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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

This Week in 19th Amendment History: Nannie Helen Burroughs

May 20, 1961: Nannie Helen Burroughs Passes Away

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment with stories about the people and events that led to the passage of women’s suffrage in the United States.

Nannie Helen Burroughs, who was a leading educator, feminist and suffragist in the Washington, D.C., area throughout the early 20th century, founded a school for girls and women and was an active member in her community.

Portrait of Nannie Helen Burroughs (left) and unidentified companion, ca. 1900. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Early Life

Burroughs was born on May 2, 1879, in rural Orange, Virginia. Both of her parents were formerly enslaved, and her father passed away when Burroughs was a young girl. She and her mother subsequently moved to Washington, D.C., where Burroughs spent the majority of her childhood.

She was an exemplary student and graduated with honors from the M Street High School, now the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. Though she excelled academically, she was denied a teaching job in the Washington, D.C., public school system – however, this setback would not hinder her goal to further the education of those in need.

Nannie Helen Burroughs (center) and others at the National Training School in Washington, D.C., taken around 1909. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Training School

Burroughs then decided to establish her own school to educate and train African American women who could not pursue a traditional educational path. Burroughs brought her proposal to the National Baptist Convention, and the organization decided to support her idea. The group bought six acres of land in the Lincoln Heights area of Northwest Washington, D.C., but this was only the beginning of her journey to open the school. Not wanting to rely on wealthy white donors, Burroughs gained the support of small donations from African American women and children to raise the funds to open the school. Once the fiscal matters were in order, Burroughs was able to open the National Training School for Women and Girls in 1909.

Originally operating out of a small farmhouse on the property, the school was popular and well-attended through the first half of the 20th century. The curriculum at the school was rigorous, including courses both vocational and academic, such as dressmaking, power machine operation, music, and physical education. Students could also participate in activities such as the school newspaper. Most of the students came from working-class backgrounds and hailed both from the Washington, D.C., area and other countries around the world.

Early supporters of the school included Black history scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson and president of the National Association of Colored Women, Mary McCleod Bethune, who also spoke at the dedication ceremony. Burroughs outlined her goals for the school as training women for jobs both in and outside of the traditional female job sphere, and aiming for each student to become “the fiber of a sturdy moral, industrious and intellectual woman.” In 1928, the school saw an expansion, and a larger building – called Trades Hall – was constructed, with 12 classrooms, three offices, an assembly hall, and a print shop.

Student basketball players at the National Training School for Women and Girls, between 1900 and 1920. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Woman’s Convention of the National Baptist Convention

At the same time as Burroughs lead her school and students, she was also an activist and advocate. Notably, she was involved in supporting greater civil rights and suffrage for African Americans and women. She wrote and spoke extensively on these topics, highlighting the need for African American and white women to work together to achieve the right to vote for all. She also emphasized that suffrage for African American women was key in protecting them in a persistently prejudiced and discriminatory society.

Starting early in her career, she was active in the Woman’s Convention of the National Baptist Convention, many of whose members were fellow suffragists and who discussed suffrage topics at their meetings. In 1900 she delivered a speech at the group’s annual meeting entitled “How Sisters Are Hindered from Helping,” and at the 1905 First Baptist World Alliance meeting in London, gave a speech called “Women’s Part in the World’s Work.” Burroughs also served as the corresponding secretary of the Woman’s Convention for 48 years and helped the organization grow its membership to 1.5 million by 1907.

“Nine African-American women posed, standing, full length, with Nannie Burroughs holding banner reading, Banner State Woman's National Baptist Convention.” Published between 1905 and 1915. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Legacy

Throughout her life she also became part of the vibrant community of African American women suffragists, advocating for the cause alongside Coralie Franklin Cook, Anna Julia Cooper, Angelina Weld Grimké, Lucy Diggs Slowe, and Mary Church Terrell. African American women’s clubs were a strong network in Washington, D.C., and Burroughs was also active in these groups, including the National Association of Colored Women, the National Association of Wage Earners, and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.

Burroughs served as president of her school until her death on May 20, 1961, and three years later, the school changed its name to the Nannie Helen Burroughs School in her honor. Trades Hall now houses the Progressive National Baptist Convention and is a National Historic Landmark.

Nannie Helen Burroughs photographed between 1900 and 1920. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

2020 marked the centennial of the passage of the 19th Amendment. 

Quaranzine: Issue 6

May 18: Holding Steady

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.

