Artists Collaborate to Support American Nurses

The Together While Apart Project

The Together While Apart Art Project is a nationally recognized art collaboration that showcases the work of 19 diverse artists from 8 different states across the country. During the loss, sadness, anxiety, and unrest of 2020, South Carolina artist Deane Valentine Bowers brought together a group of artists who wanted to use their creative talents to bring Hope to others, as well as comfort themselves. This amazing piece was finished in early 2021. After traveling to temporary exhibitions at medical facilities throughout the Southeast for 10 months, it will finally arrive at its forever home. The University of Virginia Medical Center will permanently acquire it in June 2022. The Together While Apart Project has been included in The Smithsonian Institute's "Stories of 2020" and recognized by ChannelKindness.Org, a nonprofit co-founded by Lady Gaga.

Introducing The Together While Apart 2020 Thank You Campaign:

The goal of this campaign is to raise $20,200, an amount chosen because it reflects the numbers 2020, the year our national healthcare professionals truly became heroes.

During the campaign, there will be a target ask amount of $20.20, with the ability to donate a greater amount as well. Donors may give in honor of a special healthcare professional whether they are a nurse or not, but the fundraiser directly serves Registered Nurses across the country. Any designated professional who receives a gift in their honor will receive a note of gratitude and thanks from The Together While Apart Project.

This is a one-time campaign that will stay in place until the financial goal has been met. Whether it takes 6 weeks or 6 months, this fundraiser will be live until we reach $20,200. The campaign will be run by the American Nurses Foundation and all money raised will go towards the American Nurses Foundation Well-Being Initiative programs supporting the mental health and wellness of Registered Nurses in the United States.

About the Artwork:

The artwork is created from repurposed cardboard, an example that even the most ordinary items can have significant value. The only abundant art supplies Deane had to offer each participant during the lockdown phase of the pandemic were cardboard pieces from recycled shipping boxes she had accumulated. Each of the 19 artists received several 6” x 6” squares of cut cardboard to decorate any way they desired. Deane imagined a large quilt-like composition that would reflect each artist’s personality by allowing them to design their own piece(s). She brought them all together in a cohesive and unique composition that reflects what was in each artist’s heart at that time. At each exhibition location, this artwork has renewed faith, optimism, strength, and connection in all who have viewed it. It is a visual reminder of Hope and Healing. This amazing composition is proof that kindness and generosity, a tiny spark of an idea, and some old cardboard boxes can have a far-reaching impact on others.

From "For a Nurse" by John O'Donohue

"May you embrace the beauty in what you do

And how you stand like a secret angel

Between the bleak despair of illness

And the unquenchable light of spirit

That can turn the darkest destiny towards dawn.

May you never doubt the gifts you bring;

Rather, learn from these frontiers

Wisdom for your own heart.

May you come to inherit

The blessings of your kindness

And never be without care and love

When winter enters your own life."

The Together While Apart Project is on Instagram @TogetherWhileApartArtProject and at

https://deanevbowersart.com/pages/the-together-while-apart-art-project.

American Nurses Foundation

Founded in 1955 as the research, educational, and charitable affiliate of the American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Nurses Foundation is dedicated to transforming the nation’s health through the power of nursing. The Foundation raises funds, develops programs, and manages grants to support advances in research, education, and clinical practice. The programs strive to elevate the image of nurses and improve their overall health; ensure that nurses can practice to the full extent of their training; strengthen nurses’ leadership skills to serve as full partners in healthcare decision-making and improvement; and generate new knowledge and policy through nurses’ scholarly research and practice.