot. I used a Sony A7rII and Sony's 90mm Macro lens with a tripod to steady the shot.
Joshua Keyfauver, "Social Distancing" - It has become taboo for me to venture outside of my own yard in search of interesting subjects to photograph. The requirement to minimize exposure in public areas and maintain social distancing has forced me to look closer to home to find photogenic scenery. This has inspired me to venture into the world of macrophotography. Macrophotography is photographing very close objects and it calls for special lenses with very small minimal focusing distances. This particular shot was taken on the brick wall that comprises the barrier around my yard and garden. This small jumping spider was more than cooperative in staying very still during this shoot. I used a Sony A7rII and Sony's 90mm Macro lens with a tripod to steady the shot.
I am grieving the loss of my one and only and I want to share, especially with Everly Jazi, because her poem is titled the same as mine.
Carol Regier, "Love in the Time of Coronavirus" - I am grieving the loss of my one and only and I want to share, especially with Everly Jazi, because her poem is titled the same as mine.
Quarantine spring: blooming redbuds, a lonesome Nats VW, showy tulips, and peaceful aubrieta. But even though it's spring, the outdoors are as empty and quiet as winter's first snow.
Krista O'Connell, "Quarantine Spring" - Blooming redbuds, a lonesome Nats VW, showy tulips, and peaceful aubrieta. But even though it's spring, the outdoors are as empty and quiet as winter's first snow.
This picture represents my feelings about making it through hard times. Persistence and self-expression were qualities Frida Kahlo demonstrated throughout her life. When I was looking through recent paintings I was thinking about Frida Kahlo and what art means to me during this difficult time for all of us.
Cynthia Killough, "Frida 1932" - This picture represents my feelings about making it through hard times. Persistence and self-expression were qualities Frida Kahlo demonstrated throughout her life. When I was looking through recent paintings I was thinking about Frida Kahlo and what art means to me during this difficult time for all of us.
"A poem about how quarantined monotony can make us miss even the most mundane occurrences of the outside world, and inspire us to contribute to its betterment so that we may return to it.
Jessie Garber, "Lemonade" - A poem about how quarantined monotony can make us miss even the most mundane occurrences of the outside world, and inspire us to contribute to its betterment so that we may return to it.
I came across this anatomy coloring book -- it's from the 70s, I think medical students use it -- while looking for something to prop up my laptop to record video lectures due to the quarantine. Now I'm using it to make one piece of analog/digital art per day. I color a page, then I look for interesting combinations of words from that same page, then I use my iPhone and its rudimentary photo editor to compose two images for an instagram post (@jackeddielove). Here are the images from a particular post, placed side by side as a diptych.
Jack Love, "Ability To Love" - I came across this anatomy coloring book -- it's from the 70s, I think medical students use it -- while looking for something to prop up my laptop to record video lectures due to the quarantine. Now I'm using it to make one piece of analog/digital art per day. I color a page, then I look for interesting combinations of words from that same page, then I use my iPhone and its rudimentary photo editor to compose two images for an instagram post (@jackeddielove). Here are the images from a particular post, placed side by side as a diptych.
A neighbor in Madison Manor placed this painted stone in a garden patch of phlox, cheering us as we pass on our walks. These small gestures take on so much meaning when our worlds have been reduced to home and surrounding area. Better days are coming.
Claire Reinburg, "In Phlox" - A neighbor in Madison Manor placed this painted stone in a garden patch of phlox, cheering us as we pass on our walks. These small gestures take on so much meaning when our worlds have been reduced to home and surrounding area. Better days are coming.
Alphabet poem on the things we miss about life in Arlington while quarantined
Marty and Ann Stevens, "Miss Arlington 2020" - Alphabet poem on the things we miss about life in Arlington while quarantined
My husband and I are tucked away at home without kids or pets, so I decided to spoil our family of air plants with handmade knit ""sweater"" planters. Our time at home may just take us to the next level of crazy plant parents. Materials: 100% cotton yarn
Chrissy Bloom, "Family of Air Plants in Knit Sweater Pots" - My husband and I are tucked away at home without kids or pets, so I decided to spoil our family of air plants with handmade knit ""sweater"" planters. Our time at home may just take us to the next level of crazy plant parents. Materials: 100% cotton yarn
I crocheted these doilies using crochet cotton thread. I used vintage (circa 1950s and 60s) or other crochet patterns freely available in the public domain.
Sucharitha Iyer, "Vintage Crotchet Doily " - I crocheted these doilies using crochet cotton thread. I used vintage (circa 1950s and 60s) or other crochet patterns freely available in the public domain.
