Art in Isolation: Coping with Quarantine

#ArtinIsolation #TheWrightArt

In a time of “social distancing” the Wright Opera House invites you to reconnect through our new experimental exhibition called Art in Isolation: Coping with Quarantine.

We are all dealing with the current social, political and health situation facing the world today in different ways and art is one of the greatest tools we have to connect us and share our individual experiences. Therefore, thank you, Wright Artists, for creating diverse works of art to share and showcase what coping with quarantine has looked and felt like for you. 

The slideshow is organized alphabetically by the artist's first name. Enjoy!

Art in Isolation

Interested in purchasing some art?

If a piece of art catches your eye, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the artist's name and the title of the piece.

Visual Art

The slideshow below is organized alphabetically by artist's first name.

  • 5x5 - Pencil Sketch

    Aidan Sills, Ouray, CO

  • Summer Moon Over Ridgway - Oil on Canvas

    Ailene Springer, Denver CO

    I have been creating art since I was a child and in these times, it has been a solace, a distraction and an escape. In my art, I focus on the beauty of our natural world and I seek to create joyful, hopeful images.

  • Nothing Soothes the Soul Like a Walk on the Beach - Photography

    Angela Herrington, Frisco, TX
    Orange Beach, AL; June 13, 2019.

  • Flor - Alcohol Ink

    Anne Keil, Montrose, CO
    I love the bright colors of alcohol ink and abstract designs viewed both up close and at a distance. In isolation with ample time to ponder both art and life, we can take a step back and things become less abstract and more defined.

  • Sneffels in Spring - Colored Pencil

    Anne Keil, Montrose, CO
    Mt Sneffels is always an inspiring part of the San Juan skyline. Inspiration hit and I took a break from a morning hike along the escarpment.

  • Exploration Ease - Oil on Canvas

    Ashley Loza, Ridgway, CO
    I have used this time of social distancing to both go on solo trips to nearby areas to paint and trail run as well as to try to bring my friend's favorite outdoor places to their home. I continually try to create and maintain the much needed connection to the outdoors.

  • Sunburn Solitaire - Oil on Canvas

    Ashley Loza, Ridgway, CO
    I have used this time of social distancing to both go on solo trips to nearby areas to paint and trail run as well as to try to bring my friend's favorite outdoor places to their home. I continually try to create and maintain the much needed connection to the outdoors.

  • Trails Together - Oil on Canvas

    Ashley Loza, Ridgway, CO
    I have used this time of social distancing to both go on solo trips to nearby areas to paint and trail run as well as to try to bring my friend's favorite outdoor places to their home. I continually try to create and maintain the much needed connection to the outdoors.

  • Brodie 1

    Brodie Musgrove, Ridgway, CO
    Brightness during these difficult times.

  • Brodie 2

    Brodie Musgrove, Ridgway, CO
    Brightness during these difficult times.

  • Brodie 3

    Brodie Musgrove, Ridgway, CO
    Brightness during these difficult times.

  • Brodie 4

    Brodie Musgrove, Ridgway, CO
    Brightness during these difficult times.

  • Infinite Dreams - Watercolor

    Brody Feeser, Ouray, CO

  • The Wish Tree - Metal Sculpture

    Cameron Skoloda, Ouray, CO

  • Corona RNA - Wood Sculpture

    Carl Cannizzaro, The Woodlands, TX
    Made with Maple and Walnut compound mitered wedges.

  • 5-Eyed Monster - Pencil Sketch

    Cashton Hirt, Ouray, CO

  • A Child's Curiosity - Oil on Board

    Chris Lange, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
    A 2 1/2 year old, watching a turtle cross a small stream. What wondrous things is the child pondering?

  • Heart of San Angelo - Oil on Board

    Chris Lange, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
    A portion of the Concho River walk in San Angelo's City Park. The small waterfall, creates a relaxing setting to soothe the soul.

  • Into the Woods - Oil on Board

    Chris Lange, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
    A bull elk, who has just seen a couple of Kayaks coming his way. He hastens his pace to hide among the trees.

  • Balance in the Fray - Wood Sculpture

    Cie Hoover, Ouray, CO
    The balance of typical daily life has been upended. However, we must all continue to strive to find balance in our daily lives, no matter how unstable that balance may seem to be.

  • The Mountains of Happiness - Wood Sculpture

    Cie Hoover, Ouray, CO
    The sound waves on this piece depict the word “Happiness”, and the subsequent mountain range was inspired by the rises and falls of the sound wave. Every word, name, phrase, etc… can create its own mountain to climb, contemplate, and conquer.

