The Stewpot discusses the current state of the Art Program
BY KRISTIN MERRON | May 28, 2020 While the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact in-person gatherings and many events remain suspended in and around Dallas, I took some time to touch base with the folks in charge of The Stewpot’s Workforce and Enrichment Programs to see how services have had to be adapted in the face of COVID-19. In part one of this two part series, I spoke with Betty Heckman, Stewpot Art Program Director to discuss the current state of The Stewpot Art Program.
Up until early March, The Stewpot Art Program routinely met five days per week on-site at the art studios located within The Stewpot Community Ministries building. Artists participating in the program were able to come in for several hours each day, utilize a variety of art supplies, and create works for display in the gallery that they could later sell as a way to earn supplemental income.
Today the studios remain empty while the artwork hangs on the walls of The Stewpot gallery, begging to be viewed by volunteers and guests who are currently prohibited from entering the building due to public health and safety concerns.
The timing for the closure has been unfortunate because it happened to coincide with the completion of a slew of major renovations to the artists’ studios, which resulted in a larger studio space with more natural light, updated appliances, and improved work and gallery space for the artists. “This all happened about the time our new studio was reopening so our artists haven’t fully been able to appreciate the new studio space; it’s just begging for artists,” says Betty Heckman, Stewpot Art Program Director.
“This all happened about the time our new studio was reopening so our artists haven’t fully been able to appreciate the new studio space; it’s just begging for artists
— Betty Heckman, Stewpot Art Program Director
“I get my energy from other people and I miss the artists, I miss the daily interactions,” says Heckman. Despite not being able to congregate in person, The Stewpot Art Program has been doing a number of things to try to maintain contact with the artists. “We have about 25 artists on our books and I’ve been able to be in contact with about 14 of them in one fashion or another. Some of our dedicated artists have no way to be contacted [no email or phone] so that’s been a frustration because I worry about them,” explains Heckman.
“I’m happy to report that many of our artists, despite the circumstances, are doing very well.” Thanks to The Stewpot’s recent initiatives to increase food distribution capacity, many of the artists have benefitted as recipients of multiple grocery and prepared food deliveries, made possible by The Stewpot’s Food Recovery and Family Stabilization Programs. “Sometimes they’ve even had enough to share with neighbors, which I think is very sweet,” says Heckman who has also taken it upon herself to make a few personal deliveries. “Some have requested and received art supplies so they’re able to work where they are. It’s nice to be able to reconnect face-to-face even if that means from behind a mask, and just for a minute.”
As many artists continue to shelter in place, their new works remain in their hands and, therefore, no new work has been entering The Stewpot gallery. “I’m not sure how this situation may or may not affect the type of work our artists are producing right now, but it will be interesting to see what kind of pieces have been created when the artists return,” says Heckman.
In the meantime, more focus has been put on digital ways to get the word out about the art program. A recent planned show at the Dallas Museum of Art, featuring Stewpot created works, was moved to an online platform and The Stewpot has created a new Instagram page @Stewpotdallasart, which is currently displaying gallery works that profile different artists each week. With future in-person events and sales still postponed, Heckman is also starting to investigate digital sales opportunities for the artists.
“One of the artists has started a new job with Amazon and has been able to move out of Austin Street Center. I’ll be delivering some congratulatory art supplies to her apartment.
— Betty Heckman, Stewpot Art Program Director
While the physical separation has been difficult, Heckman is encouraged by the connections that have been strengthened as a result of the crisis. “One of the artists has been able to reconnect with a long-lost family member –out of state –and he continues to produce work and send me pictures. I also had a brother of one of our artists’ reach out to me who hasn’t had contact with his sibling in over 10 years. He wrote a letter and has asked me to deliver it to the intended recipient when we reopen. I think this crisis has ignited a desire for some to strengthen familial bonds and make amends.” With a surge in the need for essential workers, there has also been opportunity for growth, “One of the artists has started a new job with Amazon and has been able to move out of Austin Street Center. I’ll be delivering some congratulatory art supplies to her apartment,” reports Heckman.
Conversations about when and how the studio can safely reopen remain ongoing. “Currently we don’t have any concrete plans but my vision includes having a schedule, with smaller groups coming on designated days, where artists will have opportunities to visit the studio during their allotted time. We might also consider reopening the gallery by appointment only in the future. That is my hope, but there’s a lot that will need to be considered before a firm plan is implemented,” explains Heckman.
“I’m most grateful that The Stewpot is putting forward the effort to continue to care for the artists even when they’re not here [physically]. That means the world to them and they have conveyed that to me every time they receive a grocery delivery or a phone call from our staff.
— Betty Heckman, Stewpot Art Program Director
“I’m most grateful that The Stewpot is putting forward the effort to continue to care for the artists even when they’re not here [physically]. That means the world to them and they have conveyed that to me every time they receive a grocery delivery or a phone call from our staff.”
While in-person volunteering opportunities for the art program remain suspended, Heckman says the best way to support the program participants right now is to make an online donation. “Currently when you hit the ‘Donate Now’ button, you are feeding an artist,” she explains.
“The studios are ready for the artists. We need art in the world because it brings joy and I really look forward to the day that we can all gather and create again.”