Jennifer Psalmonds is one local artist who is making a colorful splash. Her art is fresh, energetic and fun — certain to brighten up anyone’s day (and living room!) Psalmonds enjoys using a wide variety of mediums but primarily uses acrylics and oil sticks in most of her work today.

On Friday, March 26, four critics will present the Critic’s Choice Award in each category – Visual, Literary and Performing Arts. The selected artists will receive a $2,000 commission toward a solo show presented in the coming year, and once again, the critic returns to review the entire body of work.

The COVID virus has changed everyone’s world. Many grieve over the loss of friends and loved ones. Many have suffered great personal loss. Health and careers have been impacted. Many have experienced the crush of change from mental, spiritual and other health concerns in caring for children and aging parents.

Dr. Tom Frieden, the CDC director from 2009 to 2017, wrote, “Developing a COVID-19 vaccine is the most important thing we can do to restore some order and normalcy in our world.” It is true.

“I want to do it,” Andrade said. “I want to put my hands on it. I want people to enjoy it. When people call you to the table, and they say, “Thank you, that was amazing,” or they say, “Thank you, that reminded me of my Grandma in Italy,” I love that.

Half a century ago, revolution was taking place everywhere you looked. The Beatles and Woodstock revolutionized our view of music and youth culture. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin revolutionized our view of space. And Nancy Wilson began a career that transformed the way she viewed herself and her world.