“Art on Lockdown” Art by 67 Regional Artists Who Persevered Through 2020 At Quad City Arts
Through December 3, Quad City Arts presents “Art on Lockdown.” This diverse exhibition features 80 works of art by 67 regional artists. The public is invited to celebrate creativity at the opening reception on October 15 from 6-9 pm where most artists will be 
present, and refreshments will be served.
As “Shelter in Place” began in March 2020, Quad City Arts’ staff searched for different ways to connect with the community and for a way to encourage artists to keep creating at a confusing time. As most non-essential workers found themselves working from home or not working at all, they needed something constructive to fill their time. Creativity helps people cope with isolation, anxiety, and boredom by refocusing the brain. In 2020, creativity showed up in many ways as people learned how to bake bread, speak a new language, play an instrument, or create visual art.
To motivate artists, Quad City Arts decided to hold a no-fee competition with the goal of showing selected works in the Rock Island Gallery. Artists could continue working as they had before the pandemic or try something 
completely different. The plan proved to be successful since 187 entries were received, many by artists unknown to us previously. Some of the selected artists had never shown work in an art gallery before, so this challenge represents an exciting breakthrough for them.
The artwork was not required to reflect the pandemic, but since it was top of mind, artists did react to the events of 2020. Many of the artists wrote about what inspired them to create their entries and those words are on display next to their art. Painter Caitlyn Doran wrote, “Goro goro is the Japanese onomatopoeia for lazing about. I just moved back to the states from Japan, and I never imagined this idle a life was waiting for me.”
All of the artist’s works can be viewed and purchased online at https://www.quadcityarts.com/
Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts. Support for art exhibitions is provided by the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Quad City Arts Gallery is located at 1715 Second Avenue in the Arts and Entertainment District of Rock Island. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, contact Dawn Wohlford-Metallo 309-793-1213 X108, or by email at dwmetallo@quadcityarts.com.
