Seems we’ve missed the opportunity to welcome everyone “back” for fall semester, it being already more than a month in. What does welcome back even mean in a time like this? We’re all navigating unexpected, unpredictable territory. In some ways, there is no “back.” And yet, here we are.

Over the summer we heard from faculty who were willing to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences on a range of issues that challenged them—from Covid-19, to Black Lives Matter, to finding connection as a queer person in a small homogeneous town. We received stories of resilience and hope; stories of artists using their knowledge and skills to help their communities; stories of the many roles the arts play in helping people heal.

We now find ourselves knee deep in a new semester, replete with unknowns and a fair share of shifting variables. Uncertainty is a constant, and adapting is inevitable. To an artist, this is familiar territory. Already we’re hearing stories of faculty in the college shifting their original plans to better accommodate current conditions. We’ve asked a few of them to share their experiences here on the ADRI guest blog.

As we continue our quest to champion the arts and design as critical contributors to human health and well-being, we invite you to consider sharing your story here, too. ‘We are’ in this together, as the stories in this space affirm. Reach out to adri@psu.edu with your ideas. We wish you a safe and healthy semester and look forward to hearing from you.

Watercolor Meditation Inspired by “See, Draw” Activity.