With facilities closed and performances halted, the arts community at West Virginia University has turned its attention to helping supply WVU Medicine with the products it needs while fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Working with specifications from WVU Medicine, the costume shop in WVU’s School of Theatre & Dance has started production on N95 masks. Five volunteers from the school are spread out and working in the Falbo Theatre at WVU’s Loulie, Valerie and William Canady Creative Arts Center.
The Art Museum of WVU has also donated supplies to WVU Medicine typically kept on hand in case of disaster or emergency. Nitrile gloves, masks and personal protective equipment were among the items brought out of storage.
“We must all work together to help our healthcare workers face such a monumental challenge,” said Dean Keith Jackson. “We are proud to show our students and community that the arts can continue to help support other industries during these challenging times.”