National Institute of Culture and History using the arts to combat COVID

Published by BBN Staff at October 31, 2020

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Posted: Saturday, October 31, 2020. 8:09 pm CST.

By BBN Staff: The Ministry of Health noted recently that the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures being put in place to combat it has been causing increasing psychological strain on Belizeans and recommended finding positive coping mechanisms such as meditation and the arts.

The National Institue of Culture and History (NICH) is teaming up with renowned artist Yaoling Lee to offer such an outlet, with the upcoming Zoom 2020 Virtual Art Workshop and Exhibit.

The drawing workshop consists of one-hour sessions via the meeting platform Zoom, held between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to accommodate those with hectic day schedules. The workshops are progressive and begin with the Fundamentals of Drawing from November 2-5, Still-Life Drawing from November 9-12, and Plein Air Drawing from November 6-13. Artworks made through the project will be displayed in an art exhibit at the Museum of Belize scheduled for November 27.

Sapna Budhrani, President of NICH explained that the workshops are geared towards motivating youths, parents, and anyone that has an interest in visual arts to learn, have fun, and be creative.

Budhrani also said that the workshops can serve as a testament to the resiliency of the creative arts sector, by gathering those at every level from novice to professional during these difficult times.

“Due to COVID-19, we all need some form of relaxation, motivation, or positive influence,” Budhrani said. “It may be here but we still have our lives, so we need to change the way we do things and stop using COVID-19 as the main reason not to do something.”

Breaking Belize News also spoke with Yaoling Lee, who said that the structure of the workshops lends itself to be an activity that parents can use to bond with their children and learn something together.

Lee, who has hosted various art workshops and exhibitions, said that the upcoming workshops are good for those who draw just for the fun of it as well as those who are considering a career in the arts.

“The first step is always working from life. We don’t work from photographs. I really want to train people to work their eyes, their hands, and their brains,” Lee said. “It’s very different from just copying a picture. These sessions are good for advanced artists as well because there’ so much to learn. There’s always more to learn.”

Interested persons can sign up with the Museum of Belize either via Facebook, emailing [email protected], or calling 223-4524.

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