St. Catharines, CANADA - These stunning images by Photographer, Joel Smith, send light jumping from my screen, a result of the contrasting dark space in which they were produced. Though nature currently evades me, through this post I can almost feel the delicate chill of flower petals.

Hana, HI, USA - Take a quick stroll through some stunning Hawaiian foliage with this submission from Artist, Kirsten Whatley. You’ll land in a grateful calm, after moving through urgency, that can only stem from the constant of nature.

Baltimore, USA - Long distance connection portrayed over still image through an artistic lens, yes please! Artist, Zachary Z. Handler, bridges geographical constraints to connect with people and take their portrait. This submission’s very close to the spine of the Festival, I hope you enjoy.

Chatham, NY USA - This submission made me stop to catch my breath. I felt oddly at home looking through these pieces, which I must attribute to the twist in perception that’s recently been forced on most of us. Stop, take a breather, and let your eye dance through some robust thematic ideas and details.

Toronto, CANADA - These five pieces by Kyla Yager strike me as a summative rumination on these past months spent in various stages of quarantine. I found myself lost in thought and feel the multitude of sharp colours and intricate lines speak to this period in retrospect, so many vibrant and abrasive memories that your mind can’t seem to line them up within the constraints of established time. In other words: this past year simultaneously feels like two months and two decades. I hope you’re able to lose yourself in these images just as I have.

Budapest, HUNGARY - Art Exhibition, October 31st- November 21st, 2020

This is an online exhibition of art curated by Anne Murray that is a part of the Bangkok Biennial 2020. It includes a main exhibition with a curatorial text, and virtual artists studios. There are 35 artists who have been selected to participate in this online website as a part of the Cloud 9 Pavilion main exhibition and the virtual studios.

Rome, ITALY/Guadelajara, MEXICO - By exploring the urban life of Mexico City, Italian photographer Liliana Paganini has created an exhibition that is sleek, cool and inspiring. You HAVE to take a look. The exhibition is comprised of gorgeous and unique photos taken around Mexico City, and was to be presented at the Società Dante Alighieri in Guadalajara.

South Pender Island, BC, Canada - The incredible artists of Pender Island are back, back, back again with some STUNNING work! A few months ago, visual artist and organizer Susan Taylor sent us a gorgeous collection of work after their annual Easter Art Walk (see that post HERE!) was cancelled due to social distancing, and now we are so happy to be able to share some more art from this community of artists and artisans.

Verona, ITALY - This portfolio of photography was sent to us by the photographer himself, Lorenzo Linthout. This striking collection of images encapsulates isolation in a beautiful way, and we are so glad we get to share his work.

Los Angeles, USA - While most of the submissions on this site have introduced artists whose work was cancelled or postponed because of the pandemic, there are also a few, like this one, whose creator found inspiration from the pandemic. From the submission: Initially started from a curiosity into the way in which my partner and I occupied our one bedroom apartment, this body of work explores the idea of social distancing amidst the Covid 19 epidemic.

Santa Rosa, USA - This is from the submission of this fascinating and thought-provoking project: "Inside-Out" features four of my large-scale oil paintings that explore our relationships with our bodies. I am particularly interested in how that relationship is informed, shaped or colored by psychology, visual culture and the medical industry.

Toronto, CANADA - Who said letter writing was a lost art? This submission allows you to dive into the art of handwriting and letter-writing while fostering just the sort of connectedness we need these days. Wherever you are in the world join the Traveling Books Project. Get the instructions at www.travelingbooks.co

Los Angeles, California, USA - Okay, this project is the coolest. For anyone who is missing travelling while keeping isolated, this global-scale art project is something you NEED to check out. Submitted to us by the Kcymaerxthaere team, #StoriesOfKcymaerxthaere is a virtual version of this expansive and ever-growing art project. While it isn’t safe travel, this online series gives us a chance to see artist and presenter Eames Demetrios’ incredible installations and the stories behind them from the comfort of our own homes.

Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA - Yabsira Desalegne is an artist and student in Ethiopia whose work is poignant, sharp, and eye-catching. The focus of this work is photography and manipulation. In this series, Yabsira was hoping to capture the ways in which social distancing has impacted the low income parts of his community.

New York, USA - Sometimes it’s best to let artists speak for themselves. It’s impossible not to be both moved and inspired by Hans Rieger’s art and words:“I was born before the second war in Lower Silesia and experienced social distancing early in my life. At the age of 80 I started painting/illustrating events affecting our life's, historic happenings interpreted in abstract or semi representational form. Recently the pandemic prevented a possibility to have an exhibition of my artwork at the local museum. As an octogenarian my creative lifespan is limited and diminishes the opportunities for a show so important for an artist. Since 1970ties I live in Orient, New York USA.” Take a look at the stunning work below, then go to http://riegerart.com/ for more.

Brussels, BELGIUM - This collection of striking photography was sent us to by Fab Rideti and we are SO glad we get to share them. Fab is an artist and photographer, and this work was supposed to be exhibited at the Brussels Afforadble Arts Fair, through the Art Unity Gallery on May 1st. This would have been Fab’s first experience in an art fair with a gallery, but unfortunately due to social distancing the event was cancelled.

Nashville, USA - Artist Marla Faith has created 24 works as a response to the pandemic. They can be seen at https://marlafaith.com. Click “Current Exhibit.” Ms Faith believes in the power of beauty and love to transform us and our world. Her aim is to be a conduit of divine light through her art. Art has been her spiritual path as well as her psychological mirror. She strives for authenticity in each work, and sees herself as a narrative colorist.

Vancouver, CANADA - File this inspiring art video under “silver linings.” Videographer Steve Hawkins wanted to spread hope. The streets of Vancouver were becoming bleaker and bleaker. People were few and store windows were boarded up. His idea was to use these boarded up storefronts as canvasses to bring “optimism for the future through art.”

Mono, ON, CANADA - Michele Taras’ work is colourful, whimsical, and imaginative. After facing a number of setbacks and some scary times, she overcame and continued to create, and we are happy to exhibit it here!

Itoshima, JAPAN - This submission by video artist David McGovern was set to be exhibited in Japan, but had to be cancelled. This excerpt previews a contemplative, beautiful piece, and I hope we get to see more some day!