Due to required telework, I have not been able to water my desk plants. I prefer a desk-jungle if I have to be indoors all day. I was terribly worried as week two started that they may not make it. Fortunately, I was able to teach the building's minimal staffing team and they agreed to take pity on the plants. They asked for instructions, and I sketched and painted this quick instructional picture for them. Thankfully, the plants are surviving coronavirus.
Kayla Hinrichs Sorenson, "Please Water the Plants" - Due to required telework, I have not been able to water my desk plants. I prefer a desk-jungle if I have to be indoors all day. I was terribly worried as week two started that they may not make it. Fortunately, I was able to teach the building's minimal staffing team and they agreed to take pity on the plants. They asked for instructions, and I sketched and painted this quick instructional picture for them. Thankfully, the plants are surviving coronavirus.
I celebrated my 90th birthday this month. I was born in Baltimore in 1930. One of my favorite life memories is from when I was 13 years old, and my 15-year-old sister and I hitchhiked to Maine. I stayed at an artist colony for two weeks. In my youth I was a dancer and played piano, mandolin, cassinette, and bass. When I graduated from high school I had to choose: dance professionally or study medicine. I became a doctor (Endocrinologist) and in the 1960s managed some of the first gender affirming (sex reassignment) surgeries for people who are trans. I live in a colorful house in Lyon Village with my husband Bob. We’ve raised children and are now grandparents. I am proud to be in my 90s. Photo credit: Marley Pulido
Joey Gibson, "My 90th Birthday" - I celebrated my 90th birthday this month. I was born in Baltimore in 1930. One of my favorite life memories is from when I was 13 years old, and my 15-year-old sister and I hitchhiked to Maine. I stayed at an artist colony for two weeks. In my youth I was a dancer and played piano, mandolin, cassinette, and bass. When I graduated from high school I had to choose: dance professionally or study medicine. I became a doctor (Endocrinologist) and in the 1960s managed some of the first gender affirming (sex reassignment) surgeries for people who are trans. I live in a colorful house in Lyon Village with my husband Bob. We’ve raised children and are now grandparents. I am proud to be in my 90s. Photo credit: Marley Pulido
What my brain looks like during the quarantine.
Will Meagher, "My Brain in Coronavirus Times" - What my brain looks like during the quarantine.
Sweatpants have pretty much been my uniform for the coronavirus pandemic. They're warm, comfortable, and sometimes even comforting. I decided they deserved some recognition, so I wrote a haiku in honor of sweatpants.
Lindsey Wray, "Sweatpants: A Haiku" - Sweatpants have pretty much been my uniform for the coronavirus pandemic. They're warm, comfortable, and sometimes even comforting. I decided they deserved some recognition, so I wrote a haiku in honor of sweatpants.
I am a diplomat who is serving in China. Every time I come to Arlington for training, I get to enjoy the wonderful services you provide to the community. I want to share a bit of what I see and feel here. I did a series called "Beating COVID-19"
Paloma Kottonger, "Beating Covid 19" - I am a diplomat who is serving in China. Every time I come to Arlington for training, I get to enjoy the wonderful services you provide to the community. I want to share a bit of what I see and feel here. I did a series called "Beating COVID-19"
A Photo-Haiku of hope for these unusual times.
Stephen Hugh, "Covid 19 Haiku" - A Photo-Haiku of hope for these unusual times.
I am curious about interior landscapes, so I started photographing everyday landscapes in my house. I post a daily image to my Facebook account as part of a meditation on the emotional processing of the effects of social distancing.
Stephanie Dempsey, "Separated" - I am curious about interior landscapes, so I started photographing everyday landscapes in my house. I post a daily image to my Facebook account as part of a meditation on the emotional processing of the effects of social distancing.
I took this photo of a Colorado potato beetle on a recent hike in Charles County, MD.
Sheela Ahluwalia, "Potato Beetle" - I took this photo of a Colorado potato beetle on a recent hike in Charles County, MD.
Poppies in graphite. See more of my work on JoannaKEdwards.com or Instagram @thejosho
Joanna Edwards, "Poppies" - Poppies in graphite. See more of my work on JoannaKEdwards.com or Instagram @thejosho
The geometric shape that holds the graphic elements is called Metatron's Cube. It is a symbol that represents the energy throughout the universe and the balance within the universe. The alarm clocks are ticking to midnight and the earth has become a time bomb. The face of the globe indicates that we share the virus. Metatron's Cube is encircled by a mobius. A mobius is a significant ancient symbol of balance and union - two elements very much present in a pandemic. It is also a symbol of oneness. My pencil and ink drawing is one of hope; a wish for renewal and the rebalancing of a world out of kilter.
Jessica Green, "No Ordinary Virus: A Change to Change" - The geometric shape that holds the graphic elements is called Metatron's Cube. It is a symbol that represents the energy throughout the universe and the balance within the universe. The alarm clocks are ticking to midnight and the earth has become a time bomb. The face of the globe indicates that we share the virus. Metatron's Cube is encircled by a mobius. A mobius is a significant ancient symbol of balance and union - two elements very much present in a pandemic. It is also a symbol of oneness. My pencil and ink drawing is one of hope; a wish for renewal and the rebalancing of a world out of kilter.
This was the first piece I worked on since social distancing began. I started playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons shortly after things began to close and it was a great feeling to be able to escape to a tropical island where I could visit my friends in the safety of the virtual world. I wanted to make a piece that captured the idea of the island that I escape to and the reality of me at home in my blanket cocoon and 24/7 pajamas. Fantasy meets reality.
Rob Solka, "Escapism" - This was the first piece I worked on since social distancing began. I started playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons shortly after things began to close and it was a great feeling to be able to escape to a tropical island where I could visit my friends in the safety of the virtual world. I wanted to make a piece that captured the idea of the island that I escape to and the reality of me at home in my blanket cocoon and 24/7 pajamas. Fantasy meets reality.
Like may people, my husband and I have been keeping connected with family and friends during this time by participating in virtual visits, happy hours and trivia games. To make our Zoom get-togethers feel special, we have been experimenting with different cocktails. The actor, Stanley Tucci, posted a tutorial on his Instagram account making a Negroni for his wife. We tried it and found our new favorite! My painting includes all the ingredients for a perfect Negroni. I had fun composing the still life. I loved the colors and shapes of the bottles contrasting with the oranges, the brick wall and the lace table covering. This quieter life has gifted me adequate moments to notice and celebrate the simple beauty of everyday objects.
Rita Wiggins, "COVID-19, Still Life #1, An Homage to Stanley Tucci" - Like may people, my husband and I have been keeping connected with family and friends during this time by participating in virtual visits, happy hours and trivia games. To make our Zoom get-togethers feel special, we have been experimenting with different cocktails. The actor, Stanley Tucci, posted a tutorial on his Instagram account making a Negroni for his wife. We tried it and found our new favorite! My painting includes all the ingredients for a perfect Negroni. I had fun composing the still life. I loved the colors and shapes of the bottles contrasting with the oranges, the brick wall and the lace table covering. This quieter life has gifted me adequate moments to notice and celebrate the simple beauty of everyday objects.
Captured this beauty on a walk through my neighborhood. It was so nice to see something growing, vibrant, and alive. I had to pause and soak it up because even though things often feel like they're falling apart, there is still so much beauty and hope around us.
Rhiana Compton, "Neighborhood Beauty" - Captured this beauty on a walk through my neighborhood. It was so nice to see something growing, vibrant, and alive. I had to pause and soak it up because even though things often feel like they're falling apart, there is still so much beauty and hope around us.
