Many visual artists depend on markets and events to sell their work. Social distancing practices are already affecting sales for some in the area.
Lorri Ann Two Bulls paints colorful images of women, animals and geometric shapes with touches of gold metallics and gemstones. She uses canvas or creates wearables from organic materials. Two Bulls sets up booths year round at events and art markets, but now her income is at risk because of the efforts to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, which causes COVID 19.
"And I do have businesses that I do sell to so it’s had a ripple effect on me because they’re not able to buy right because nobody’s going into their store. And the tourists aren’t out and about like they usually are about right now.”
Two Bulls is 59 and a cancer survivor, so even colds take a toll on her health. Social isolation is important for her to stay healthy right now.
“If I get this virus, COVID-19, I don’t think I could survive that. I don’t want to sound all grim and doom but let’s get real here. I’m not panicking but at the same time I’m educating myself about it.”
She’s able to order some supplies online, but is sticking to the necessities to save money. Two bulls decided this is a good time to create a website and build her online presence to try and keep her business running.
“Basically right now I’m just building up inventory and sort of living off of my savings. It’s not that big of a savings account but I’m kind of getting worried about that because I have bills to pay.”
Other South Dakota artists and organizers are in discussion, coming up with ways to help creators sustain themselves during the pandemic.