The works created during the six-week session can be viewed this month in the windows of downtown Springfield’s Stella Bleu Bistro, 20 N. Fountain Ave.
For this program, it was many of the kids’ first time being together since the pandemic caused lockdowns and distancing, so it meant much more. Project lead artist Annette Eshelman could sense what it meant.
“It was a chance to get our minds off the issues at hand. This was an hour-and-a-half break to go somewhere with their imaginations,” Eshelman said.
She chose needle and wool, a more recent form of art popularized in the 1980s, to create the works using felting needles from large manufacturing companies and a felt background with the final result resembling paintings.
Project Jericho leadership focused on safety, requiring everyone wear masks, social distancing at six-foot tables and other precautions during sessions. To add to the experience, the group played guessing games and ate snacks associated with the different countries such as Japanese mochi, Greek baklava and Italian macaroons.
Eshelman, who is also curator of education at the Springfield Museum of Art, was just as excited to also get back to teaching in person, especially seeing the talent and newcomers discovering their skills.
“It felt so good to being back working with kids. It’s the first real teaching I’ve done since January,” she said.
Project Jericho collaborated with Ambience, a local event designer, which provided steamer trunks to add a final touch to the work. Eshelman said it’s the right antidote for the times, allowing an escape without leaving home.
“Life isn’t as predicable as it once was, but it’s essential to dream and cast hope for the future,” said Kristi Limes of Project Jericho.
Project Jericho is a program of Clark State Community College supported through funding from the Clark County Department of Job and Family Services, The Ohio Arts Council, The Turner Foundation, Clark County Juvenile Court and private contributions.
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