My neighbors’ decorations are ever-changing, but always thoughtful and full of heart. On a recent day, this inflatable piñata was sporting a face mask and googly eyes to remind you that COVID-19 is no party.
Maria Lauron, "No Party" - My neighbors’ decorations are ever-changing, but always thoughtful and full of heart. On a recent day, this inflatable piñata was sporting a face mask and googly eyes to remind you that COVID-19 is no party.
Rawlins Park, Washington DC. Taken March 18, 2020.
Rawlins Park, Andrew Musko, "A Lone Park Bench" - Washington DC. Taken March 18, 2020.
I am a freelance illustrator from Washington D.C. and serve as a political cartoonist for environmental news platform Our Daily Planet, as well as an illustrator for Georgetown University Office of Communications. In order to help me keep artistic and mental discipline during quarantine, I started an online art challenge called #CatadayApril, in which participants were encouraged to draw one cat every day in April. I created a prompt list as well as official graphics for the challenge.
Alexandra Bowman, "Cat Video Lawyer" - I am a freelance illustrator from Washington D.C. and serve as a political cartoonist for environmental news platform Our Daily Planet, as well as an illustrator for Georgetown University Office of Communications. In order to help me keep artistic and mental discipline during quarantine, I started an online art challenge called #CatadayApril, in which participants were encouraged to draw one cat every day in April. I created a prompt list as well as official graphics for the challenge.
The image is a joke about a failed attempt at wearing a face mask.
David Moss, "Mask Fail" - The image is a joke about a failed attempt at wearing a face mask.
Susan Miller, "Two Worlds"
My toddler daughter wishing her neighborhood friend a happy 5th birthday during social distancing. Like other neighbors who wanted to help the birthday girl celebrate, we made a Happy Birthday sign and some drawings and taped them to our window for her to see.
Shabnam Bozzelli, "Wishing Neighbor Friend a Happy Birthday" - My toddler daughter wishing her neighborhood friend a happy 5th birthday during social distancing. Like other neighbors who wanted to help the birthday girl celebrate, we made a Happy Birthday sign and some drawings and taped them to our window for her to see.
Submit to Quaranzine

The next deadline for submissions to Quaranzine is Thursday, May 14

Quaranzine: Issue 2

April 13: Signs of a Socially Distant Spring

Quaranzine is a weekly collection of creative works from the Arlington community that documents how we responded to this strange time we find ourselves in. Submit your own work.

We are all hyper-aware of hand washing, face touching and physical distancing these days. Doing something that would have been relaxing pre-COVID-19, like a massage, now feels threatening. Made with collaged elements including a withdrawn sticker from an old library book, updated with a new stamp date; found images; painted paper; and fingerprints from a stamp pad, pressed three times to represent the decrease in virulence on surfaces over the course of days.
Molly McCracken, "Try to Relax" - We are all hyper-aware of hand washing, face touching and physical distancing these days. Doing something that would have been relaxing pre-COVID-19, like a massage, now feels threatening. Made with collaged elements including a withdrawn sticker from an old library book, updated with a new stamp date; found images; painted paper; and fingerprints from a stamp pad, pressed three times to represent the decrease in virulence on surfaces over the course of days.
For all those who are suddenly separated by lockdowns and shelter-in-place announcements.
Everly Jazi, "Love in a Time of Coronavirus" - For all those who are suddenly separated by lockdowns and shelter-in-place announcements.
Lighthearted pun about our dimly-lit basement. We're working re-mole-tly! Follow the hashtag #newlyremoted on Instagram and Facebook to see Brooke's quirky weekday doodles as she depicts her experiences working from home with her husband. Not only are they newly-wed, they're both #newlyremoted.
Brooke Lackock-Nisly, "Basement Apartment Office" - Lighthearted pun about our dimly-lit basement. We're working re-mole-tly! Follow the hashtag #newlyremoted on Instagram and Facebook to see Brooke's quirky weekday doodles as she depicts her experiences working from home with her husband. Not only are they newly-wed, they're both #newlyremoted.
Prince and I investigate @AlcovaRocks during our walks. They are uplifting bursts of color and joy by local artists. These rocks provide neighborly connection while practicing social distancing.
Sarah Campany, "Prince@AlcovaRocks" - Prince and I investigate @AlcovaRocks during our walks. They are uplifting bursts of color and joy by local artists. These rocks provide neighborly connection while practicing social distancing.
