Sheltering in Petaluma

We, as a community, are in the midst of an unprecedented global crisis. Our lives have been turned upside down in ways that we never imagined, and yet there is a palpable vibration of extreme connectedness that is surfacing as a result. Not unlike the rolling hills that surround our town, our emotions are rising and falling hourly as we navigate our daily lives in ways that we did not before. But, the fear that accompanies the unknown has also brought anticipation of the good that will meet us on the other side. Recent years have brought about a crescendo of conversation about being connected. Now, in the midst of isolation, we are recognizing what that truly means. Being forced to separate has given space to empathy and with that an awareness of each other and how our very own presence impacts each other’s lives. This is a perfect recipe for understanding how to not just talk about connectedness but actually get connected. In ways like no other, Petaluma has come together to get creative in isolation while supporting each other out in the community. This project hopes to amplify the sheltered experiences of our local community during this time, allowing us to look back and remember that, while each of us navigated it differently, we all were in it together. In this audio exhibition, and in their own voices, participants tell the stories of their lives and how they are reacting to the mandatory shelter orders set in place during the crisis. Each episode is a curated and short selection of those stories. Listen to the daily thoughts, stories, sounds, and hopes of our Petaluma community.