Order of Everyday Humans
Distinguished Medals Project

ArtYard is pleased to announce our artistic intervention, the Order of Everyday Humans Distinguished Medals Project. You are cordially invited to create a medal honoring whomever (or whatever) you feel moved to express gratitude to at this moment: your grocery bagger, delivery driver, medical personnel, DJ, dance instructor, poet, beloved book, favorite vegetable, cookie recipe, song, movie, toothbrush, friend…
Please note that we are no longer accepting submissions via email. We invite you to continue this project by sharing your medals on Instagram with the hashtag #orderofeverydayhumans and tagging us @artyardcenter. Learn more below:
NEW WAY TO SUBMIT (click)
1
Create a medal (or many medals) out of cardboard, paper, metal, wood, found objects, or any other media. Your imagination is the limit. Here is this link for inspiration.
2
Post pictures of the medal(s) on your own Instagram using the hashtag #orderofeverydayhumans. Please tag us at @artyardcenter.
3
In your post, include:
The title of the honor (ex: Heroism in Pandemic Combat Zone)
And a brief description of the recipient of the medal and the reason for the honor
We will be posting a selection of medals on our Instagram feed and this page.
Please note: this is not a call for antique or collected medals, but rather medals conceived and created at this time. If you’re interested in submitting found objects, please visit our Imaginary Museum of Obscure Objects.
ArtYard reserves the right to use any image submitted to the Order of Everyday Humans on social media platforms, our website, and future printed materials.
STORY BEHIND THIS PROJECT

Lynn & John in the studio

Lynn wearing John Kearney’s medals
MEDALS BY JOHN KEARNEY

Broken leg

She had a temper

Ker cake

Cooking

Snitz Champ

Jel

Valentine

Mother to be

Weaving skills

Ouch
ORDER OF EVERYDAY HUMANS

Magical Management General
Submitted by Eric Fiorito
@punkdaddarkside
To Kandy Ferree for continued efforts in Herculean Organization, Team Finesse and Efficacy, Unbridled Diplomacy and Consideration to All, Displaying Knowledge and Appreciation of the Moving Parts of the Universe, Taking Time for Self-Care and Family, Making it look Effortless All while Supervising the Construction of a Huge Building!

The Warrior of Beauty
Submitted by Eric Fiorito
@punkdaddarkside
I present this medal to Jill Kearney for continued efforts in the preservation and perseverance of contemporary art, the hunt for new and exciting forms of expression, the commitment to community, exhibiting grace, and whimsey while daily asking the question “What is the role of art at this moment?”

Incredible Dedication to Women’s Health Care
Submitted by Bethann Morgan
A medal for our Center Manager, Melissa Frost, for her outstanding work creating a drive through birth control injection clinic for our clients who otherwise would be without needed protection during this pandemic.

Volunteers in India
Submitted by Janaki Lele
@janakilele
This medal is dedicated to the volunteers in India who stepped up to the current situation and stepped out to provide food to the daily wage workers, migrant laborers, and other poor people who found themselves deprived of their income due to the total lockdown. We have been routinely applauding the health care workers and the police for their efforts towards fighting this pandemic but I feel that the volunteer workers don’t get enough recognition for the work they have been doing. They dug deep into their pockets and their hearts and risked their lives for a very very humble and humane cause. Bravo!

Thanks to Words
Submitted by Montípora
@montiporajewels
Writing is my biggest treasure, the place where I can be myself with all my ghosts. Words are saving me more than ever. During this quarantine I’ve been writing and reading every day, I’ve discovered several great authors and I’ve realized that I have the potential to write as a job. Also, I’ve been sharing with others all the good advice that I’ve found to become a writer. Thanks to words because they are helping me to connect with other people and express myself.

Medal of Distinguished Diversion
Submitted by Beth Atkinson
@Purchase83
Conferred upon those who spend quality time with their families playing games. Today I present this to my family Brian Atkinson, Alex Atkinson, Lauren Atkinson, and Heloise Kriel, and thank them for all the fun we have had playing games together during the quarantine.

Happy Mother's Day to Mom with LOVE!
Submitted by Patrick O’Grady
My mother passed away at the age of 87 in March of 2018. This medal is to honor her memory and legacy as the BEST Mother in the world and to thank her for being our angel here on Earth. We were all so blessed to have her in our lives and we will miss her smile and beautiful spirit forever!

