Backstory

On Tuesday, February 18, 2020 we gathered in person to start the 28th session of Portable Vision and Audio. It was a glorious evening. Smiling students, some quivering with nervousness, joined with mentors who were grateful to be in the presence of so much teenage energy. We ate nachos and played a dangerous game called “This Is The Dog… The What?.. The Dog.” If you were there you would understand and smile.

That night we used sections of PVC pipe to tap out various rhythms on the floor. We made a game out of tapping and passing our sections of pipe while trying to stay in sync. Some had an easier time than others yet all had wide, beaming smiles. Audio had its moment.

Moving on to the visual side we customized our sections of pipe to resemble ourselves as we appear to others. Some were literal in their interpretation while others used symbolism. A question was asked, “What is happening with you on the inside?” After writing down our answers on paper we placed them inside our tubes and sealed them. At the end of the night they were hung from the ceiling like wind chimes. We took time to reflect on what we had just done. The session was off and running.

By the time March began people were settling into their studio spaces and beginning to make art. Mentors were working to round up art materials. Drawing tables, easels, sculpture workbenches, and music recording stations were being arranged. Then...

On March 15 the decision was made to close schools as a response to the Corona virus. About 2 weeks later instruction was given to shelter in place in our homes. Everything was being cancelled.

We decided to continue the current Portable Vision and Audio session by meeting online using a video conferencing tool called Zoom. Art materials were assembled and left on front porches. Mentors regathered first to practice meeting through our computer screens. We studied the scripture and prayed together. The video conferencing felt awkward at first. How would this work for students? Eventually we warmed to the experience.

It was another week later and Portable Vision and Audio was set to begin again. How would students respond? Would anyone attend? Mentors gathered first to read scriptures and pray as was our usual pattern. Then students began to join, one after another, and our numbers swelled. It was wonderful to see everyone together again. Corona confessions became a new staple of our conversation. We would confess things like eating too much ice cream or playing too many video games. Anything to help us cope with seclusion at home. We shared our latest artwork on our computer screens. Audio people shared their singing and playing.

Things were awkward for everyone at first. This was not what any of us would have chosen for this session of Portable Vision and Audio. But even in our video gathering God was there. The “I Am” of scripture was there speaking in and through our stories. His word has not been cancelled.

But Moses protested, “If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them?”

God replied to Moses, “I Am Who I Am. Say this to the people of Israel: I Am has sent me to you.”
Exodus 3:13-14 NLT