Creativity surrounds us

Creative souls are everywhere, and they’re showing it every day. The way local communities have responded to the current health crisis exudes that spirit, here and around the globe.
From manufacturers and artisans joining forces to create much-needed supplies, to musicians offering live performances on various online platforms, our creative spirit and our determination to help each other is shining through. It seems that, wherever a need arises, there is someone who has thought of, or is thinking of, a solution — and usually there are willing helpers joining the effort.
Another constant theme has been that a little encouragement goes a long way. The Woodstock Town Crier, the Woodstock, Vermont, community’s local announcement board in the downtown, now carries the name “Woodstock Town Smiler” and offers uplifting messages throughout the week, which are sourced through an email where people can send suggestions (woodstocktownsmiler@gmail.com). It’s one more way we’re helping each other through this difficult time, amid numerous other creative efforts that inspire us around the world.
Recently, musicians from the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra joined together, from afar, to record a virtual rendition of Beethoven's Ode to Joy.
“We’re adjusting to a new reality and we’ll have to find solutions in order to support each other,” the musicians said in their introduction. The video had over 2 million views in less than two weeks, and is now approaching 2.5 million.
In the coming days, we can expect even more local and global creativity to be expressed, reminding us of our indomitable spirit. As that happens, we’ll be grateful for those reminders, and the light and inspiration they provide.

— Gareth Henderson