Superior Homeland Security & Hospitality During Pandemic
Submitted by Beverly Ann Moore (BAM)
Recipient – Brian Coats (Man of the House).
Reason – He has continually kept the home safe & hospitable 24/7 while Sheltering In Place (SIP).

Best Person to Travel & Shelter With
Submitted by Carol Kalil
Kent Nash is my “Best Person to Travel & Shelter With”. I love that Kent plans our next adventure and debates if the toilet paper amounts purchased was just – with the same balanced elegance.

For the defender of the Sacred Starter
Submitted by Jack Ravi
@jackravi
“This medal is for my friend Anna who gifted me her 10-year-old sourdough starter last October. Bread making is now a weekly tasty joy.”

For all the Tumour Fighters
Submitted by Jack Ravi
@jackravi
“This medal is for a dear someone fighting with brain cancer while trying to battle COVID-10.”

For all the Unwedded Couples
Submitted by Jack Ravi
@jackravi
This medal honours all the couples that have had to cancel or postpone their happiest day due to a global pandemic. Your day will come.

Safely Sailing the Seas
Submitted by MC DeMarco
⠀
For all those cruise ship crews who took care of passengers, many of whom are still stranded at sea.
⠀

Medal- Distinguished Leadership in Video Communication
Submitted by Beth Atkinson
@purchase83
⠀
This medal is awarded to all those who have continued to connect numerous individuals who have no other contact with the outside world during the Covid-19 Pandemic and provide them with emotional, educational, and technological support. In specific I would like to honor Michelle Schroeder and Alyssa Lindstrom as well as all of the educators throughout the world.

Missing/Inaction
Submitted by Ron Lent
@ronlent
⠀
A “non-medal” awarded to those in power that sit idly by.

Appreciation for Spring 1
Submitted by Clare Jusdanis.
This medal is a simple thank you and honor to Spring. Especially now during quarantine, people are left with more free time on their hands without much to do. Instead of being stuck indoors, Spring has come at the perfect time for people to fully enjoy the weather and the new forms of life it brings. This medal was created all-naturally (besides adhesive), using only the leaves and flowers spring has brought.

Appreciation for Spring 2
Submitted by Clare Jusdanis.
This medal is a simple thank you and honor to Spring. Especially now during quarantine, people are left with more free time on their hands without much to do. Instead of being stuck indoors, Spring has come at the perfect time for people to fully enjoy the weather and the new forms of life it brings. This medal was created all-naturally (besides adhesive), using only the leaves and flowers spring has brought.

Appreciation for Spring 3
Submitted by Clare Jusdanis.
This medal is a simple thank you and honor to Spring. Especially now during quarantine, people are left with more free time on their hands without much to do. Instead of being stuck indoors, Spring has come at the perfect time for people to fully enjoy the weather and the new forms of life it brings. This medal was created all-naturally (besides adhesive), using only the leaves and flowers spring has brought.

Magical Distance Storyteller
Submitted by Heather Michel Riddle
@hmr_art
Recipient: Debora Michel AKA “the Grandma” for being the most magical, animated, humorous, consistent storyteller and story reader across thousands of miles! @deboramichel9188

To My Courageous Therapist Colleagues
Submitted by Camille Cunningham
@totsieturvy
It’s been a hard transition from seeing my lovely clients in the office to conducting therapy sessions online. My dogs bark, facial expressions freeze, or the call gets dropped. I pray my expression isn’t too weird when that happens! It’s hard to be attuned. I’m grateful to have this option because it means I can continue to work and see clients.

#1 Lover of Trees + Flower

The Sane and Silent Forest
Submitted by Hannah Prokop
This medal is awarded to the forest surrounding Baker Creek for its invaluable services as a place of peace and quiet as well as enjoyment. Especially throughout this period of quarantine, the forest has acted as a source of inspiration to artists, scientists, birdwatchers and hobbyists alike. We would do well to remember it as we go back to our ordinary lives in the coming months.

To Resilient Clients
Submitted by Camille Cunningham
@totsieturvy
Most of my adult and teen clients suffer from traumatic life experiences. They work diligently to resolve them. It’s harder now with Covid-19. Some have lost jobs or relationships have ended. I do my best to remind them there is still beauty in the world.

