This week Alex and Chris talk about coronavirus head on; what’s happening to us, the effect all aspects of this disease are having on us, and how too many creators are struggling to create in its shadow.
We talk about the importance of commiserating with each other on social media or through texting, zoom, FaceTime, or whatever it takes. We are all craving human connection now, especially when family members or friends become sick, or sadly, pass away. We need to extend our humanity to each other now more than ever.
They also take a look at some activities that can help nourish and inform creatives, including the Corona Con, which is much more uplifting and charitable than it may sound, and the testimony of the legendary Joe Illidge, who has written about the experiences he and his wife had while battling coronavirus. This episode is meant to help, to celebrate, and to unify all of us. We pray that it is taken as such.
Alex Simmons is an award-winning freelance writer, comic book creator, playwright, teaching artist, and educational consultant. He’s written for Disney Books, Penguin Press, Simon and Schuster, Marvel, DC, and Archie Comics. Simmons is the creator of the acclaimed adventure comic book series, Blackjack. As a teaching artist, Simmons has created and taught creative arts workshops for students and educators in the US, Europe, West Indies, and Africa.
Simmons has served on panels and delivered lectures on children’s entertainment mediums, as well as empowering young people through the arts. Simmons founded the annual family event, Kids Comic Con, as well as three comic arts exhibits, which have traveled abroad. He is currently developing a comics and creative arts program for children all over the world.
During the past 35 years, Simmons has participated as a member of arts and education boards for several New York State nonprofit organizations, as well as one in Nigeria.
As a teaching artist Simmons has worked with youth through the Bronx Community College, the Christopher Barron Live Life Foundation, Apollo Theater In-School Arts Program, Henkel McCoy, Upward Bound, New York Council on the Arts, Children’s Art Carnival, Wings Academy, and NYU Creative Arts Team, to name a few.
He has been a panelist at many literacy and arts events, and he has been a guest speaker at numerous colleges and educational institutions here and abroad.
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