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Viral Kindness
During this COVID-19 crisis, people are stepping up and spreading goodwill. We want to hear about the ways in which Kansans are responding to this emergency with compassion, and shine a light on the humans that exemplify humanity.Every other Friday, we'll share your stories on KMUW's new commentary, Viral Kindness.Share your experience. Use the 'Talk to Us' feature on the KMUW app, or leave a voicemail at (316) 978-6789.

Viral Kindness: A Community Art Box

courtesy photo

Angie Evans opened “Arthouse 310” during what she called the “pandemic crazy time” of 2020. Now, she’s taking a cue from other kinds of neighborhood boxes. Her mission: to expand the arts in Wichita.

How do we do that, this year? The pandemic has caused everyone to have a lack of resources. And there are so many people stepping up providing food, and clothing, and financial assistance. Basically, it’s the same idea as a Little Library, or a food pantry, but for art supplies. Take what you need, leave what you can. I just sketched something real quick and my husband, who is the real hero behind the scenes, took my sketch and just went and built it. So, we do accept donations of new and unopened art supplies. Markers, art supplies that a kid would use, clay or ceramic objects. It’s got three pretty big shelves. The bottom shelf we made to hold sketch books, and art pads, and things that are 9 by 12ish. And then there’s two smaller shelves that can hold pens, markers, paints.

We’re really just encouraging people to try something new. And to get involved in the arts. I think our first person that actually took something out of it was Saturday afternoon, so that was exciting to see. It’s for everyone and anyone. Whether you’re an artist, and you just want to try a different medium, and you see something in there that sparks something, you can take that. If you’re at home and your kids are driving you nuts, you can say, “Let’s do an art project. I know where we can get some supplies.” We would love to see what people create. It’s just an outlet for somebody, especially when there’s so much going on in our social climate. It’s nice to have something to kind of get lost in.

Sarah Jane Crespo is the Director of Community Engagement at KMUW. She is the creator and host of Engage ICT and the weekly Engage ICT Mini series.