To the Navajo Nation People
Submitted by Camille Cunningham
@totsieturvy
The Navajo Nation in New Mexico & Arizona has been tremendously impacted by Covid-19. They have not received federal stimulus money yet. I haven’t heard from my Navajo client. She’s raising 4 children (two adopted), works, is in college, and cares for her husband, a veteran with PTSD. I hope she’s safe.

The Royal Stitchery Commendation
Submitted by Beth Atkinson
@purchase83
This medal is for all those who have given of themselves to spend countless hours sewing protective masks for those who need them during the Covid-19 pandemic. I would especially like to honor Monica Schor, Kirk Larsen, Genevieve Jezick, Cindy Wells, Mary Brodersen, and Dianne Knapp for all of their hard work.

Vegetable Rescuer
Made by Chris Mundy
Chris Mundy’s Facebook
Commissioned by Jill Kearney
@jillkearneym
In recognition of Rolling Harvest Food Rescue’s founder, Cathy Snyder, who pioneered a system of volunteer gleaning and distribution of surplus vegetables through a network of free farmers markets for local food insecure populations.

Ever Caring Angel
Submitted by Linnie Greenberg
Daughter Izzi — best mom and advocate for all people.

Strong Navigator Award
Submitted by Chris Mundy
Chris Mundy’s Facebook
To Laura Pointon, for helping the small businesses of Frenchtown navigate the stormy seas of government loans and grants during the Pandemic!

Working Mothers Medal
Submitted by Arlene Shulman
To my daughter Ariana and all the other moms carrying a huge load right now and always. In addition to work, homeschooling, cooking three meals a day, and a million other responsibilities.

Mother of Invention
Submitted by Kearney McDonnell
@bon_sior_
To Elsa Mora, Mother of Invention, for resilience, courage, kindness, and devotion to being Diego’s Mother through joyful and difficult times!

Ringmaster
Ringmaster
Submitted by Samantha Kearney
This medal honors Judy Erickson’s vigilance and boosterism, which she generously exercises to keep Kearneys (mostly) on task. Thanks, Mom.

Mothers
Submitted by Pat Messina
@patsingerart
I would honor my mother, grandmother, and great grandmother for their mentorship.
Significance: The owl belonged to my mother. She loved owls and thought them wise. My mother was not known for her common sense, so I enjoyed this cheeky contrast. The button is from my great grandmother’s sewing kit. I adored her open spirit, her sense of humor, and loving heart so very much. Both of these items appear to be carved from ivory. The little love note is from a recent letter from my grandmother, who has always mentored me. She is 97 and still kicking and full of angsty vigor. Where would we be without those who’ve both lifted and grounded us?

Mother
Submitted by Hannah Pacitti
@Hnspacitti
For my mother, who has shown nothing but love and support throughout my life as I struggled with mental health issues.

Your Favorite Mug
Submitted by Sarah Duff
@Tuffsduff
My medal is dedicated to the mug I use every morning (it has owls on it) and the idea of a favorite drinking vessel in general. You know, the one that fits in your hands perfectly holds just the right amount of your drink and is warm and comforting. Maybe it was made by a friend in their ceramic class, or reminds you of that vacation you took to Florida where the gift shop finally had one with your name on it. It’s full to the brim with coffee or tea, and will never let you down or spill on your laptop.
Made with magazine clippings, a glue stick, and a safety pin.

Family Honor, My Brothers
Submitted by Ogden Kruger
@ogdenkruger
I lost both of my brothers much too early and this medal is in honor of them. At the top of the medal is a birth announcement, my oldest brother William Abbot Lewis telephoning about the birth of my brother Peter Okun Lewis who was born on April 21, 1948, and died in June Of 2003. I wish you could see the back of the photograph which was mailed to my grandparents in Baltimore Maryland in 1948 not long after Peter was born. It also includes a first-place swimming medal that my mother got in 1932 along with some things that seem to represent my life in quarantine these days. My bobbling Buddha, my Tibetan prayer flags…an old birds nest (as they have been taking over) a dedicated mouse, that man in the moon made with some paper clay..a fake $50….what will happen to our currency? Oh and all presented on a baguette board, (the staff of life- for sure in these days of quarantine) There is much more though I will allow you to make your own inferences!

Legion of Resilience
Submitted by Ezgi Keskinsoy
@kaatdesign
On behalf of all the flowering trees for their extraordinary resilience, to the old plum tree in my apartment’s communal backyard.