  • Sharp Isolation - Materialized by Pencil and Ink

    Drevon Phaos, Montrose, CO
    Inspired by isolation and eerie desolation due to COVID-19.

  • Don't Worry, Be Happy - Sketch

    Eliza Wister & Eva Wister-Zaccari, Ouray, CO
    We wanted to make something cheerful and colorful that would make us feel happy.

  • Dried Beauty - Photography

    Ella Skoloda, Ouray, CO

  • All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go - Photography

    Emma Herrington, Frisco, TX
    From the Christian Dior Exhibit / Dallas Museum of Art

  • Lack - Oil on Canvas

    Emma Kalff, Ridgway, CO
    A comment on the slightly funny fact that people are hoarding toilet paper in a time like this, while also hinting at the darker undercurrent of this time - hence the cash, the dark lighting, and the pickup truck waiting outside, whose purpose is unknown. The image is shown upside down because I think we all feel a little disoriented right now.

  • Tranquility - Photography

    Enda Junkins, Ouray, CO
    A walk in the forest after a snow shows nature perseveres in freedom with the crow on guard in the silent forest invaded by a single human alone.

  • Eagle Rock Mother - Mixed Stone, Wood, and Iron

    Eric Fagrelius, Ouray, CO

  • Living in the Days of the "Orange One" - Wood Sculpture

    Eric Fagrelius, Ouray, CO

  • Pinon Log Drum - Mixed Media

    Eric Fagrelius, Ouray, CO

  • Friendship - Photography

    Erica Campbell, Montrose, CO

  • Wanting Nature - Mulitmedia

    Estes Nelson, Ouray, CO

  • I Miss Animals - Mulitmedia

    Everlea Nelson, Ouray, CO

  • Shoes Off - Photography

    Faren Wilbur, Montrose, CO

  • Faded Dreams - Photography

    Faren Wilbur, Montrose, CO

  • Sunset Silhouettes - Photography

    Faren Wilbur, Montrose, CO
    Taken at Jackson Lake in the Tetons at sunset. I seized the moment of the man and the child fishing.

  • Flower Riot - Sketch

    Imogene Demuth, Ouray, CO

  • Pansy Clump - Acrylic on Canvas

    Imogene Demuth, Ouray, CO

  • Water Lily - Acrylic on Canvas

    Imogene Demuth, Ouray, CO

  • Distance - Rock Stacks

    Ina Dow, Ridgway, CO

  • Solitude - Rock Stacks

    Ina Dow, Ridgway, CO

  • Connection - Rock Stacks

    Ina Dow, Ridgway, CO

  • Horses - Sculpture

    James Opdahl, Prescott, AZ

  • Captive Angel - Sculpture

    James Opdahl, Prescott, AZ
    The angel is kind of edgy as one usually does not think of a one winged angel, nor one nude, nor one seemingly with her legs mired in some sort of undesirable restraint.

  • Praise to the Tree - Wood Sculpture - lath turned and hand carved

    James Opdahl, Prescott, AZ
    I like working with wood and like to feel that I am showing respect and honor to a fallen tree by creating something from its remains.

  • Cigar Box Guitars - Musical Sculpture

    James Williams, Portland, OR
    4 weeks in isolation; creating cigar box guitars and celebrating my love of music and art. Each individually crafted with recyclables and handmade art. 1-per week.

  • Embracing Solitude - Oil on Canvas

    Janette Toney, Montrose, CO
    I wanted to portray what life was like back when social isolation was more of a way of life rather than the burden we feel today. Life was slower and less complicated. Perhaps we can embrace the change and enjoy reflection a bit.

  • Mountains no.1 - Watercolor

    Jen Feeser, Ouray, CO

  • Mountains no.2 - Watercolor

    Jen Feeser, Ouray, CO

  • Same Same, but Different - Watercolor

    Jill Hepp, Ridgway, CO
    Created while sitting outside at Ridgway state park while my kids ran around throwing rocks in the river and digging in the sand during a much-needed break for all of us from distance learning.

  • Earring/Jewelry Bowl - Pottery

    Joan Gibson, Ouray, CO

  • Tea Set - Pottery

    Joan Gibson, Ouray, CO

  • Vase - Pottery

    Joan Gibson, Ouray, CO

  • Bagman in the Sun - Oil on Canvas

    Josephine Evans, Ridgway, CO
    My cat during quarantine.

  • Can't Turn Back Now - Photography

    Judah Preston, Ouray, CO
    On a hike with my brother, the silence of town made us realize that times were changing and we can't turn back.

