The coronavirus quarantine has challenged many to fund creative ways to fill the time and help the community. For one couple in Rochester’s South Wedge, you might say it has become a work of art.

Eric Cady is a carpenter by trade. His challenge is what to do with the extra materials in the back of his house from previous jobs and projects.

“I was like, ‘Well, let’s take some of these and put it together and make it fun,” said Cady.

An art box, if you will, became his creation. Much like the little library book boxes we have seen. Eric’s wife, Allison Roberts, thought this could provide an opportunity for neighbors to be creative.

“Given the quarantine, we thought this was the perfect time to put something up,” she said, “especially kids that are home, any maybe they can’t afford art supplies.”

Allison is challenging young people to unplug from their computers, social media and Zoom – and to grab some paint or clay and mold like Michelangelo or paint like Picasso.

“Not everything has to be a masterpiece,” she said. “It’s about the doing of it, that’s the most important part – not the outcome.”

Neighbors have been coming to the box daily, some giving items and some taking, but everyone is leaving with a positive feeling.

“Their kids can say, ‘Wow, look at all these toys, look at all this stuff to do!’” said neighbor Ginny Cassetta.

This artistic touch in a challenging time is giving neighbors and families a chance to paint their own picture of hope

The art box can be found on Cypress Street in the South Wedge.