Conversation in the Age of Quarantine
Submitted by Meghan Feeley
@meghan.jane.art
This medal is dedicated to digital trivia nights with friends, a hectic Easter dinner with 30 people on video call, and all the time spent arranging furniture to make sure the whole family is in the webcam frame.

Heroism in Pandemic Combat Zone - ITALY
Submitted by Morena Fortino
To my Bel Paese, Italy, for resistance to this invisible dragon COVID-19.

Meritorious Dedication to Artmaking
Submitted by Beth Atkinson
@purchase83
This medal is awarded to all those who have dedicated time every day since the Corona Pandemic began. It is awarded to those with the perseverance to continue to make Art even through the most challenging times.

Bravery and Goodness during the Pandemic
Submitted by Cathy Cahill
I created my medal in honor of my sister Terry Cawlina, who is a flight attendant for JetBlue. She is an amazing person whose kindness and sense of humor stayed intact even as she was stressed out and working flights during the pandemic. When she contracted COVID-19 at the end of March, it was scary, but thankfully she recovered. Our family is so thankful!

Congrats Time
Submitted by Madison Earnhardt
This piece is meant to award time for taking on such a different form during this pandemic. We are all in the same situation where we feel as though time is against us. Our days are now filled with it, which is such a sharp contrast to how time used to exist in our lives. I often felt as though I was running out of time every day, but now, that’s the complete opposite. So congrats, time. You have our undivided attention.

Hearts for Hospital Workers
Submitted by Clementine Waldman
This medal is for hospital workers because they help us so much and I am grateful we have them.

Happily Ever After
Submitted by Ogden Kruger
@ogdenkruger
In Honor of Dan Kruger. Just a few weeks from our 36th anniversary. This paper collage was done on the thank you card used for wedding gifts. The original card was designed by a local artist, Vincent Ceglia, who was legally blind. (1923-2012

Keeping Counsel Award
Submitted by Julie Levy
This is for the people in my town who wear masks because it helps others think of wearing them which protects our town which protects our elders which protects our wisdom.

The Walker
Submitted by Meghan Feeley
@meghan.jane.art
This medal is dedicated to the walks I’ve taken during quarantine which always make me feel better.

Doctor
Submitted by Elizabeth Smith Jacobs
To Dr. Bahramipour who continues to serve all of his patients/veterans, COVID or not, be it for cancer, venous access, drainage, bleeds, embolization, etc…

Distinguished Service in Moral Support (Legion of Furry Companions)
Submitted by Marcela Ysunza
To my dogs Ripley and Zissou for their efforts in uplifting morale in uncertain times.

To Nature
Submitted by Sandra Vargas
@sandravargasart
Though lately, we’ve been living catastrophic times all over the world, nature is showing us unexpected side effects of the pandemic: air pollution levels have dropped significantly, nature is blooming and wildlife is returning to cleaner waters and greener areas. It’s our chance to reinvent our working practices and lifestyles and respect our environment. This new green scenario does not have to be temporary.

Depression
Submitted by Jiaoyang Li
@jylllllll___
This is an attempt to speak of depression.

Post Office Pandemic Workers
Submitted by Goldie Waldman
The post office workers are the recipients because they are the ones giving us packages in this pandemic.

Home Alone
Submitted by Melinda Titus
@sometimesanislander
I created this medal to honor all of those who are quarantining at home by themselves.

Heroism in the Grocery Store Front Line
Submitted by Jean Tomaso Moore
I’m honoring all grocery employees for showing up to their jobs to help keep the food supply available to all of us. I appreciate you for all you do every day and especially now during this pandemic. ….truly everyday heroes and heroines.

National Native American Heritage
Submitted by Tara Marie Groenewold
The reason I made this medal with turquoise is because it goes to the honor of the Turtle Mountain tribes of the Native American ancestries that it runs on my grandma’s side.

Medal of Fortitude
Submitted by Abby Brooks
This medal is for my friend Eileen who lives in an 11th floor apartment in New York City .She has not left her apartment since the middle of March . I on the other hand have the luxury of opening my door, walking outside, and seeing my garden growing and the nascent blossoms on trees all around me .I can be comforted by that bit of normality.

