(Royalty-free image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay.)
2:37 a.m., PDT, this Saturday, March 20th. That’s when the 2021 Spring equinox occurs.
And we’re all ready for more sunlight and beauty.
As we deal with a world that changed dramatically, almost overnight, here are some of the virtual ways people have been using their creativity to inspire and add warmth to our world.
Going “virtual” for young artiats
SPAA “Harbor Wide Student Art Exhibit” exhibitors, 2014
In 2020, the San Pedro Art Association displayed both talent and resourcefulness, as they took their annual “Harbor Wide All Grades Student Art Competition and Exhibition” virtual.
Normally, SPAA celebrates both summertime and local young artists with this competition, exhibiting contestants’ work in the CRAFTED galleries in San Pedro.
While the pandemic forced them to rethink the venue, SPAA still welcomed submissions from students artists, grades TK (transitional kindergarten) through 12. You can see the winners and all the submissions in SPAA’s online gallery.
And, as we look forward to Spring, information on their 2021 competition, open to all harbor community students, should be available in the coming weeks on SPAA’s website!
A “sea” of virtual offerings
Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific is now fully open, according to their website. (Advance reservations are required.) However, since many of us still aren’t eligible for the vaccine yet, I’m opting to spotlight their virtual offerings.
Since early in the pandemic, nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific has been offering free virtual classes and lectures.
In January, they took their beloved “Festival of Human Abilities” fully virtual, showcasing the talents of performers like professional dancer Auti Angel (pictured here onsite at the 2020 Festival, pre-pandemic) guitarist Dat Nguyen and the Homeland Crew breakdance troupe.
Their virtual offerings continue!
This Saturday, March 20th, the Aquarium presents their “Virtual International Children’s Festival”, which is free and will be live-streamed from 10 am to 3:30 pm, PDT.
West African dance, Irish traditional dance and traditional Aztec dance and drumming are just three of the scheduled performances on the program. Then, at 3:15 pm, the Young Hero Award will be presented to Dana Michaelson. Here’s the link for information.
And, in the coming weeks of Spring 2021, Aquarium of the Pacific will be continuing its “Aquarium Online Academy” events, with free 30-minute live classes featuring Aquarium staff members and spotlighting some of the animals onsite. Sharks, rays, sea lions and sea turtles are all set to take the spotlight, next week.
Operation Easter Basket – reimagined
And, of course, if Spring comes, can Easter be far behind?
As the first Sunday, after the first full moon, following the Spring equinox (you’re still with me, right?), Easter this year falls on April 4.
Ordinarily, I’d be enthusiastically suggesting you sign up for a volunteer stint at Bay Shore Church, assembling Easter baskets for underprivileged youth. This is always a joyous community celebration, organized and hosted by Long Beach “Chief Inspiration Officer” Justin Rudd, and I hope we can all be onsite for it in 2022.
BUT, MEANWHILE–Operation Easter Basket IS happening!
While Justin and company won’t be gathering at the church this year to assemble the baskets, due to the pandemic, he says he and his “Community Action Team” WILL be accepting completed Easter baskets, at his garage in Bluff Park. The deadline to drop them off is April 1.
Generally, baskets are created for youth, ages newborn to 16 years. Each one generally contains body wash, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, and school supplies. In addition, each basket will contain a small toy or puzzle–and, of course, candy.
You can find out more about what age groups Justin especially needs, for this year’s baskets, and directions to drop them off, when you email him at justin@justinrudd.com.
Happy Spring! May you stay safe and healthy.