“We can all use a little joy right now,” said museum executive director Jessimi Jones. “We talked as a team at the end of last week and recognized people are feeling extra stressed and anxiety. One staff member sent out a random idea of encouragement.
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“We wondered what brings us together and recognized art sparks joy. So we said how do we use art if it brings even a few minutes of joy?”
Staff responded by finding materials from recent exhibitions and sent them to area nursing facilities for creative projects. As several staffers also have artistic skills, they also made cards for the various residents.
“Those residents are most at risk and isolated for their safety and maybe we can increase their pleasure,” Jones said.
The longer-term plan for “Moments of Joy” is to continue updating the Facebook and Instagram pages with new items, perhaps educational pieces or information about the museum’s exhibits such as the popular “Color Improvisations 2” quilt exhibit. The public can’t see it live, but it may give people a perspective or interest someone who had no idea about it.
Jones was pleased someone reached out asking what they could do to help, which she hopes starts conversations and people can stay in touch even if it’s not face-to-face.
“Our plan is to find emergent ways and stay open to ideas others may have,” she said.
Just two months into her new position, Jones never expected to face a situation like this, but is enthused by the response to it.
“I’m so excited the staff and board are so dedicated to finding creative ways to support the community,” she said.
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Nanette Bentley, a spokesperson for for Mercy Health, which runs Oakwood Village, one of the facilities that received materials, said that with visitor restrictions gestures like these brightens residents’ days.
“This is delightful and very welcome. We appreciate the museum thinking of us,” said Bentley.
A dedicated subpage to “Moments for Joy” may be created according to Jones. The Museum of Art’s Facebook page is www.facebook.com/SpringfieldMuseumOfArt and the Instagram page is www.instagram.com/smoa_ohio/.
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