I am a seasonal allergy sufferer. As spring arrived early this year in the DC area, there have been a number of mornings that I've woken up with symptoms that could either be allergies or the Coronavirus. The attached comic was inspired by this conundrum.
Erika Johnson, "Coronavirus and Allergies" - I am a seasonal allergy sufferer. As spring arrived early this year in the DC area, there have been a number of mornings that I've woken up with symptoms that could either be allergies or the Coronavirus. The attached comic was inspired by this conundrum.
Acrylic on paper, 24x24
Don Rubin, "Around Here" - Acrylic on paper, 24x24
My piece is both an essay and a book review. As it happens I discovered this great book after we closed the library due to coronavirus. I also run the LGBTQIA book club at Shirlington, so I will be recommending it to the group, but until then, I wanted to share the experience of discovering such a compelling topic and book at such a unique time in history.
Victoria Dale, "Immerse Yourself: Thoughts on Passing the New Plague With the Legends of Drag" - My piece is both an essay and a book review. As it happens I discovered this great book after we closed the library due to coronavirus. I also run the LGBTQIA book club at Shirlington, so I will be recommending it to the group, but until then, I wanted to share the experience of discovering such a compelling topic and book at such a unique time in history.
Blackout poetry/collage: "A map of miracles, prayers as dark as ink, the poets are stranded."
Bekah Richards, "The Poets Are Stranded" - Blackout poetry/collage: "A map of miracles, prayers as dark as ink, the poets are stranded."
I keep a daily sketchbook of things I encounter when I'm out and about each day. With outside trips severely limited these days, I have been looking inside for inspiration. This practice has helped me reconfigure what "doing something" looks like and what the markers of a "productive day" might be.
Brooke Stoneman, "Inside Home" - I keep a daily sketchbook of things I encounter when I'm out and about each day. With outside trips severely limited these days, I have been looking inside for inspiration. This practice has helped me reconfigure what "doing something" looks like and what the markers of a "productive day" might be.
A short poem reflecting on the state of affairs during this quarantine.
Rashmi Dighe, "Unmasked" - A short poem reflecting on the state of affairs during this quarantine.
Have you every wanted to escape? Go to a beautiful cottage in the woods? An escapade from your worries? Well say no more, and consider renting this humble estate from Mr. Worm! This one bedroom two bath relaxing chalet is complete with its own swimming pool and lush forest. Keep your mind off of the world by setting yourself in a peaceful plant pot. Your serene vacation is waiting!
Adriana Sheppard, "Home Sweet Worm" - Have you every wanted to escape? Go to a beautiful cottage in the woods? An escapade from your worries? Well say no more, and consider renting this humble estate from Mr. Worm! This one bedroom two bath relaxing chalet is complete with its own swimming pool and lush forest. Keep your mind off of the world by setting yourself in a peaceful plant pot. Your serene vacation is waiting!
A reminder that staying home will ultimately lead to life, even if we don't feel it now.
Abby Hargreaves, "Let's Stay Home (please)" - A reminder that staying home will ultimately lead to life, even if we don't feel it now.
Essay comparing the lifestyle changes COVID_19 triggered, which could be viewed as a terrible curse to one species but, ironically, an unforseeable boon to another.
Barbara Bryant, "COVID-19: To Men a Scourge, To Dogs, a Cruel Tease" - Essay comparing the lifestyle changes COVID-19 triggered, which could be viewed as a terrible curse to one species but, ironically, an unforeseeable boon to another.
Pen and ink with gouache / 5" x 6"
Maribeth Egan, "Corona Spring" - Pen and ink with gouache / 5" x 6"
A sweet neighbor made chalk photo stations, a maze and an obstacle course for children to enjoy on their daily walk outside.
Beckie DiPasquale, "Sidewalk Angel" - A sweet neighbor made chalk photo stations, a maze and an obstacle course for children to enjoy on their daily walk outside.
On a walk I saw this kite impaled on a tree. The gripping branches reminded me of how I have felt during this pandemic: tangled and trapped. The fact that the pattern on the kite is the Stars and Stripes expands that feeling to what my fellow citizens must be experiencing too. It might seem a bleak image, but a strong wind will free the kite. Our resolve to social distance is the strong wind that will eventually free us from this pandemic.
Marianne Petrino, "Tangled" - On a walk I saw this kite impaled on a tree. The gripping branches reminded me of how I have felt during this pandemic: tangled and trapped. The fact that the pattern on the kite is the Stars and Stripes expands that feeling to what my fellow citizens must be experiencing too. It might seem a bleak image, but a strong wind will free the kite. Our resolve to social distance is the strong wind that will eventually free us from this pandemic.