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.
When things get so bleak we don’t know which way is up, we have to remind ourselves that there is light at the end of the tunnel, even if you have to create it yourself.
William Dickson, "Be The Light" - When things get so bleak we don’t know which way is up, we have to remind ourselves that there is light at the end of the tunnel, even if you have to create it yourself.
On the day this photo was taken, I was inside most of the day because of blustery weather. By early evening, the winds died down and the clouds cleared to reveal a magnificent evening. This photo was taken near a house in the Donaldson Run neighborhood with some spectacular azaleas. I wanted to capture the azaleas, the towering tulip trees behind them, and the clear early evening sky.
Jenny Shanker, "Reaching High" - On the day this photo was taken, I was inside most of the day because of blustery weather. By early evening, the winds died down and the clouds cleared to reveal a magnificent evening. This photo was taken near a house in the Donaldson Run neighborhood with some spectacular azaleas. I wanted to capture the azaleas, the towering tulip trees behind them, and the clear early evening sky.
I often find myself referring back to Carrie Fisher's writing and acting, especially when I'm feeling lost or vulnerable, or when the world seems to have stopped making sense. Her insistence on being loud and unapologetic about who she was has always been a source of strength for me, so painting her seemed appropriate in these times.
Katelyn Attanasio, "Space Mom" - I often find myself referring back to Carrie Fisher's writing and acting, especially when I'm feeling lost or vulnerable, or when the world seems to have stopped making sense. Her insistence on being loud and unapologetic about who she was has always been a source of strength for me, so painting her seemed appropriate in these times.
Take a break. Stare into the fountain. It helps.
Mark Charette, "Fountain: Halquist Hospice" - Take a break. Stare into the fountain. It helps.
I am outdoors wearing a homemade mask to reduce coronavirus transmission, reminiscent of the English using nosegays to keep away the Plague. The red roses fabric is left over from a shirt I made for my cousin's wedding in Cornwall 20 years ago. My husband has already had unconfirmed COVID-19. I don't know whether I am asymptomatic, immune, or have not yet gotten the coronavirus.
Mary Van Dyke, "Self Portrait: Covid 19" - I am outdoors wearing a homemade mask to reduce coronavirus transmission, reminiscent of the English using nosegays to keep away the Plague. The red roses fabric is left over from a shirt I made for my cousin's wedding in Cornwall 20 years ago. My husband has already had unconfirmed COVID-19. I don't know whether I am asymptomatic, immune, or have not yet gotten the coronavirus.
I tend to be very perfectionist when it comes to the art I make, but since quarantine has begun, I've tried to let go of that impulse and just make art that entertains me and keeps me calm. This has led to me making so much more than I normally do! I've started taping the pieces to my wall, which has been a nice way to change my setting even when I can't physically go anywhere.
Rachel Blanco, "A Change of Scenery" - I tend to be very perfectionist when it comes to the art I make, but since quarantine has begun, I've tried to let go of that impulse and just make art that entertains me and keeps me calm. This has led to me making so much more than I normally do! I've started taping the pieces to my wall, which has been a nice way to change my setting even when I can't physically go anywhere.
Image from a walk across the 395 pedestrian bridge in Shirlington at sunset.
Hillary Williams, "Sunset Bridge" - Image from a walk across the 395 pedestrian bridge in Shirlington at sunset.
I have been reading a lot during this time. Sometimes a book inspires me to draw. This is a page I made in my sketchbook while reading The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern. There are many beautiful images within the story, but I felt compelled to draw the stag with the candles in his antlers. The tale is full of doors, bees, keys and swords. It is perfect escapist literature for these times.
Emily Shepardson, "The Stag Candelabra" - I have been reading a lot during this time. Sometimes a book inspires me to draw. This is a page I made in my sketchbook while reading "The Starless Sea" by Erin Morgenstern. There are many beautiful images within the story, but I felt compelled to draw the stag with the candles in his antlers. The tale is full of doors, bees, keys and swords. It is perfect escapist literature for these times.
Had a great time photographing the April 7, 2020 supermoon from my apartment building rooftop, while complying with stay-at-home orders. This was the brightest supermoon we will have in 2020, and I could not have asked for better conditions. I'm grateful to have this opportunity to practice my art despite the situation going on around us in the world. More of my work as an amateur landscape, wildlife, and astro photographer is available at www.griffinbarnett.photography.
Griffin Barnett, "Pink Moon, Blue City" - Had a great time photographing the April 7, 2020 supermoon from my apartment building rooftop, while complying with stay-at-home orders. This was the brightest supermoon we will have in 2020, and I could not have asked for better conditions. I'm grateful to have this opportunity to practice my art despite the situation going on around us in the world. More of my work as an amateur landscape, wildlife, and astro photographer is available at www.griffinbarnett.photography.
These past few weeks I have seen homegrown art pop up all over my neighborhood, thanking the essential workers who continue to work so hard for us. I've included 2 of my favorite photographs as well as a poem I wrote.
Anne Womack, "Your Neighbors Are Thankful" - These past few weeks I have seen homegrown art pop up all over my neighborhood, thanking the essential workers who continue to work so hard for us. I've included 2 of my favorite photographs as well as a poem I wrote.
"Apollo." Duct tape, cardboard. 8.25"" x 11"" My partner and I decided to live together during the stay at home orders, resulting in me spending time with his dog 24/7 while he is out working long hours, 5-6 days a week. Apollo has become my world, in so many ways.
El Simmons, "Apollo" - Duct tape, cardboard. 8.25"" x 11"". My partner and I decided to live together during the stay at home orders, resulting in me spending time with his dog 24/7 while he is out working long hours, 5-6 days a week. Apollo has become my world, in so many ways.
This image is what flashes before my eyes when oil futures plummet below a dollar. It makes me wonder what's next? Can spirits be lifted by dark humor? Is the only thing we have to fear is fear itself?
David Stanley, "On the Road to Deflation" - This image is what flashes before my eyes when oil futures plummet below a dollar. It makes me wonder what's next? Can spirits be lifted by dark humor? Is the only thing we have to fear is fear itself?
Route 7 (King Street) and Walter Reed Drive was completely devoid of cars one evening as I was on my way to the new Five Guys to pick up burgers for my wife and I. The brand new West End development, located where the old Five Guys used to be, is hoping to be a bustling city center. It looked so nice in the evening sun, but I felt a touch of sadness in the contrast between hope for future success of the new center and the empty street.
Andrew Henderson, "King Street Quarantine Views" - Route 7 (King Street) and Walter Reed Drive was completely devoid of cars one evening as I was on my way to the new Five Guys to pick up burgers for my wife and I. The brand new West End development, located where the old Five Guys used to be, is hoping to be a bustling city center. It looked so nice in the evening sun, but I felt a touch of sadness in the contrast between hope for future success of the new center and the empty street.
With all the time in the world to find pleasure in the smallest things and be silly, let me share a letter of love for the thing that has made me smile: toaster based breakfast pastries.
Daniel Choi, "A Corona Love Letter" - With all the time in the world to find pleasure in the smallest things and be silly, let me share a letter of love for the thing that has made me smile: toaster based breakfast pastries.
Created in quarantine with a homemade gelli plate, acrylic paint, and oil pastels over old sheet music.
Bekah Richards, "Daydreaming" - Created in quarantine with a homemade gelli plate, acrylic paint, and oil pastels over old sheet music.
Playing For Time
Diane Kresh, "Playing For Time"
Submit to Quaranzine