Medal of Freedom in Good Times and Bad
Submitted by Amy Tingle
@tingle
Presented to my friend Kristin Wald for her outstanding perseverance and persistence. Kristin has been speaking out against injustice daily, standing on a street corner during her lunch hours to point out discrimination and inequalities in our systems, volunteering tirelessly for @supportsofia, and raising two stellar human beings. I’m sure she’s done a million other things I don’t even know about, but today I want to recognize in her an especially meritorious contribution to world peace and the betterment of our collective human community, and the spirit of her small NJ town.

Pandemic Face Mask Sewing Medal
Submitted by Roger Keller
For skill and bravery in organizing a sewing team volunteers to make and distribute face masks to hospitals, nursing homes, and clerks at post-offices, gas stations, grocery stores.

Paper Moon Man Medal
Marcia Lippman
@acupofbeauty
For Steve Maiorano, moon maker extraordinaire, and his tireless caregiving to the art & the heart of ArtYard.

Transient Beauty of the Earth
Submitted by Lucia Olivieri
@azul_luz_
In honor of the Transient Beauty of the Earth, so necessary for us humans to survive to our life’s small and big challenges.

The Man who Saved our Cat from the Clouds
Submitted by Lucia Olivieri
@azul_luz_
I will be ever so grateful to the man who saved our cat from the clouds…or the tallest tree in the field on the very top of which he found refuge from the frightening assault of a big rival!

The Beloved Friend who Lends an Ear
Submitted by Lucia Olivieri
@azul_luz_
The Beloved Friend who Lends an Ear whenever we are in need, when being listened to means being able to start healing and collecting our energies to face whatever challenge we have to confront.

The Distinguished Order of Canine Magnificence
Submitted by Nancy Ennis
@nancyennis
For our dog Charlotte Magnolia Calhoun Calhoun who is joyous every day.

Exceptionally Stylish Supplier of Cherry Products (and other lesser grocery goods)
Submitted by Kaija Rantakari
@paperiaarre
To my friend Taija who has protected my asthmatic lungs during the pandemic by bringing me no-contact groceries. On my birthday she provided me with surprise cherry ice cream and cherry soda. We share a love for all things cherry-flavored as well as an impeccable sense of style.

Life-time Achievement in Social Distancing
Submitted by Kaija Rantakari
@paperiaarre
To my 20+ years of depression which have prepared me for dark times, seemingly endless social distancing and making the absolute best out of a bad situation. Thanks to depression, I’m doing better than most.

The Victory Over Covid-19 Medal of Honor
Submitted by Nancy Ennis
@nancyennis
Respecting science and empirical facts, researchers worldwide labor day and night to develop, vaccines, tests, and drugs to treat Covid-19.

The Essential Spirits Commendation
Submitted by Nancy Ennis
@nancyennis
Little Brothers Liquor store in Flemington, NJ offered curb side pickup of wine, beer and spirits. Whatever get you through the night.

Heroes One and All
Submitted by Nancy Ennis
@nancyennis
For all medical workers everywhere, but especially for Dr. Reid Collins of Annandale and nurses Renee, Morgan, and Catherine Stavenik of Pittstown.

Miracles and Miracle Workers
Submitted by Susan Farrington
@susan_farrington

Creativity
Submitted by Susan Farrington
@susan_farrington
For that which saves us.

Spring

Lu and Paul
Submitted by Susan Farrington
@susan_farrington
For my parents, my true north, Lu and Paul Farrington.

Companions
Submitted by Susan Farrington
@susan_farrington
For unconditional love and acceptance.

The King
Submitted by Susan Farrington
@susan_farrington
For those who have faced or are facing this grim reality.

Excellency in Caffeine Delivery medal
Submitted by Anna Hoppel
@annajean.art
Awarded to the ever-reliable substance that helps us get through the day – coffee!

8th Street Collage Artist Medal
Submitted by Chris Mundy
Chris Mundy’s Facebook
Awarded to Kate House for her continued creativity using found images to create fabulous collage.

The Maintaining Dignity by Wearing Pants Award
Submitted by Martin T Focazio
@emdoteffdot
Recipient: Martin T. Focazio
Awarded to myself for successfully maintaining some semblance of daily dignity by at least bothering to put on pants despite being stuck every day in front of a computer screen and nobody would actually notice or care if I was wearing pants or not.
2020 – Mini CD ROM, Closed Cell Foam, Textiles, Printed Mylar, Hot Glue.
Gift of the Artist.
NFS.

