FB Pixel Skip to Main Content

The Quigley Quarantine Quarterly Binds Hearts Through the Arts

western quigley hall art students

Does art imitate life or does life imitate art?one day artwork

This question has been pondered ever since Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde first proposed it more than a century ago. Certainly, history has been documented throughout the ages in forms of art work. But it is that expression of the artist which can shape how we view history.

As Western students faced the cold reality of a closed campus due to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, they chose to create something not only meaningful to them, but something that would be a testament to the impact of the global crisis. From this was born the “Quigley Quarantine Quarterly” (QQQ), a more than 70-page collection of prints, photography and other images, which are a balance of beautiful things contrasted with scenes of where we are now with sadness and confusion of the pandemic—all generated in exile.

It happened organically,” said Art & Design Department Chair, Chase Hutchison. “It was a way to release a pressure valve, make a statement, record what was going on and maybe push back against it.”

Transitioning to Online Learning

In March 2020, Western was forced to close its doors and finish the semester through online classes. The timing of the decision came just before spring break, when most students were off campus. Art students had no access to their Quigley Hall studios and supplies, Hutchison said, but were motivated and comforted by the desire to create.

stay inside artworkbird artworkFor senior Erin Riley, who this spring will earn her bachelor’s in fine art, the idea of collaborating on a joint project was just what she needed to provide stability during an uncertain time. Riley and her boyfriend, also an artist, left Western for Denver. During that time, he was diagnosed with a serious illness unrelated to COVID-19 and subsequently they were forced to quarantine at his mother’s home. The unfamiliar surroundings and disrupted routine spurred on her great anxiety. Yet the creative process brought her peace and comfort.

What I really got out of this experience was some peace of mind,” Riley said. “I went from being sure I could not make art under the circumstances and making art anyway. This really has helped me grow as an artist, pushing me to be able to be creative through anything which will help me through the rest of my career.”

Fostering Community

Hutchison acknowledged the attachment that artists have with their studios, and how Quigley Hall itself helps them connect to a community of fellow students.

That kind of community that gets fostered there is really important,” said Hutchison. “The reason they come to Western and should be invested and connected to these classes and spaces isn’t just because there’s a professor here teaching them new techniques … it’s because of the people they’re surrounded by.”

But what they found was that community could persist despite distance.

What they produced were some incredible works of art,” Hutchison said. “The students really know each other, they know what each is into and what they’re connected to and as artists, they can’t help but wear their hearts on their sleeve. And Quigley is very much, to a lot of our students, one of those safe spaces where hearts are value

 

keep calm artwork

You can view the complete Quigley Quarantine Quarterly here.

 

Author Credit: Chris Rourke

Photo Credit:

“Sorry 2020 Event Cancelled” by Nia Morales

“Empty Streets” by Bailey Nickel

“Stay Inside” by Jeff Coady

“The Sand Dance” by Bailey Nickel

“Keep Calm” by Nia Morales

 

Take the Next Step

Apply to
Western
Students pose for a photo on top of Mount Crested Butte in the summer

Apply to
Western

We understand that applying to a university can be daunting, which is why we make our admission process as simple and straightforward as possible. Learn more about applying to your program of choice at Western.

Visit
Western
Colorado Hall with the Palisades in the background on a bluebird day.

Visit
Western

The best way to find out what makes Western such a special place is to experience it for yourself. Our student-led tours give you an insider’s perspective on everything from academics to student life.

Alumni
Community
A group of four alumni look at a display of old photos on a table.

Alumni
Community

We keep the Mountaineer spirit going strong within our alumni community. Whether getting together with friends at an annual event, making a donation or mentoring a student, graduates continue to play an important role in the Western community.

Request
Information
A few students pose for a photo behind a table.

Request
Information

Want to discover more about Western? Request information today to get in touch with the admissions team.