Reflecting on arts stories in 2020

If there’s one thing we learned this year, it’s resilience. While we could never have prepared ourselves for how drastically the COVID-19 pandemic would alter our lives, what we have learned in 2020 is that we are more capable of adapting than we might have previously believed.

Looking back at our coverage of the arts and entertainment industries over the past year has led to a few key observations; we need the arts, and creativity can flourish even in the most difficult times.

When we found ourselves housebound in March during the early stages of the pandemic, people turned to the arts for comfort. We turned to books, films and music to get an escape from our homes. Without the arts those escapes would never have been possible. When theaters and museums were closed, the directors or art institutions didn’t quit and call it a day, they pivoted to virtual programming, offering us all another avenue to enjoy the arts from the safety of our homes.

While viewing an exhibition virtually or watching a livestream of a play doesn’t offer the exact same experience that we’re accustomed to from our pre-pandemic lives, it’s such a gift to be able to enjoy the arts in this way. Attending a concert from our couches, be it a symphony or a rock band, is such a wonderful luxury. The arts were there to distract and entertain us during the bumpy transition of pandemic life.

Through art we’ve been able to connect and create

with one another throughout the pandemic.

Looking ahead to 2021, we know that the pandemic isn’t behind us yet, but with the news of vaccines being made available for medical personnel it offers us a beacon of hope.

Here’s a look back at some of our favorite stories from 2020.

Back before the pandemic

took over our lives we wrote a story about the 19 shelter dogs from Connecticut that participated in Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl. What a simpler world and what a fun story for readers to enjoy. Besides, who doesn’t want to look at those sweet faces? Speaking of critters, we wrote about how the Beardsley Zoo adapted during the pandemic with their virtual

animal programming and their red panda camera.

We’ve chatted with entertainment insiders like Stamford native Dan Levy who credited a conversation with his parents with his idea for the sitcom “Indebted,” starring Fran Drescher and Peter Weber. We also introduced you to Manchester drummer Patty Anne Miller who starred in the latest “Bill and

Ted” film with Keanu Reeves and performed with Beyonce at the Super Bowl. Stamford resident and news anchor Chuck Scarborough reflected on how he had never experienced a year like 2020 in his four-decade-long career. We wrote about dynamic art shows and artists that offered new perspectives and eye catching pieces. We wrote stories about fiber artists like Bisa Butler and Liz Squillace’s public art as well as traditional painters and sculptors. As we know, 2020 was a year that called for change. After the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor Black Lives Matter protests were held across the nation calling for an end to systemic racism and police brutality. As the protests hit the streets we spoke with artists about the importance of art in activism.

While the pandemic has been a difficult time for many, others experienced moments of triumph during this dark year. In Newtown, Albanian couple Neviana Zhgaba and Ardian Llomi achieved their dream of opening Aquila's Nest Vineyards. In Woodbury, chef Michael Walsh-Bates not only renovated but opened his new restaurant the 1754 House during the pandemic. Local authors like Tessa Wegert found new ways to engage with readers while virtually promoting their books.

With 2021 on the horizon we will continue to provide you with fun and engaging arts content.

We wish you a happy and healthy new year.

4 4) Stamford native Dan Levy is the creator, executive producer and writer of the NBC sitcom “Indebted.” 5) Tessa Wegert, of Darien, published her first two novels in 2020.

6) Zeya is one of two Amur tigers at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, in Bridgeport that we wrote about this year. 6

7 7) Los Angeles resident and Manchester native Patty Anne Miller drummed for Beyonce’s Super Bowl performance in 2016.

3 2 2) Neviana Zhgaba and her husband, Ardian Llomi, opened Aquila’s Nest Vineyards in Newtown. 3) Connecticut had 19 puppies and dogs participating in the 2020 Puppy Bowl and Dog Bowl during Super Bowl weekend.

8) WNBC news anchor, and Stamford resident, Chuck Scarborough reflected on how strange 2020 has been.

1 1) Bisa Butler’s “The Princess” was on view at the Katonah Museum of Art earlier this year.

Contributed photo Artist Liz Squillace creates public art that can be enjoyed without visiting a museum.