In the midst of the pandemic our Arlington County art class run by Jim Halloran has moved online and we paint together on zoom after watching a YouTube video Jim made as a lesson. It's pretty great to still get to connect with everyone and be distracted.
Ali Coyle, "Gator Eye"- In the midst of the pandemic our Arlington County art class run by Jim Halloran has moved online and we paint together on zoom after watching a YouTube video Jim made as a lesson. It's pretty great to still get to connect with everyone and be distracted.
On an Arlington County sign, I place the three most talked about products. Everything is a little askew and the sign is not perfectly straight on the sign. Life is not straight, but a little off right now.
Eric Cassel, "The Essence of the Times" - On an Arlington County sign, I place the three most talked about products. Everything is a little askew and the sign is not perfectly straight on the sign. Life is not straight, but a little off right now.
Like most Arlingtonians, I have been limiting my time outside to walking the dog and necessary trips for food and other essentials. The mornings are much quieter these days and the songs and calls of birds have been especially uplifting in this challenging time.
Gregory Luce, "Morning Report: 2 April 2020" - Like most Arlingtonians, I have been limiting my time outside to walking the dog and necessary trips for food and other essentials. The mornings are much quieter these days and the songs and calls of birds have been especially uplifting in this challenging time.
Is it true that Covid-19 is killed in the intestinal tract? In that case "Die Covid, Die! I'm going to eat you!"
Gwen Sampson, "Covid Cake" - Is it true that Covid-19 is killed in the intestinal tract? In that case "Die Covid, Die! I'm going to eat you!"
Peak bloom for the cherry blossoms coincided with an increasing need to practice social distancing. Instead of risking the crowds at the Tidal Basin, I visited Central Library where I was treated to a magnificent display.
Jennifer Odlum, "Cherry Blossoms" - Peak bloom for the cherry blossoms coincided with an increasing need to practice social distancing. Instead of risking the crowds at the Tidal Basin, I visited Central Library where I was treated to a magnificent display.
My life in quarantine
Katherine Degroff, "Day 22" - My life in quarantine.
I have been taking many walks and photographing the flowers I see in my neighborhood. These daffodils looking out on the world from behind their fence reminded me of all of us in quarantine.
Laura DeMaria, "Daffodils Behind a Fence" - I have been taking many walks and photographing the flowers I see in my neighborhood. These daffodils looking out on the world from behind their fence reminded me of all of us in quarantine.
I wrote a poem to express what's keeping me going. It's you, it's me, it's us. What gets me though is knowing that we're in this together, to help us get through. Thank you for putting this project together. It's quite heartwarming.
Devin Boyle, "Keeping On" - I wrote a poem to express what's keeping me going. It's you, it's me, it's us. What gets me though is knowing that we're in this together, to help us get through. Thank you for putting this project together. It's quite heartwarming.
Looking through the bars of the prison.
Barry Dunn, "Cabin Fever" - Looking through the bars of the prison.
With time on my hands, I've been doing a little drawing and watercolor painting. This was an attempt to turn one of my photos into a painting.
Winifred Scheffler, "Untitled" - With time on my hands, I've been doing a little drawing and watercolor painting. This was an attempt to turn one of my photos into a painting.
This 11x14” acrylic painting is based on a sunset photo taken by a friend on his sailboat while sailing on the Potomac before the Stay-at-home order. It reminds me to treasure the freedom we still have to explore in nature.
Alanna Rivera, "Potomac River Sunset" - This 11x14” acrylic painting is based on a sunset photo taken by a friend on his sailboat while sailing on the Potomac before the Stay-at-home order. It reminds me to treasure the freedom we still have to explore in nature.
In the midst of this horror, there are still signs of spring, of hope.
Ruth Compton, "And Still: Spring" - In the midst of this horror, there are still signs of spring, of hope.
Portrait of a young woman in physical isolation watching tv and waiting for Corona to end.
Amari Eaglin, "Wake Me Up When Corona Ends" -Portrait of a young woman in physical isolation watching tv and waiting for Corona to end.
These are painted river rocks from Arlington, Va.
Betty Perfall, "Painted River Rocks" -These are painted river rocks from Arlington, Va.
Yesterday was a tough day. Writing these few lines helped a bit.
Diane Kresh, "Grieving in a Time of COVID19" - Yesterday was a tough day. Writing these few lines helped a bit.
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The next deadline for submissions to Quaranzine is Thursday, April 16

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