  • Mother and Child Reunion - Acrylic

    Karen Lee, Montrose, CO

  • Red Mountain & Antelope - Acrylic

    Karen Lee, Montrose, CO

  • Zoraja - Soft Oil Pastels on Paper

    Kathy Fant, Boerne, TX
    Zoraja is a beautiful warmblooded mare with a great show record in the discipline of Dressage. Not always easy to predict or handle, but full of talent, she inspired me in my boredom to attempt to capture her in this painting. Looking forward to finishing the work with matting and framing when stores re-open!

  • Botanical - Watercolor

    Katie Woodman, Ouray, CO

  • Painting with Family - Photography

    Katie Woodman, Ouray, CO

  • Stranger Things: Demogorgon - Sketch

    Keaton Nelson, Ouray, CO

  • Spooner Airship - Garden Art from repurposed materials

    Kevin Spooner, Ridgway, CO

  • Spooner Pterodactyl - Garden Art from repurposed materials

    Kevin Spooner, Ridgway, CO

  • Spooner Rocketship - Garden Art from repurposed materials

    Kevin Spooner, Ridgway, CO

  • Monkey See Monkey Do: This means you and me, too! - Coldwax and oil in Arches paper with pen and Ink Underlayer

    Kierstin Bridger, Mountain Village, CO
    Covid-19 Masks are now ubiquitous, We wear them not for our selves but because we care about the others in our path. May we all be carriers of hope and goodwill!

  • We Won't Always Be Caterpillars: Cocooning Will End! - Coldwax and oil in Arches paper with pen and Ink Underlayer

    Kierstin Bridger, Mountain Village, CO
    Just as the butterfly emerges from chrysalis, moth from cocoon, so will we be transformed by this shelter in place experience.

  • What Will Emerge When We Hatch? - Coldwax and oil in Arches paper with pen and Ink Underlayer

    Kierstin Bridger, Mountain Village, CO
    This piece also resembles a “droplet” which used to sound so innocent and now rings loud with dangerous undertones, look closer still and perhaps it is reminicent of a portal…these days are strange and open to interpretation, contemplation and tranformation. We just have to shift our perception of what normal means, of what safety means, and all we once took for granted.

  • Looking Up - Photography

    Kortlan Nelson, Ouray, CO

  • Balance My Time - Mixed Media

    Leah Cerise, Ridgway, CO
    Collages of different print making techniques, including etchings, relief, mono, collograph, offset, silk, and photogravure.

  • Hot Desert - Mixed Media

    Leah Cerise, Ridgway, CO
    Collages of different print making techniques, including etchings, relief, mono, collograph, offset, silk, and photogravure.

  • Patterns - Mixed Media

    Leah Cerise, Ridgway, CO
    Collages of different print making techniques, including etchings, relief, mono, collograph, offset, silk, and photogravure.

  • Going Bananas - Needle felted using a variety of wool roving

    Linda Balas, Montrose, CO

  • Dimensions of Ouray - Topographic Wall Sculpture of the Ouray Area

    Linda Cannizzaro, The Woodlands, TX
    Isolation was the perfect time to complete this piece. We look forward to getting back to Ouray and displaying it in our home there.

  • Courthouse - Oil on Canvas

    Lisa Balcombe, Ridgway, CO

  • Spinning Courage - Photography

    Lora Slawitschka, Ouray, CO
    Pink Moon 2020

  • We Will - Photography

    Lora Slawitschka, Ouray, CO
    Pink Moon 2020

  • Exiled - Photography

    Markus Van Meter, Ouray, CO
    In the middle of 550

  • Fear - Photography

    Markus Van Meter, Ouray, CO
    Annette getting tested

  • Together - Photography

    Markus Van Meter, Ouray, CO

  • El Mercado Esta Cerrado - Photography

    Mary Ann Emerson, Round Mountain, TX
    Backyard homage to a favorite happy hour hangout in Austin Texas: Hot Latin Kisses and Margarita.

  • Dance Canceled

    Meg Seymour

  • Library Closed

    Meg Seymour

  • Precautions

    Meg Seymour

  • Daydreaming - Photography

    Meghan Iacino, Ridgway, CO
    My three year old son gazing out the window during quarantine. I can only imagine what thoughts are running through his mind...

