Remember, we are starting back up this Thursday

 May 6th at 7 o'clock.  Hope to see a few of y'all there.  It's been far too long.

Let's get back to work guys

 I just received approval to resume The Black Hand Group at MSU-B.  I'm announcing that May 6 we will start up where we left off.  Of course, in this new normal there will be some changes to how we do things.  Masks are mandatory except for the model.  We will space ourselves comfortably and we'll keep some cleaning supplies on hand.  Check back in case I have trouble getting a model but I should be able to get that taken care of.

Good news, for sure. 

Okay artists... finally an update

 I have just heard (via text) from Jodi Lightner that we will be able to use the main drawing room in April, after school has let out for the semester.  There will be restrictions in place (to be expected) such as the school is still requiring masks, but not for the model.  We may need to use disinfectant at the end of the night as well.  All of this is predicated on the Covid numbers continuing to decline. Nothing the new normal hasn't already instilled in us.  When I know more I'll pass it on and when I have an actual date I'll post it.  There may be a light at the end of the tunnel...

Update

 I have been in touch with Jodi at MSU-B and, unfortunately, she didn't have the best of news.  The school is limiting access to their buildings so outside organizations such as The Black Hand Group will have to wait until, at the earliest, after the fall semester.  Looks like 2020 is a wash.  Let's hope we can be in a better position come January.  Stay safe and keep drawing.  We will return when it's safe for everyone involved.

It's been a month and nothing has changed

I don't know where everyone comes down with their comfort level re: Covid, but with the spikes (especially in our county) I have been very reluctant to pursue putting us all in a room, especially our models.  I know this is frustrating and inconvenient but we know next to nothing more than we did in March.  Better safe than sorry.  Wish I had better news but we all know where this stands.  Let's just stay safe and I'll keep an eye out for a break that can work for us all.

An update

If anyone has an opinion on restarting just let me know.  I know we can't use the room at MSU-B until they reopen in the fall.  Jodi Lightner has offered to host us at Billings Open Studio when she is available to be there.  Limited to no more than 10.  I assume that would be 9 artists and 1 model.  I haven't yet contacted any of our models to see how they feel about working with us now.  I plan on contacting them later this week.  I don't know if we will be charged for using BOS ($30/hr on top of model fees for a probable $100 all in for 9 - 10 artists), so that's another item to clarify.
At the moment, this is where we are at.  When I know more I'll post again.  Keep the art spirit going, we'll get back to it when the stars align.

How are the Black Hand folks doing?

Hoping everyone is still healthy and not going too stir crazy.  Looks like it's gonna be another full month before we can even consider getting together again.  Stay creative and keep your eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel.

Something new I did.