Facebook Fact Checker: Destroyer of Disinformation
Submitted by Renee Soto
@_so_renee
I made this medal for myself and all of the other truth-oriented individuals who work to combat misinformation and disinformation on Facebook and other social media every day – even when it’s awkward or uncomfortable to do so. This skill is crucial on a regular day, but it is essential during an election-year pandemic. This medal is for everyone who has paused to check a source before posting or sharing information. It is for all of the critical thinkers who trust but verify. It is for everyone who knows that Snopes is their friend and The Onion is satire. The “R” is for realness, reality and righteousness.

For Extreme Comfort During Self Quarantine
Submitted by Robyn Fuoco
I’ve been in yoga pants for a month now, don’t know if I can ever go back.
Card stock, rubber & foam stamps, silver wire, brass grommets, pin back.

Valour Everyday
Submitted by Sue Garrard
@sue_garrard
This medal celebrates the women at my local Post Office – they keep turning up every day to do their jobs. They are brave and stoic.

Podcastery
Submitted by Nate Barton
@etannotrab
This medal celebrates the masters of podcast making for continuing to offer their content that helps us get through each day.

The Promise of Dahlias
Submitted by Nate Barton
@etannotrab
This would be awarded to the bulbs that are getting ready to wake up and make beauty for us.

Mercy of Spring
Submitted by Nate Barton
@etannotrab
This medal is offering thanks to the coming of spring. Birdsong and new growth are making each day a little brighter.

Keeping It Together During Extraordinary Times
Submitted by Jo Byrne
@justjohnine
This medal is for every person who is mostly succeeding in keeping it together during this time of great anxiety and change. You know it might not look pretty but you are making it work the best you can with the resources at hand. Bravo you warrior!

Bravery In Getting
Submitted by Jo Byrne
@justjohnine
This medal is for the designated getter in every family. Masked and with a list in hand, we bravely enter

Medal for Resilience
Submitted by Rebekah Zwick, a college professor at State University of New York, Westchester.
It honors my students at SUNY WCC, as well as my family members who are students at Penn State, NYU, and SUNY FIT, and all college students who in the midst of a foundation-shaking paradigm shift in higher learning experiences and methodologies, and in many cases while dealing with personal catastrophe, adapted, persevered and stayed the course of higher education.
“Adua veritatum”- out of adversity, truth.

Fixed!
Submitted by Chris Mundy
Chris Mundy’s Facebook
This medal is awarded to Joe Mundy for extraordinary resourcefulness and creativity in mechanical endeavors

Medal for Endurance
Submitted by Pauline Boyce
In the Face of No End in Sight. Awarded to Everybody. This is hard in a million different ways.

Outstanding Small Bookworm
Submitted by Elisa Renouard
@elisarenouard
This medal is awarded to whichever child quietly and contentedly sits with a pile of books for the longest duration.

Unlock the Past, Open Minds
Submitted by Rochelle Udell
Instagram: @rochelleudell
To Sean Pica, Executive Director, of Hudson Link, for providing college education, life skills, and re-entry support to the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated so that they have a positive impact on their families, communities, and themselves. Also, his efforts result in lower recidivism, poverty, and taxpayer savings.

COVID-19 Mask Maker Award
Submitted by George Cogan
@georgecogan ⠀
Made for my wife, Fannie Allen, who has been burning the midnight oil making stylish masks with “near-N95” effectiveness for non-medical personnel so that we may emerge from the shelter-in-place order with safety and style.”

Queen of Bloodletting. Never missed a Vein or a Chance to Express Humour.
Submitted by Carol Kalil
Bestowed on my favorite Mom, Ann Kalil, retired RN. For leading by example & urging able bodies to donate blood.

Courage and Compassion in the War on Coronavirus
Submitted by Margot Lawler
To Dr. Michael Burns, Anesthesiologist.

For Bravery at the Hospital
Submitted by Casey Ruble
@casey.ruble
To Lulu. Under quarantine in a New Orleans apartment attached to her house, I made do with what I could find to make this medal: a roll of tin foil, a bag of Mardi Gras beads, and some syrup and powdered creamer that I mixed together for an adhesive. Lulu is nine years old. Last week, she went to the hospital for an ultrasound, MRI, and then surgery to remove a lump on her leg. Lulu, we’re all so proud of you for the great job you did at the hospital!

