COVID-19
*These protocols were in effect from May 2021- December 2022, and are only written here as a resource. Our current protocols can be found here.
CCP is open at this time for visitors and artists. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM and Sundays from 12 PM until 4:45 PM. The studios are open for artist members from 9 AM to 4 PM Tuesday through Saturday and 12 PM to 5 PM Sunday. Call or email at least 24 hours in advance to make a reservation. Artists wanting to work with CCP’s staff printers on a project can call to schedule time.
What are we doing to keep each other safe?
As of May 19, 2021, the State of CT lifted its COVID-19 restrictions on businesses. However, CCP is taking advantage of the State’s provisions that allow CCP to enact our own COVID policies at our discretion. CCP is still restricting our building capacity to 75% the usual volume of workers and visitors. We continue to encourage social distancing, and mask wearing inside, but only CCP STAFF are currently required to wear masks.
Signage to remind everyone about these measures, along with making available hand sanitizer, a plexiglass barrier at the reception area, and increased ventilation are all part of the efforts we’re making to ensure a safe working environment. Addendums to CCP’s Staff and Member Handbooks were developed specifically to address the need to approach our activities at the Center during the COVID-19 pandemic, which all staff and artists are required to read and sign. New cleaning and disinfecting procedures are performed multiple times daily by trained staff.
MEMBER RESOURCE
All members and visiting artists must complete the following forms.
CCP: Member Handbook Addendum I: Working During the COVID-19 Crisis (updated August 2021)
This addition to the Members’ Handbook outlines all COVID-19 policies that are required at CCP. All artists wishing to work in our studios must read and agree to uphold the policies listed in this document. This includes our membership artists, workshop participants, and those coming in to work with a staff printer.
Signing this form indicates that you have read the CCP Member Handbook Addendum I: Working During the COVID-19 Crisis, and that you understand the risks associated with working in a community studio during a global pandemic. Signing this also means you agree to uphold all policies listed in the Addendum, and release CCP of any liability associated with COVID-19.
A guide specifically for our Artist in Residence recipients staying in our Helen Frankenthaler Printmaking Cottage.
SAFETY & PROTOCOLS
- Each new and returning member coming to CCP to work for the first time since the COVID-19 spread began will need to reserve extra time for a one-on-one overview of our spaces and the disinfection processes with CCP’s Studio Manager, Liz Bannish.
- Everyone must arrive and leave through the front door only.
- There is a mandatory sign-in/sign-out sheet at the front door. Everyone must sign in and sign out every day they work at CCP.
- All artists coming to work, as well as visitors, will have their temperature taken by a staff member when they arrive.
- ONLY staff are required to wear a mask at all times, visitors are encouraged to do so but not required.
- Please observe social distancing at all times and remain 6 feet apart from others whenever possible.
- Please wash your hands regularly according to the posted directions.
- The kitchen can be used to store and prepare food only. Please have lunch outside, in your vehicle, or off-campus.
- Because we can only open to 75% capacity, the studios will be assigned such that one person can work downstairs in the etching room, one person in the papermaking room, and two people can work upstairs. The cottage may be reserved as well.
CARRYALL DISINFECTING KITS
A carry-all of supplies and cleaning/disinfecting products will be issued to each member for the day. Members will be responsible for cleaning up after themselves, putting away supplies, and disinfecting their individual work areas at the end of the day.
What disinfectants are we using?
We have introduced new chemicals in our building to be specifically used to combat any traces of COVID-19.
- Hydrogen Peroxide 3% (Santa Cruz Animal Health brand) is a varied and useful chemical. It is viewed as an environmentally safe alternative to chlorine-based bleaches and can be safely used for the disinfection of various surfaces. Hydrogen peroxide is generally regarded as active against a variety of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, spores, and yeast. With strong oxidizing properties, hydrogen peroxide is effective at destroying viruses and germs by attacking cell membranes, DNA, and other essential cell components.
Caution! Damaging to the eyes. May stain clothing in higher concentrations. Hydrogen peroxide is being used in all studios and working spaces. It is to be used by staff and members alike. - Madacide-FD is an alcohol-based, broad-spectrum activity disinfectant used in hospitals, clinics, tattoo shops, and others. It has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) on hard, nonporous surfaces. Therefore, according to the CDC, MadaCide-FD can be used against COVID-19 when used in accordance with the directions for use against Rhinovirus [Type 14] on hard, non-porous surfaces.