The next deadline for submissions to Quaranzine is Thursday, May 21

This Week in 19th Amendment History: Shifts and Splits in the Suffrage Movement

May 10, 1866: 11th National Woman’s Right Convention

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment with stories about the people and events that led to the passage of women’s suffrage in the United States.

In 1866, the women’s suffrage movement experienced a significant change in its organization as the various groups leading the struggle toward women’s suffrage split over certain issues.

Key among them was support for the 15th Amendment, (passed in 1869), which states that "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude."

American Equal Rights Association

One of the major groups leading the suffrage movement at this point was the American Equal Rights Association (AERA). The organization was founded on May 10, 1866, at the eleventh National Woman’s Right Convention by suffrage leaders Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. The group outlined its goal to “secure Equal Rights to all Americans citizens, especially the right of suffrage, irrespective of race, color, or sex.”

The AERA featured a diverse group of members, many prominent figures in the suffrage and abolition movements. Among those who played significant roles in the group were Lucretia Mott, Lucy Stone, Frederick Douglass, and Henry Blackwell. A number of African-American women also held leadership roles, including Harriet Purvis, Sarah Remond, and Sojourner Truth.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton (left) and Susan B. Anthony (right). Stanton and Anthony broke off to form the National Woman Suffrage Association in 1869 after disagreement over the 15th Amendment, which they both opposed. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Advocacy for All

The American Equal Rights Association was initially focused on advocating and campaigning for the rights of both women and African Americans in the United States, and on gaining suffrage for both.

At the first anniversary meeting of the group, on May 9 and 10 in 1867, the group’s leadership wrote:

“Let the gathering, then, at this anniversary be, in numbers and character, worthy, in some degree, the demands of the hour. The black man, even the black soldier, is yet but half emancipated, nor will he be, until full suffrage and citizenship, are secured to him in the Federal Constitution. Still more deplorable is the condition of the black woman; and legally, that of the white woman is no better!

Shall the sun of the nineteenth century go down on wrongs like these, in this nation, consecrated in its infancy to justice and freedom? Rather let out meeting be pledge as well as prophecy to the world of mankind, that the redemption of at least one great nation is near at hand.”

Divisions in the AERA

This approach was short-lived, however, as prejudices were increasingly exposed in the group. This was particularly clear in New York and Kansas, two states with notable and controversial suffrage campaigns led by the AERA.

The New York campaign focused on entering women’s suffrage into the state’s constitutional revisions, as well as fighting discrimination against Black voters. Horace Greeley, a notable newspaper editor, and abolitionist, was chair of this campaign’s suffrage committee, and later came into disagreement with Stanton and Anthony. Greeley wanted to focus solely on Black male suffrage, while Stanton and Anthony wanted the focus on white women's suffrage.

The Kansas campaign was even more pivotal to the split, as the state was about to vote on both suffrage for white women and suffrage for African American men. Stanton and Anthony decided to back George Train, who used racist vitriol to further his campaign against granting African American men suffrage. Anthony’s writing also became more anti-Black during this time. Other members of the AERA stood up against this approach, notably Lucy Stone, but ultimately neither suffrage bill passed in Kansas.

In 1869, a final blow was dealt to the existing structure of the women’s movement. Two days prior at the AERA annual meeting, acrimonious debates had marked the group’s discussions. Frederick Douglass notably called out Stanton for denigrating Black male voters in her work in Kansas.

Two days later, on May 15, 1869, the AERA disbanded permanently. On that same day, Stanton and Anthony broke off to form the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA).

The executive committee of the National Woman’s Suffrage Association. Image courtesy of Spartacus Educational.

National Woman Suffrage Association / American Woman Suffrage Association

Headquartered in New York City, the aim of National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) was to promote suffrage for white women and to oppose the 15th Amendment.

Later that year, another group emerged: led by Lucy Stone and her husband Henry Brown Blackwell, as well as Julia Ward Howe, the American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA) supported the 15th Amendment along with women’s suffrage.

The split between these two groups lasted nearly two decades. However, in 1890, Lucy Stone’s daughter, Alice Stone Blackwell, successfully led a merger, leading to the creation of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA). (Among the founding members was Washington DC activist Mary Church Terrell.)

This was the first time in decades the suffrage movement had been united under one banner, but racism within the movement persisted. Though the group was not segregated nationally, local chapters could and did exclude African American women. The struggles and shifts in these groups demonstrate the deeply ingrained prejudices that have accompanied the American suffrage movement for decades.

“Suffragists Mrs. Stanley McCormick and Mrs. Charles Parker, April 22, 1913.” Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

“Horse drawn float declares National American Woman Suffrage Association’s support for Bristow-Mondell amendment.” Circa 1914. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

2020 marked the centennial of the passage of the 19th Amendment. 

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

Video: Stepping Stones to Early Literacy

Did you know that young children begin developing early literacy skills when they are very small? These are pre-reading skills, which is the knowledge children have about reading and writing before they can actually read and write.

The videos and information on these pages will give you simple tips and suggestions about how you, as parents and caregivers, can support your children in developing these building blocks to reading—just by engaging with your children in five basic practices:  Singing, Playing,  Talking, Reading,and Writing.

These are the basic practices that are part of Every Child Ready to Read, which is a joint initiative of the Public Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children.

This Week in 19th Amendment History: Suffragist Mabel Ping-Hua Lee

May 4, 1912

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment with stories about the people and events that led to the passage of women’s suffrage in the United States.

Over 100 years ago this week a 16-year-old suffragist named Mabel Ping-Hua Lee made history when she lead one of the major women’s suffrage marches in New York City.

Dr. Mabel Lee, date unknown. Photo from the George Grantham Bain Collection, courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Lee was born near Hong Kong in 1896 and moved to the United States in 1905 to join her father, who was serving as a missionary. Lee was granted a visa as part of an academic scholarship and attended the Erasmus Hall Academy in New York City, one of the oldest schools in the nation.

Throughout her teens, Lee grew increasingly involved in New York’s suffrage movement. On May 4, 1912, Lee rode on horseback at the head of a parade to advocate for women’s voting rights, along with suffragists Annie Rensselaer Tinker, Anna Howard Shaw (carrying a banner from the National American Woman Suffrage Association), and members of the Women’s Political Union. Ten thousand people attended this gathering, which started in Greenwich Village.

She later spearheaded another major march in 1917, leading Chinese-American women in a pro-suffrage parade down Fifth Avenue along with the Women’s Political Equality League.

