Coronavirus Diaries #1: Charlestown Face Shield Project

TLDR: #SupportTheArts


I have found myself as a volunteer creating face shields for medical workers with the Charlestown Face Shield Project. The project arose because of the national lack of preparedness for the coronavirus pandemic.


It is absolutely no coincidence that it was a group of artists and artisans who quickly stepped in to devise a way to build 20,000 masks (so far) by hand, without manufacturing machinery. The creators are connected to the circus performing world, where they create equipment for the performers.


The shop has the feel of backstage during tech week for a small opera company, where everyone pitches in, and the official crew provides the performers with ways to create the set and props.


Every part of the face shield is made to precision, using newly made jigs. You may have never looked at a theatrical set and wondered how it was created. The process is much like this one—There is a new need, and an artist finds a way to make it happen.


Artists and artisans have the creativity, flexibility, and skills to step up to this kind of challenge, to take a vision and make it physical reality.


So, when you support the arts, remember that you’re not just giving yourself entertainment; you aren’t just supporting the healing of souls, the celebration of culture, and communication between generations.


When you support the arts, you are creating a workforce that may just literally save your life.