For Essential Service During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Submitted by Kathryn Coto
@wildcloverpress
To thank grocery workers for their service during a pandemic. Service people are often told that they’re replaceable, that anyone can do their job, and that justifies low pay. COVID-19 exposes the lie, proves that their work is important and essential and that they should be protected during this pandemic and better compensated going forward.
Materials: hand-printed linocut image, cardboard box, vintage lace, upcycled chain, glitter, and gold gouache paint.

To the Bees
Submitted by Valentina Micol Carnevali
@Vmicoll
Great and tireless allied workers. In honor of bees that silently and scrupulously maintain biodiversity and conserve nature.

To Mr. Dandelion
Submitted by Valentina Micol Carnevali
@Vmicoll
The incomparable and humble king of spring. In honor of a Mr. flower, an ally in purifying the
body, it promotes digestion, carries out an anti-inflammatory and detoxifying action and is a
patient ingredient of culinary experimentation in these long closing days.

To Mother Blackbird
Submitted by Valentina Micol Carnevali
@Vmicoll
The bravest bird of my garden. To the brave blackbird that has chosen to nest in the worst place of the house: on a raft of my portico which is also transit for my three hungry cats. Despite my care trying to build an improvised defensive barrier, the blackbird has left the nest with a perfect design, a wonderful lonely egg, and set off in a hurried search of new safer accommodation for her and her family.

Gallant Pandemic Distraction
Submitted by Jennifer Wilkin Penick
@carriagehouseartsandcrafts
To the harbor seals of the San Francisco Bay for their good humor and unpredictable entertainment in difficult times.

Courageous Canine Assistance
Submitted by Jennifer Wilkin Penick
@carriagehouseartsandcrafts
To the dog-walkers of San Francisco, and especially ours, @petsocialsf, for their fearless canine contact and much appreciated assistance.

Inspirational Shelter in Nature
Submitted by Jennifer Wilkin Penick
@carriagehouseartsandcrafts
To Golden Gate Park for giving San Franciscans the refuge of nature in this virus storm.

Unnamed Bird
Submitted by Mick Kligler
To the unnamed bird that thumped against our window in the night and who, in the morning, lay dead on our porch, a small and simple sadness we could wrap in paper towel, and carry into the yard, and bury by the daffodils, which still insist on blooming.

Home
Submitted by Susan Farrington
Instagram: @susan_farrington
Home. For however you define it.

Garbage In, Garbage Out
Submitted by Nancy Ennis
Sanitation workers cannot work from home. They come regularly, despite the pandemic, to pick up our refuse and recycling.

Postmaster Extraordinaire
Commissioned by Jill Kearney
Chris Mundy’s Facebook To Erwinna Postmaster Nancy Becker and her dog Cammy. Neither Rain Nor Snow Nor Sleet nor Virus shall dissuade our beloved postmaster from performing her duties with courage and grace.


Freedom of the Parkway
Submitted by Nate Barton
Instagram: @etannotrab
This medal offers thanks to the Blueridge Parkway for providing solace and fresh air in these difficult times.

Neruda Medal of Peace
Instagram: @rochelleudell To Everyone Who Stays At Home During The COVID-19 Pandemic. Inspired by Neruda’s Ode To A Chair. From the last part of his poem – “Bring me a chair/in the midst of thunder, and chair for me/and for everyone/not only/ to relieve an exhausted body but/for/every purpose/and for every person,/for squandered strength/and for meditation./War is as vast as the shadowy jungle. A single chair/is/a first sign/of peace.”

White Gold
Instagram handle: @renatamayumifukuda

Volunteer Vegetable Accountant
Made by Chris Mundy
Commissioned by Jill Kearney
Chris Mundy’s Facebook

Holy Medal of Confession and Forgiveness
Awarded to Kearney McDonnell, my roommate of 5 years, with whom I intend to share confession and forgiveness as long as she’ll have me.

Posthumous Illustrious Weaver of Words



Special Service Soldier & Foremost Seer

Front Line Distinguished Service

Heroism in Pandemic Combat Zone

Incomparable Garden Force Veteran

Outstanding Household Unit Protection

Intrepidity at Risk of Life

Citizen Mask Maker

Friendly Pharmacist

Order of the Golden Broom

Veterinarian of Valor

Beautiful. Proof of the power of gratitude practices to heal and carry us forward. Thank you to Art Yard and to all the contributors.
Art makes us think, question, ponder, and deliberate. What better topic in these times than gratitude for those around us? These are wonderful! Thank you to all the artists that created these images. They are magnificent.