“Youngest parader in New York City suffragist parade.” Participants in the May 4, 1912, women’s march in New York City that Mabel Lee helped to lead. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Lee later attended Barnard College, an all women’s school founded because the nearby Columbia University refused to admit women at the time. There, Lee was part of the Chinese Students’ Association and wrote feminist essays – among them “The Meaning of Women’s Suffrage,” written in 1914. In this piece, Lee argued that suffrage for women was essential to a successful democracy.

She also continued her advocacy work as a speaker, and in 1915 delivered a speech on behalf of the Women’s Political Union, which was covered by the New York Times. Entitled “The Submerged Half,” it urged members of the Chinese-American community to promote girls’ education and women’s participation in civic life.

Mabel Lee in her Barnard College yearbook. Image courtesy of Barnard College.

Though women were granted the right to vote in New York in 1917, and nationally in 1920, Lee’s fight for universal suffrage would continue onward. The reality was that not all women benefitted from these laws: under the Chinese Exclusion Act, Chinese women were not allowed to vote. Under the law, which also limited Chinese immigration, Chinese immigrants were not allowed to become citizens, and Chinese women like Lee would not be able to vote until the law was removed in 1943 and they could become citizens. Despite these barriers, Lee and fellow suffragists continued to advocate for women’s rights.

She also went on to receive a Ph.D. in economics at the previously all-male Columbia University, the first Chinese woman to do so. Later in life, Dr. Lee also served as director of the First Chinese Baptist Church in New York City.

Dr. Mabel Lee died in 1966. In 2018, U.S. Congress approved legislation to rename the United States Post Office at 6 Doyers Street in China Town, New York City, in her honor.

Lee was featured in an April 13, 1912, New York Tribune article prior to her participation in the women’s march in New York City on May 4. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Read More:

NY Times Article from May 5, 1912, about the suffrage parade.

2020 marked the centennial of women’s suffrage in the United States. 

Quaranzine Kids: Special Edition

May 4: A Dispatch 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.

