Virtual Art Show of Student Pandemic Portraits!

You're Invited!

To view a Virtual Art Show celebrating the culmination of an eight week Pandemic Portraiture Art Class taught by ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak. Seven young students ages 11 to 15 came together, while staying apart, to take part in a historic arts program. They were lead through the artistic process of creating portraits of their Covid-19 heroes via zoom while learning valuable tips and artist methods for creating fine art. This program was generously Supported by FY20 CT Artist Respond grant awarded by DECD/CT Office of the Arts and taught during Connecticut's historic pandemic shutdown during the summer of 2020.

This exceptional opportunity for youth allowed them to process and respond to the social dynamics of our pandemic as well as providing a purpose that becomes historical in nature. Finished portraits will serve as inspiration to peers returning to school after several months of isolation.

“This class served several purposes from enriching the lives of these fabulous students during a worldwide pandemic to passing the torchof classic portraiture from the masters of yesteryear. I couldn’t be any prouder of these young artists for how hard they worked and practiced each week! It was a pure joy to witness their artistic growth –and in such a short amount of time. These finished portraits are a testament to their dedication to the arts! These worthy works of art will stand the test of time by becoming tomorrows history lesson about the lives of our youth during this unprecedented historic worldwide event”. ShawnaLee

ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak, a Connecticut native with roots going back to an early colonial settler of Stamford, is a fine arts Portrait artist specializing in Charcoals, Graphite and traditional Oils. She is a member of the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists and a proud Mom of three. She offers portraiture of pets, children, homes, and landscapes in addition to offering art lessons.

Attached photo: The Finished Portraits:

Top: from left to right:

• Ryan Saplio: "Sarah Jarvie, Operating Room RN,St. Mary's Hospital....volunteering during peak weeks on a medical COVID floor.",
• Maddy O'Rourke: "My Aunt Jackie, a nurse at a hospital/nursing home in charge of safety",
• Kallie Foran: "My Aunt, Mrs. Johanne Kada, who’s an x-ray technician at a hospital",
• Gabriella Berardis: " Allison from Stop&Shop. She is working so other people don’t have to and so other people can stay home and stay healthy"

Bottom: from left to right:

• George Findlay: "Jeff Hocking, he works as an electrician. He is a hero because he puts his health at risk from the virus by helping fix people’s electronics",
• Nicloe Dicello: " My Dad, Salvatore. He is a firefighter/paramedic",
• SiYi Robifker: "The subject is a nurse. They are a hero because they take care of sick people. She was serious about doing her job. The pandemic reaffirmed that what she does is important."

~To see the album showcasing tips taught during this historic art class, please visit Portraits by ShawnaLee "Pandemic Portrait Art Lessons" click here.

~To see the Virtual Art Show and read more about each student artist's testimony to our Covid-19 experience click here.

~Interested in Art Lessons with ShawnaLee? www.shawnalee.com "events & classes"

~Interested in commissioning a Pandemic Portrait to honor your hero? www.shawnalee.com" "Who's your Hero?"

artist@shawnalee.com "Portraits by ShawnaLee" www.shawnalee.com