  • Around the Corner - Oil on Canvas

    Melissa Demuth, Ouray, CO

  • Dreaming of Open Skies - Sketch

    Melissa Demuth, Ouray, CO

  • Teaching Art at a Distance - Photography

    Melissa Demuth, Ouray, CO

  • Lisa - Sketch

    Mikayla Hirt, Ouray, CO

  • Wishing I Was Fishing no.1

    Mike Balas, Montrose, CO

    Hand Built Clay work using techniques to fire

  • Wishing I Was Fishing no.2

    Mike Balas, Montrose, CO

    Hand Built Clay work using techniques to fire

  • Mask - Hand-Cut Paper Collage

    Myste French, Ouray, CO
    My husband and I are Ouray residents and we have both been making lots of art while in home isolation.

  • Owl - Hand-Cut Paper Collage

    Myste French, Ouray, CO
    My husband and I are Ouray residents and we have both been making lots of art while in home isolation.

  • Panicdemic - Hand-Cut Paper Collage

    Myste French, Ouray, CO
    My husband and I are Ouray residents and we have both been making lots of art while in home isolation.

  • Nobody Home - Watercolor and Ink Sketch

    Nancy Nixon, Ouray, CO

  • Remember When - Watercolor

    Nancy Nixon, Ouray, CO

  • Waiting - Watercolor

    Nancy Nixon, Ouray, CO

  • Good Morning - Photography

    Nancy Nixon, Ouray, CO

    Anza Borrego State Park, CA

  • Part 1: Opening the Tutankhamun Burial Chamber, 1923 - Mixed Media

    Per Bergman, Ouray, CO
    It is about embracing the current situation, overcome obstacles and find a new World!

  • Part 2: Kon-Tiki 1947 - Mixed Media

    Per Bergman, Ouray, CO
    It is about embracing the current situation, overcome obstacles and find a new World!

  • Part 3: Amundsen South Pole 1911 - Mixed Media

    Per Bergman, Ouray, CO
    It is about embracing the current situation, overcome obstacles and find a new World!

  • Cracked Universe - Alcohol Ink

    Phil Ward, Montrose, CO
    Making breakfast an egg slipped and broke on the floor. Seems like it represented a new world: Humpty Dumpty.

  • Virus - Multi Media

    Phil Ward, Montrose, CO
    A thick slab of white paint hardened and broke apart when I wanted to pain in isolation. I saw the new world we are in in the broken pieces.

  • Zen Cat - Multi Media

    Phil Ward, Montrose, CO
    My son, Jeff (Oregon) started this. I told him how I was meditating in these times. He put the cat in and we called it "Zen Cat."

  • The Muse Is Home from Overseas - Sculpture

    Randi O'Brien, Livingston, MT
    My partner works and lives overseas. Given the recent restriction on international travel he has been self-isolating with me. My muse has returned.

  • Honey Pot - Oil on Canvas

    Rita Pacheco, Ridgway, CO
    I purchased this beautiful hand made honey pot in Grand Junction right before the isolation began, and had been given some delicious local honey. I put them together for this fun still life.

  • Hot Tea - Oil on Canvas

    Rita Pacheco, Ridgway, CO
    Enjoying a lot of hot tea during this time of isolation, I also enjoy painting it!

  • Kombucha - Oil on Canvas

    Rita Pacheco, Ridgway, CO
    I learned how to make Kombucha from my niece before the isolation began, and ordered a kit from Amazon. I’ve had lots of time to watch YouTube videos and experiment with flavors, etc. And of course I had to paint this beautiful bottle of my home made melon/berry Kombucha!

  • The Escalation - Pencil Sketch

    Sadie Dunham, Ouray, CO

  • Pathway - Pencil Sketch

    Sadie Dunham, Ouray, CO

  • 3 Baskets - Wool Weaving

    Sally Blevins, Montrose, CO

  • My Phoenix - Oil on Canvas

    Sally Blevins, Montrose, CO

  • Spirited Dancer - Sketch

    Sally Blevins, Montrose, CO

  • Peace in These Chaotic Times - Photography

    Sarah Pankow, Ouray, CO

  • God's Little Blessing - Photography

    Sarah Pankow, Ouray, CO

  • Hills of Dreams - Acrylic paint on a retired baking sheet

    Sherece Wasson, Salem, OR

  • A Walk in the Mountains - Quilt

    Sue Hillhouse, Ouray, CO
    I’m dreaming of a walk in the mountains again! This machine and hand quilted wall hanging is made entirely from cloth (except the aspen limb and hiking boots) representing my favorite alpine flowers (and fungi) and made with the help of my Canon camera and Adobe Photoshop.