Each day my twin brother Sully and I do a chalk drawing about something we miss or are longing for during quarantine and incorporate ourselves into it. We were supposed to go snorkeling in Hawaii over Spring Break, so we created a fun underwater image of us snorkeling with fish and other sea creatures. We've also created images of our summer swim and dive teams, fishing and crabbing, watching the sunset on the beach, soccer games and dance recitals and even playing on the playground with our friends!
Audrey Portner, "Longing for Snorkeling in Hawaii" - Each day my twin brother Sully and I do a chalk drawing about something we miss or are longing for during quarantine and incorporate ourselves into it. We were supposed to go snorkeling in Hawaii over Spring Break, so we created a fun underwater image of us snorkeling with fish and other sea creatures. We've also created images of our summer swim and dive teams, fishing and crabbing, watching the sunset on the beach, soccer games and dance recitals and even playing on the playground with our friends!
I am an Arlington resident sheltering in place with my 8 year old granddaughter. This is a poem she wrote about how she feels about staying in quarantine.
Alma Dominique-Kabasela, "In Quarantine" - I am an Arlington resident sheltering in place with my 8 year old granddaughter. This is a poem she wrote about how she feels about staying in quarantine.
"Caoimhe (sounds like 'kiva', rhymes with 'diva' for good reason) is four years old and loves nothing more than drawing and the library, so she was particularly excited about submitting to the Quaranzine. She's by far our family's most talented artist!
Caoimhe O'Connor, "Lion Artastic" - "Caoimhe (sounds like 'kiva', rhymes with 'diva' for good reason) is four years old and loves nothing more than drawing and the library, so she was particularly excited about submitting to the Quaranzine. She's by far our family's most talented artist! Interview with the author: Q - What were you thinking about when drawing? "I was thinking of drawing an oval with a heart, and a tail like he was lying down." Q - Why did you draw a lion? "Because I love lions. They're my favorite animal, and they're yellow, and they're soft." Q - Why did you choose to use markers? "Because they're my special thing and I love them and they're my favorite thing in my art kit."
My name is Nadia Lach, I am eleven years old. I hope this mini anthology will help some people struggling and I hope you enjoy it! These are all my works, I am excited to submit.
Nadia Lachhab, "Coronavirus" - My name is Nadia Lach, I am eleven years old. I hope this mini anthology will help some people struggling and I hope you enjoy it! These are all my works, I am excited to submit.
This picture is about everything that is going on right now. I know it's hard for some people but I hope this will bring people joy at this awful time. (Eliana Villwock, Grade 2)
Eliana Villwock, "The Helpers" - This picture is about everything that is going on right now. I know it's hard for some people but I hope this will bring people joy at this awful time. (Eliana Villwock, Grade 2)
Claire is submitting a piece she made after reading Malala Yousafzai's autobiography for kids - Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girls' Rights. Claire is 7 years old and a second grader at Glebe Elementary. She was inspired to submit this by her reading teacher, Ms. Beg.
Claire Smarr, "Malala" - Claire is submitting a piece she made after reading Malala Yousafzai's autobiography for kids - Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girls' Rights. Claire is 7 years old and a second grader at Glebe Elementary. She was inspired to submit this by her reading teacher, Ms. Beg.
7 year old Nolan has been having trouble adjusting to all the recent changes, especially as a child on the autism spectrum. He finds comfort in playing outside, singing his original songs, and coloring (like the image you see here).
Nolan Kim, "Art Therapy" - 7 year old Nolan has been having trouble adjusting to all the recent changes, especially as a child on the autism spectrum. He finds comfort in playing outside, singing his original songs, and coloring (like the image you see here).
This is a poem about the countryside in the spring. (Written by Lucas Hand, age 7, 2nd Grade, Glebe Elementary School)"
Lucas Hand, "Sunrise" - This is a poem about the countryside in the spring. (Written by Lucas Hand, age 7, 2nd Grade, Glebe Elementary School)"
I had fun collaging this. It is made out of painted paper that I glued onto cardboard.
Eleanor Meehan, "Wormhole" - I had fun collaging this. It is made out of painted paper that I glued onto cardboard.
Due to COVID-19, I left my home in quarantined Hong Kong for two free weeks in the US before being quarantined again.
Catherine Norton, "Evacuation Vacation" - Due to COVID-19, I left my home in quarantined Hong Kong for two free weeks in the US before being quarantined again.
How do you feel about missing school? I do not feel so good about missing school and other stuff, but I do get to play with my sister for more time. We also get to go for bike and scooter rides everyday! Today before submission I played outside. My sister and I played basketball, my sister rode her balance bike and we played Marco Polo. My favorite part of the day was writing this piece for you all. Goodbye!
Taarini Gulia, "Activities That My Sister and I Do" - How do you feel about missing school? I do not feel so good about missing school and other stuff, but I do get to play with my sister for more time. We also get to go for bike and scooter rides everyday! Today before submission I played outside. My sister and I played basketball, my sister rode her balance bike and we played Marco Polo. My favorite part of the day was writing this piece for you all. Goodbye!
Parents, beat COVID-19 with a guide to begin a world.
Ronan Sweeney, "Race to the Sun" - I have written a book review of Race to the Sun, by Rebecca Roanhorse. I use reading to escape the confines of our house and hope that others might benefit from learning about a fun new book.
Acrylic on canvas - Collaboration with my 5 year old. It is her interpretation of "the very special night when everyone will be allowed to go outside and play together.
Amanda Merrow, "City Starlight" - Acrylic on canvas. Collaboration with my 5 year old. It is her interpretation of "the very special night when everyone will be allowed to go outside and play together.
I drew my mommy, and brother and me outside with the sun and trees with flowers.
Caroline Carter, "Spring Time Family" - I drew my mommy, and brother and me outside with the sun and trees with flowers.
I am Sophia's English 6 teacher, and I am submitting her poem on her behalf. Sophia is a sixth grader at Swanson Middle School in Arlington. She is 11.
Sophia Leggoe, The Something" - I am Sophia's English 6 teacher, and I am submitting her poem on her behalf. Sophia is a sixth grader at Swanson Middle School in Arlington. She is 11.
Made from toilet paper rolls
Cooper and Camden Mullenix, "Pencil Holder Dragons " - Made from toilet paper rolls
Hello I am Enkule. I drew the “Great Wave of Kanagawa” which was created by Hokusai. I moved to Arlington county in January and I started school on February 1st. I went to school for 2 months, and now we are stuck at home because of the quarantine. I draw a lot of pictures, we enjoy cooking, playing games, and I do my school assignments online at home. I can’t go out much, and I can’t see my friends for a while, so I’m a little bored. When we go out to get groceries we wear masks and gloves to protect us. We are being very careful because I have an 8 month old baby brother. We are extra careful about going out. Hope this is better soon!
Enkule Federer, "The Great Wave of Kanagawa" - Hello I am Enkule. I drew the “Great Wave of Kanagawa” which was created by Hokusai. I moved to Arlington county in January and I started school on February 1st. I went to school for 2 months, and now we are stuck at home because of the quarantine. I draw a lot of pictures, we enjoy cooking, playing games, and I do my school assignments online at home. I can’t go out much, and I can’t see my friends for a while, so I’m a little bored. When we go out to get groceries we wear masks and gloves to protect us. We are being very careful because I have an 8 month old baby brother. We are extra careful about going out. Hope this is better soon!
This is a picture that my daughter Alexa, age 9, drew of an Australian Shepherd mix puppy.
Alexa Valdivia, "I Wish I Had a Dog During Quarantine" - This is a picture that my daughter Alexa, age 9, drew of an Australian Shepherd mix puppy.
Sometimes when I am stuck inside, I like to paint to occupy my time, and it helps me express myself. This drawing represents a lot of my time in isolation.
Keira Guith, "ARTiculating in Solitude" - Sometimes when I am stuck inside, I like to paint to occupy my time, and it helps me express myself. This drawing represents a lot of my time in isolation.
A 5 stanza poem written about the impact of the corona virus from the perspective of an eleven year old girl.
Maddy Sadler, "Separation" - A 5 stanza poem written about the impact of the corona virus from the perspective of an eleven year old girl.
I created this work 2 weeks into Quarantine when I still had hope and excitement for the break from school. Now I have run out of creative energy and I am just left with the fruits of my labor.
