While the returning hum of society has quieted the nightly clanging of pots and pans, the people whom that ritual celebrated continue to battle a pandemic and countless other ills.
But a local artist-run charity is bringing back that spirit of celebrating our front-line health-care workers with an evening of community crafting and bombastic musical accompaniment.
On Monday, May 23, Arthanks is inviting people to bring their clamorous cookware to Lynn Valley Library Square for a 7 p.m. shoutout for nurses and all other front-line workers.
The evening starts at 5 p.m. with family-friendly arts and crafts tables, followed by the shout out, then a performance by Vancouver’s The Carnival Band, a marching band and community orchestra.
Arthanks is a charity that gifts donated works to front-line health-care workers. Deep Cove-based artist David MacLean said the idea came to him while he was wondering what he could do to help during the pandemic.
“The idea of doing art thanks was just, ‘I’m an artist, so what if we could give away our work and that would be something?’” he explained.
It started with a gift to a nurse friend of his, and then to some family members who also work on the front line.
Then the project started gaining more momentum when some of his artist peers, including Ginger Sedlarova and Ali Ledgerwood, joined the cause.
After a website was set up, which posts pictures of donated art that health-care workers can claim, MacLean said they’ve donated over 140 pieces.
For the upcoming shoutout, MacLean said North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Susie Chant – who’s a registered nurse – has been displaying art in her office, and became involved in planning the event.
Some of her staff put forth the idea that May is Nurses month, so why not have it then?
“These people have worked so hard, and they've been forgotten,” MacLean said, adding that it’s important and fairly simple to give thanks.
Celebrate Nurses Month with a Shout Out to Front Line Workers
Where: Lynn Valley Library Square
When: Monday, May 23 – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