Caution! Produces flammable vapors. Only to be used in a well-ventilated area. May cause drowsiness or dizziness. It should not be inhaled. Madcide-FD is used in our bathrooms and kitchen, and by trained staff members only.
STAFF RESOURCES
- CCP: Staff Handbook Addendum (updated May 2021)
This addition to the Members’ Handbook outlines all that is required when working in the studios at CCP. All members must read and agree to uphold the policies therein before coming back to work in the studios. - CCP COVID-19 Policy Comprehension Contract
Indicates that you have read Addendum I and that you agree to uphold all policies therein to help keep everyone safe during the crisis. - CCP COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire
A health check questionnaire to be filled out by everyone coming to work at CCP
GALLERY
The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sundays from 12 PM until 5 PM. All visitors must sign in at the front desk and masks are optional when visiting the gallery. Click here to view our current exhibition. For questions please call (203) 899-7999 or email info@contemprints.org.
SUPPORT CCP
Among many of the challenges, we have faced has been the finances for CCP while we’ve been on pause. We were able to secure a PPP loan and have recently been informed that we have been approved to receive an NEA grant, but these only go so far. In order to make the accommodations to do more activities online and then to fulfill the requirements to open, CCP has had to update existing and invest in new technology resources, purchase materials and supplies to build out and make safer some of the spaces in the facility, cleaning supplies, disinfectants, and sanitizer have been (miraculously in some cases) purchased and allocated around the building. These have come at considerable expense. We want to return to more normal operations and will do what is required, but in order to make that happen, we really do need help. If you are able and interested to contribute to CCP’s general fund, we would greatly appreciate it.
To help reduce community spread, our workshops have all moved online during the pandemic. We’ve developed a variety of ways to provide access to our educational programming to expand our reach and engage a broader community of artists and printers.
Find online workshops, downloadable resources, private consultations, and instructional videos on our Remote Instruction page.
Have a question or suggestion about a workshop? Email our Workshop Coordinator at anovakov@contemprints.org.
*COVID-19 WORKSHOP CANCELLATION ADDENDUM*
Over the course of the pandemic, CCP has made various adjustments to our programs in an effort to continue offering as much as we can in a safe and responsible manner for both our staff and those interested in participating.
One of the changes we have made in order to run workshops on-site and in-person is decreasing the number of registrants to our workshops. At this time, we permit a maximum of 6 participants in addition to the instructor and any CCP staff support. We recognize that having 6 participants as a maximum AND minimum for our workshops creates a tight margin for our workshops to run. Despite this tight margin,As a result of working with such small numbers, this has also required developing a new plan in the event a workshop registrant needs to cancel due to illness. Please find the updated cancellation plan below:
We encourage our participants to stay home if they are feeling ill, even with mild symptoms to avoid exposing anyone to COVID-19.
As a result of working with such small numbers, this has also required developing a new plan in the event a workshop registrant needs to cancel due to illness. Please find the updated cancellation plan below:
CCP WORKSHOP CANCELLATION PLAN – 1/5/2022
If one participant cancels, CCP will continue to run the workshop as planned. The class will run with three people on the date of the workshop and the registrant who canceled will be refunded the workshop fee.
If MORE than one participant cancels, CCP will notify the remaining participants that the workshop will move online to a virtual format via Zoom on the date the workshop is scheduled to run. Those participants will then be given a full day’s studio rental to redeem in-person at CCP at their convenience. If the workshop is unable to be conveyed via Zoom, the workshop will either be rescheduled or cancelled with participants refunded in full.
All COVID-19 cancellations are fully refundable at any date, to encourage people to stay at home if they feel sick. To allow for this and to balance CCP’s need to not run at a deficit, we are approaching each workshop/potential cancellation individually.
STAY IN THE KNOW
Sign up for our email list or follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more news about the Center’s progress. We welcome your questions and concerns. Call (203) 899-7999 or email info@contemprints.org