Wes Riggs, "Troubled Water" - I created this work 2 weeks into Quarantine when I still had hope and excitement for the break from school. Now I have run out of creative energy and I am just left with the fruits of my labor.
Hailey drew a picture of a nurse reminding everyone to stay safe during quarantine.
Hailey Clay, "Healthcare Heroes" - Hailey drew a picture of a nurse reminding everyone to stay safe during quarantine.
The Top Ten List of what you should and shouldn't do on a video call for work or school.
Matthew Tafuri, "Do's and Don'ts of Video Calls" - The Top Ten List of what you should and shouldn't do on a video call for work or school.
My dad introduced me to Star Trek and I really liked the way the characters and other things looked, so I made a whole page of drawings dedicated to Star Trek. And it turned out more awesome than I thought, so I decided to submit it.
Kai Heilen, "Star Trek Forever" - My dad introduced me to Star Trek and I really liked the way the characters and other things looked, so I made a whole page of drawings dedicated to Star Trek. And it turned out more awesome than I thought, so I decided to submit it.
I hand painted this picture with acrylic paint. I put gold, blue and purple blobs on the paper, then blended them together. After that, I dipped the paintbrush in the paint and put my finger on the brush and sprayed the paper with the paint.
Ellsie Seward, "Golden Ocean" - I hand painted this picture with acrylic paint. I put gold, blue and purple blobs on the paper, then blended them together. After that, I dipped the paintbrush in the paint and put my finger on the brush and sprayed the paper with the paint.
When asked about the excessive drool on her shirt from teething, the artist, age 1, snarked “It's part of my process. You’re not an artist so I wouldn’t expect you to understand.” Teenage attitude in toddler format.
Aaron Miller, "Untitled" - When asked about the excessive drool on her shirt from teething, the artist, age 1, snarked “It's part of my process. You’re not an artist so I wouldn’t expect you to understand.” Teenage attitude in toddler format.
I wasn’t sure what to do and I just thought this was funny. My dad is working from home at this time and is generally in pajamas, unshaved, and unshowered!!!
Sedona Reichert, "Formality Scale: Quarantine Edition" - I wasn’t sure what to do and I just thought this was funny. My dad is working from home at this time and is generally in pajamas, unshaved, and unshowered!!!
A poem
Jordan Kan, "I Once Ate a Jalapeno" - A poem
A treehouse with a swing underneath. The other house holds their food supply. The ladder is for them to climb to the storage supply house. The big house has a sofa, table, beds, and fun toys. The sun is shining and the grass smells like apples.
Robin Beaty, "A Day in the Trees" - A treehouse with a swing underneath. The other house holds their food supply. The ladder is for them to climb to the storage supply house. The big house has a sofa, table, beds, and fun toys. The sun is shining and the grass smells like apples.
Original work of fiction/short story
Cameron Guest, "Drowning" - Original work of fiction/short story
A drawing of a mother whale and her calf.
Maya Gibel, "Mother and Calf" - A drawing of a mother whale and her calf.
This is a poem I wrote for my 8th grade writing class with Ms. Korr. We had a unit on poetry and this one is a poem about a personal possession. We use Google Classroom Meets, so I see my class every day, but this week we're on spring break. Submitted with permission from mom.
Lucas MacPhail, "My Pillow" - This is a poem I wrote for my 8th grade writing class with Ms. Korr. We had a unit on poetry and this one is a poem about a personal possession. We use Google Classroom Meets, so I see my class every day, but this week we're on spring break. Submitted with permission from mom.
Washable paint on black paper. Artist is six years old.
Leila Mihelic, "Macaw At Night" - Washable paint on black paper. Artist is six years old.
This is a poem about having hope during Coronavirus and other hard times.
Marcella Pratt, "Hope" - This is a poem about having hope during Coronavirus and other hard times.
"We can support each other from afar with words and images of kindness, hope, compassion and hugs. Getting out exercising and working on a project such as this with family and friends - showing an act of kindness and support for one another is a good thing. This is Lake Accotink Park and Ravensworth Farm in Springfield, VA. The kids did all the artwork and posted them around Lake Trail, the marina, and the neighborhood. A big thank you to the VanBrunt family (dedicated Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP) and community volunteers) for their amazing artwork of kindness, hope, support, hugs and compassion - wonderful job by Arika and the kids. For many, getting out for a walk, following protocols, is the only time they can get out for exercise and a much needed break. Seeing these signs lets them know they are not alone - we are all in this together.
Mary Keeser, "Signs, Words and Images of Kindness, Hope, Compassion and Hugs" - We can support each other from afar with words and images of kindness, hope, compassion and hugs. Getting out exercising and working on a project such as this with family and friends - showing an act of kindness and support for one another is a good thing. This is Lake Accotink Park and Ravensworth Farm in Springfield, VA. The kids did all the artwork and posted them around Lake Trail, the marina, and the neighborhood. A big thank you to the VanBrunt family (dedicated Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP) and community volunteers) for their amazing artwork of kindness, hope, support, hugs and compassion - wonderful job by Arika and the kids. For many, getting out for a walk, following protocols, is the only time they can get out for exercise and a much needed break. Seeing these signs lets them know they are not alone - we are all in this together.
Covid 19 Poem
Aoife Cahill, "Gather" - Covid 19 Poem
There are Crystal Hypnotizer dragons on this mountain.
Kara Downs, "Crystal Hypnotizer" - There are Crystal Hypnotizer dragons on this mountain.
Flowers and a bug in colored pencil.
Julia Archie, "Spring Wildflowers" - Flowers and a bug in colored pencil.
For some Arlington students that have had to adjust to online learning, it's been unexpected and difficult to suddenly lose the in-person interaction, school support systems, and extracurricular events. As we participate in social distancing and stay at home, the days start to blend together, and it's easy to get lost in the monotony and lose hope - remember that we'll get through this together.
Trini Rogando, "(Quaran)Teen Life" - For some Arlington students that have had to adjust to online learning, it's been unexpected and difficult to suddenly lose the in-person interaction, school support systems, and extracurricular events. As we participate in social distancing and stay at home, the days start to blend together, and it's easy to get lost in the monotony and lose hope - remember that we'll get through this together.
This was painted by Laila Pandhi, a 6 year old kindergartner at Nottingham Elementary School. She wanted to create an abstract painting with no parent assistance, and painted this beautiful abstract butterfly.
Laila Pandhi, "The Butterfly" - This was painted by a 6 year old kindergartner at Nottingham Elementary School. She wanted to create an abstract painting with no parent assistance, and painted this beautiful abstract butterfly.
Parents, beat COVID-19 with a guide to begin a world.
Sam Cruley, "How to Start A Minecraft World" - Parents, beat COVID-19 with a guide to begin a world.
Jack worked with his grandmother, Nancy Steen Adams, in her studio and learned about the linoleum printmaking process. He drew the Chinese Water Dragon on paper, traced, and cut the image into linoleum. Jack mixed the ink, and then with the help of his grandmother, ran the linoleum, paper, and ink through the press to create four prints.
Jack Bellais, "Chinese Water Dragon" - Jack worked with his grandmother, Nancy Steen Adams, in her studio and learned about the linoleum printmaking process. He drew the Chinese Water Dragon on paper, traced, and cut the image into linoleum. Jack mixed the ink, and then with the help of his grandmother, ran the linoleum, paper, and ink through the press to create four prints.
A poem about COVID-19
Timur Shamsiyev, "Oh Covid!" - A poem about COVID-19
A short essay about making masks over my spring break.
Luci Ciatti, "Making Masks Over Spring Break" - A short essay about making masks over my spring break.
A poem and picture of a person planting roses and violets.
Heather Beaty, "Roses are Red & Violets are Blue" - A poem and picture of a person planting roses and violets.
I made these stone buddies for my elderly neighbors who live at home. I also left a few lying around for people to find.
Francis Mohan, "Random Acts of Kindness" - I made these stone buddies for my elderly neighbors who live at home. I also left a few lying around for people to find.
Serial comic strip about about otters that travel in space by Aurora, age 8.
Aurora Carrasco, "Otters in Space" - Serial comic strip about about otters that travel in space by Aurora, age 8.
Submit to Quaranzine

