With the pandemic forcing the closure of the Groovy Blueberry in New Paltz, Amy Cohen hasn’t had this much time in 30 years. With most economic activity shuttered to slow the spread of this coronavirus, Cohen has made over a hundred paintings and sold several.
“My paintings are my emotions,” she said. “I paint with my soul.” She’s built up something of a following of her clothing designs. Her paintings have a similar appeal. “They talk about the color combinations in my paintings, and in the clothing which I have been designing for two decades.” As with the branded clothing sold in the store, Cohen can ship her artwork wherever it needs to go.
The decision to close The Groovy Blueberry was made a week before the governor required it, and as with other businesses, it’s unclear when it can safely be reopened, or in what form. “After 23 years of successful business we are okay to coast for a bit,” she said. “Some spring shipments are still coming in, although who knows if we will be able to open this season.”
Unable to conduct nearly any business at all, Cohen explains that she saw an opportunity during this period of time. “It has given me free time that I have not had in 30 years to dig into my creativity and self-expression without distraction,” she said.
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