COVID-19
CCP is open at this time for visitors and artists. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM and Sundays from noon until 4:45 PM by appointment. Anyone visiting Mathews Park and wish to see if the current appointment slot is open, please check in with staff at the front entry. The studios are open for artist members from 9 AM to 4 PM Monday through Saturday. 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. We ask that all visitors wear masks, maintain 6 feet of distance between each other, and sign-in and sign-out at reception.
During the past months, our staff has been working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that as we reopen, that it is done with the health and safety of its staff and community as its first priority. As the State of Connecticut has been progressing through its initial phases of reopening, CCP put in place new processes and interior configurations to meet the requirements set by the state for reopening certification. We completed certification for our offices and began reopening the Center to staff in early July.
What are we doing to keep each other safe?
All of our protocols have been developed according to the Sector Rules and Certification guidelines mandated by the State of CT. We are observing the guidelines listed in Phase 1: Offices and Phase 2: Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums. CCP is obligated to uphold these guidelines at all times in order to remain open.
We have very carefully and deliberately scheduled staff in staggered shifts and instituted contact-tracing measures such as temperature checks and sign-in logs. We are requiring the wearing of masks and social distancing in our buildings.
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.
An addendum to CCP’s Staff Handbook was developed specifically to address the need to approach our activities at the Center during the COVID-19 pandemic, which all staff has read and signed. New cleaning and disinfecting procedures are performed multiple times daily by trained staff.
For a video walk-through of CCP’s efforts, Click Here to watch Liz Bannish, CCP’s Studio Manager, take you through the various measures in place at the Center.
MEMBER RESOURCES
All members and visiting artists must complete the following forms as mandated by the State of CT.
- CCP: Member Handbook Addendum (updated November 2020)
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
This document 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 Member/Visitor COVID-19 Exposure Assessment
A health check questionnaire to be filled out by everyone coming to work at CCP
SAFETY & PROTOCOLS
- Each member coming to CCP to work for the first time since COVID-19 will need to reserve extra time for a one-on-one walkthrough of the spaces and the 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 and you will have to have your temperature taken by a staff member upon arrival.
- Masks will be required when in the building at all times, no matter whether you are working in a space with another person or alone.
- 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 cannot be used. Please have lunch outside, in your vehicle, or off-campus.
- Because we can only open to 50% capacity, the studios will be assigned such that one person can work downstairs in the etching room and two people can work upstairs. The cottage may be reserved as available.
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 August 2020)
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 Staff COVID-19 Exposure Assessment
A health check questionnaire to be filled out by everyone coming to work at CCP
GALLERY
The gallery is now open on a reserved basis. Click here to view our current exhibition. Please click call (203) 899-7999 or email info@contemprints.org to make a reservation. Everyone in your party will be required to wear a mask and sign-in at the front door.
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 mmorrow@contemprints.org.
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