  • Alone Time - Sketch

    Susan F. Clark, Ridgway, CO
    A myriad of feelings are expressed in this small family of trees, isolated in a serene setting with many days of loneliness, yet time for doing, where perhaps there was no time before. Rays of light cast shadows of doubt but also give hope for a melt that brings healing and return to a new normal.

  • Social Distancing - Sketch

    Susan F. Clark, Ridgway, CO
    As chaos and anxiety loom overhead, life seeks the shelter of home.

  • Collected Prayers Over Millinia - Mixed Media

    Sylvia Van Nooten, Montrose, CO
    Sylvia Van Nooten is an asemic artist living in Western Colorado. Asemic art, with its passtiche of 'language' and images, allows her to merge texts and painting creating a hybrid form of communication which is open to interpretation.

  • Contagion In Asemic Verse - Mixed Media

    Sylvia Van Nooten, Montrose, CO
    Sylvia Van Nooten is an asemic artist living in Western Colorado. Asemic art, with its passtiche of 'language' and images, allows her to merge texts and painting creating a hybrid form of communication which is open to interpretation.

  • Post Pandemic Rebirthing Joy - Mixed Media

    Sylvia Van Nooten, Montrose, CO
    Sylvia Van Nooten is an asemic artist living in Western Colorado. Asemic art, with its passtiche of 'language' and images, allows her to merge texts and painting creating a hybrid form of communication which is open to interpretation.

  • Penny in the Pasture - Pencil Sketch

    Teya Dow, Ridgway, CO
    This resembles getting out of quarantine as Penny is exiting her stall into an open pasture.

  • Masked Figure no.4 - Photography

    Thomas Pickarski, New York City, NY
    As a traditional landscape artist, recently I yearned to create a visually stunning yet meaningful installation on the landscape. In my photographic Masked Figure series, a human figure depicting reptilian characteristics is portrayed as both witness and victim to the disappearance of life as we know it.

  • Masked Figure no. 5 - Photography

    Thomas Pickarski, New York City, NY
    As a traditional landscape artist, recently I yearned to create a visually stunning yet meaningful installation on the landscape. In my photographic Masked Figure series, a human figure depicting reptilian characteristics is portrayed as both witness and victim to the disappearance of life as we know it.

  • Lonely Tree on a Cliff - Pencil Sketch

    Vanessa Brown, Ouray, CO
    Quarantine is lonely. I miss my friends!

  • Corona County 1 - Photography

    William Woody, Montrose, CO
    Since mandatory closures were put in place in mid-March I have been using some of my time to document the visible changes in the human landscape in Montrose Colorado. These frames are part of a portfolio titled "Corona County" now totaling 70 images encompassing all aspects of life during COVID-19.

  • Corona County 2 - Photography

    William Woody, Montrose, CO
    Since mandatory closures were put in place in mid-March I have been using some of my time to document the visible changes in the human landscape in Montrose Colorado. These frames are part of a portfolio titled "Corona County" now totaling 70 images encompassing all aspects of life during COVID-19.

  • Corona County 3 - Photography

    William Woody, Montrose, CO
    Since mandatory closures were put in place in mid-March I have been using some of my time to document the visible changes in the human landscape in Montrose Colorado. These frames are part of a portfolio titled "Corona County" now totaling 70 images encompassing all aspects of life during COVID-19.

We are all dealing with the current social, political and health situation facing the world today in different ways and art is one of the greatest tools we have to connect us and share our individual experiences. Therefore, thank you, Wright Artists, for creating diverse works of art to share and showcase what coping with quarantine has looked and felt like for you. 

Thank you, Wright Patron, for taking the time to peruse the slideshow. It is organized alphabetically by the artist's first name. 

Writings

Music

Be Still - Ashley Ruth - Naples, FL

I wrote/recorded a piece of music during my season in isolation.

Cimarrons - Cie Hoover - Ouray, CO

Even though these lyrics were written before this pandemic, they couldn't be more true for so many of us. While we all press through these aberrant times we invite you to share in a moment of reflection, levity, and calm among the Cimarrons.

The Wright Opera House is a 501c3 nonprofit, operating a historic venue and premier performing arts organization located in the City of Ouray. It is supported by event fees and by generous donations. Click here to make a tax deductible donation to the Wright.

See you at the Wright

If you have general questions, please contact the Wright Opera House box office at 970.325.4399 or via email.

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We're working hard to make the Wright Opera House an open and welcoming venue to organizations throughout Colorado. We're also trying to restore a facility that is over 126 years old. Needless to say, we have our work cut out for us! If you have some praise for what we've done already or some feedback on what we could do better, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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