The next deadline for submissions to Quaranzine is Thursday, May 7

Preservation Week: Preserving Your Family’s Documents

To celebrate Preservation Week this year, the Center for Local History is offering some tips and resources that will help ensure that your family documents and photographs will be available to future generations!

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In 2010 the American Library Association organized the first Preservation Week to highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage materials, to raise awareness about collecting and preservation, and to provide information and guidance to the general public about preserving family collections.

Here is a guide to preserving your documents and photographs:

Part 1: Physical Documents and Photographs

When you start working on your documents/photos keep in mind the four enemies of paper and photographs:

  • Heat
  • Humidity
  • Light
  • Careless handling by people

Make sure to have a clean, clear space prepared to place the originals before you get them out and do not eat, drink, or smoke around originals.

Papers and Documents

  • Wash hands before handling paper and don’t apply lotion as it can stain paper. Paper can be handled without gloves because clean, lotion-free hands will not stain the paper, and gloves can make it hard to handle delicate paper.
  • It is best to handle important, fragile paper items by their edges
  • Remove paper clips and rubber bands which can cause permanent damage to paper
  • Turn pages carefully, don’t force.
  • Store papers opened and flat rather than folded
  • Separate highly acidic pieces of paper, e.g. newsprint, from other items by sandwiching blank sheets of archival quality paper between them, or if possible, make copies on acid-free paper and throw the clippings away.
  • Store items in protective enclosures such as archival folders or polypropylene film sleeves in acid-free boxes
  • Always store paper records in a cool, dry place, generally not in attics or basements. A temperature of 68 degrees or less and 35%-40% humidity is best. Wide fluctuations in temperature and humidity are the most harmful and to be avoided.
  • Display framed items on interior walls away from sunlight and keep indoor lighting exposure to a minimum. Use UV filtered glazing for frames. Alternately, make copies for display and keep the originals stored away from all exposure to light.
  • Always store paper away from bright light. Damage from light is cumulative and irreversible and can cause fading of inks, yellowing as well as darkening of paper.

Photographs

  • As with paper always wash your hands and don’t use lotion before handling photographs. However, unlike paper, photographs should be handled WITH  Fingerprints can cause permanent stains that may not show up immediately.  If gloves are not available, handle photos by the edge.
  • Store photographs and important documents in a cool, dry place where there is minimal fluctuation in temperature and humidity. Avoid attics and basements. Damp conditions encourage mold and cause photographs to stick together. Hot storage can speed deterioration
  • Temperatures of about 68 degrees and 30% to 40% humidity is fine. Below 15% humidity and photos can become brittle.
  • Store individual photographs and slides in polyester or polypropylene pages or sleeves.
  • When purchasing albums or storage boxes, look for those that are acid-free.
  • Never use an adhesive on your photographs. Use photo corners, polyester mounting strips, or sleeves to mount photographs in albums.
  • Store negatives in a separate location from albums and prints. That way you will ensure that one copy will survive in case of a disaster.
  • Use a soft #2 pencil to label photographs if you must label on the back. For photos with a slick back you can use light blue art pencil such as a “Prismacolor non-photo blue.” DO NOT label with a regular pen.
  • If the photos are encapsulated in a sleeve you can write the information on a piece of acid-free paper and place with the photo. It is very important to label photos so your descendants will know who is who! If you can’t identify someone, try to find a relative who can help.

Part 2: Scanning and Organizing Your Digital Photographs

Planning it Out

Take some time to figure out what you have and what you want to do with your digital images. Everyone’s home collections are different; you know best what you have and what your end goals are. Planning out your home digitization project can help you make decisions about storage and organization of digital images farther down the road.

  • What do you have?
    • What physical materials do you have that you want to scan? How many digital images do you have? And what formats are they all in?
  • What’s your goal?
    • Sharing and displaying – how do you imagine using these images?
    • Storage – you will need enough room to hold all your current digital images with space for future ones. You’ll also want to organize them in a way that you can find them later when you (or someone else) need them.
    • Information – where and when were the photos taken? Who is in them? Images have more value if you know that information.

Doing the Work

For your photos at home, you’ll want to use a flatbed scanner. Do NOT throw those photos away after you scan them! Those originals are the link to your history. Scans are just copies.

Scanning of Physical Media

  • Scan to a format that is well established (nowadays, that is TIFF and JPEG).
  • You will need two copies of every scan – a master and an access copy.
    • The master is your original scan, at a high resolution with great detail. It’s the parent of any access copy you make.
    • Access copy is the smaller copy you can play with. Its easier to send and save. You can play around with this copy: make it black and white, crop it, do effects, etc. If you mess up or need a clean copy for a new project, you can go back to your master and start again.
  • Scan your master and create your access copy with editing software according to the following specs:
    • Prints – 400-600 dpi TIFF files, 16-bit depth, always in color (master); 300-600 dpi JPEG (access copy)
    • Slides (aka Transparencies) – 3000-4000 PPI TIFF files, 16-bit depth (master); 2800 PPI JPEG (access copy)
    • Negatives – 3000-4000 PPI TIFF files, 16-bit depth (master); 2800 PPI JPEG (access copy)

Naming Files

  • Before you start scanning, plan ahead on how you would like to name your scans and how you would like to organize them. How do you look for your photos? How do you organize them in your brain? Your folder organization can reflect that.
  • File names are important. Each image should have its own unique name. However, make sure that the file name for your master and your access copy is the same, maybe with a suffix added, like “access.”
  • When using dates for file or folder names, use the YYYYMMDD format so items will show up in real chronological order.
  • You will want to rename your born-digital files too since the camera or phone does not do a good job initially.
  • You can create a separate list with file names and image descriptions.

Digital Images

  • Photos from your phone are 1-2 MB. A RAW file from your SLR (like a digital negative) can be up to 40 MB (more commonly 20-30), and JPEGS made from that are around 7MB. RAW files can be turned into TIFFs as your master using photo editing software.
  • Access copies should be around 600 PPI JPEGs, which is good for printing but can be a lower resolution for images that will only be shown online.

Storing Your Images

The 3/2/1 Rule

  • You should have three copies of everything (primary copy and two backups), on two different types of media (hard drive and separate storage) and have one backup in a separate location.

Where To Store It All?

  • The Cloud: Cloud storage acts like your hard drive, where you primarily store your images instead of on your computer or laptop. Cloud backup replicates your hard drive, so you are saving everything on your hard drive, but there is a backup copy in the Cloud.
  • Pros: makes your images accessible anywhere, from any device, and makes it easy to share images with other people. Puts the onus of maintenance on the provider – save it and forget it!
  • Cons: some providers take copyright of your images when you upload them into the cloud, can cost money for subscriptions for better service. You have little control – your images are subject to hackers or the whims of the company and the free market.

External Hard Drives

  • External hard drives are under your control and the preferred location for your masters. Make sure you open the drive on a regular basis to make sure everything is working correctly.
  • How much space do I need?
    • 1 TB = 1000 GB
    • 1 GB = 1000 MB
    • If you have scanned physical photos and/or images from a digital SLR camera, a 1 TB drive may be a good option, giving you some room to grow.
    • At the very least, put your masters on an external hard drive!!

WHERE TO BUY PRESERVATION SUPPLIES:

Hollinger Metal Edge
9401 Northeast Dr.
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
www.hollingermetaledge.com
800-634-0491

Gaylord Bros
P.O. Box 4901
Syracuse, NY 13221-4901
www.gaylord.com
800-962-9580

University Products Inc.
517 Main Street
Holyoke, MA 01040
www.universityproducts.com
800-628-1912



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