Art has always been a great way to express emotions and ideas, relieve stress, and simply pass time. However, for myself and many others, it can be difficult to find time for art in the business of our daily lives. For me personally, although I have always enjoyed both creating and viewing art, I always found myself pushing it aside to dedicate time toward other responsibilities such as work, babysitting, and academics. With the emergence of COVID-19, however, and the subsequent quarantine, I found myself with a lot of time on my hands to pursue some of the activities and hobbies that I had neglected in the past: notably, I focused on spending time delving back into the world of art. In the past few months, a lot has changed regarding how we interact with one another, and companies and institutions have made massive changes in how they operate to both continue giving visitors a fulfilling experience and maintain safety guidelines.

Here are a few ways that you can experience art and get your creative juices flowing while still staying safe:

1. Google Arts & Culture: Have you ever wanted to see the art housed in The Museum of Modern Art in New York? Have you ever wanted to take a glimpse inside the Palace of Versailles in France? Well, with Google’s interactive online platform, you can view high-resolution images and videos of landmarks, museums, cultural artifacts, and much more from around the world. The platform allows users to experience art and culture without leaving the comfort of their own homes, and although this platform was created 9 years ago, it has been extensively expanded due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has pushed museums to seek alternatives to in-person viewing.

2. Independent, Museum Virtual Tours: Several museums have also created their own independent platforms that give more in-depth and personalized tours of their artwork and facilities. This link provides more information on how to access the virtual resources that several museums from around the world offer, and doing more independent research on your own can lead you to more resources.

3. Podcasts and other online resources: Whether you are an experienced artist, a beginner who wants to learn more, or someone simply interested in art, podcasts are a great way to learn new information. Beyond the Studio, Art NXT Level, and Plein Air are some of my favorite podcasts that are down to earth and give great information regarding art techniques, how to pursue art as a career, and how to work with other creators.

There are hundreds of other ways to experience art during this time, but the ones listed above have been what I have found to be the most convenient, informative, and enjoyable during these times. COVID-19 has changed a lot about our lives, but remember to stay safe, stay positive, test negative, and make the most out of the situation!