Kenton County Public Library finds unique way to help grieving families during pandemic
INDEPENDENCE, Ky. (WKRC) - The Kenton County Public Library is finding a unique way to help grieving families amid the pandemic.
Through a new initiative, local artists are painting portraits of those who have died from COVID-19.
“We thought that a photograph has meaning to individuals,” Kenton County Public Library executive director Dave Schroeder said. “It makes connections and brings back memories, but a piece of art of a loved one has an even deeper meaning because an artist has put love and talent into that work and I think that love and talent comes through in a piece of art.”
Christian Schmit, a staff member at the Kenton County Public Library and trained artist, originally came up with the idea.
The goal of the project is to integrate art into the healing process of losing a loved one.
“It’s a process and different concepts or different ideas help different people,” Schroeder said. “Memories are a very important way of memorializing that person and working on your grief.”
In round one of the COVID-19 portrait project, 20 artists are working on 21 portraits after receiving requests from family members.
“We want this art to be those good memories that will bring back those times in those people’s lives that had meaning to their families and friends,” Schroeder said.
Once the portraits are complete, they will be framed and displayed in the Kenton County Public Library’s William E. Durr Branch, and eventually, given to the family members.
“We’re so integrated in the community and we really wanted to show that care for our community through this project as well,” Schroeder said.
The artists are not currently accepting new submissions, but you can stay updated on the Kenton County Public Library’s social media pages.
