Recently, the Suffolk County Legislature and the Shot To Reunite Coalition announced the six finalists of the #ShotToReunite Call to Artists marketing campaign competition, that encourages communities to get the COVID-19 vaccine, during a press conference at the Patchogue Arts Council’s Museum of Contemporary Art Long Island. Rocky Point resident, Steven Soltysik, was named as one of the 6 finalists out of more than 150 submissions. Legislator Sarah Anker invited Steven Soltysik to her Legislative Office in Mount Sinai to congratulate him and present him with a proclamation.
“Congratulations to Steven Soltysik for being a finalist in the #ShotToReunite Call to Artists campaign,” said Legislator Anker. “Steven’s bright and creative art work depicts the joy and relief we can all feel when our communities are fully vaccinated. His art work will help to inspire communities throughout Long Island to get the COVID-19 vaccine.”
Steven Soltysik's submission. Photo Credit: Office of Legislator Anker
Since the first case of COVID-19 in the United States in January 2020, the virus has claimed approximately 601,000 lives in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a vaccine was created and distributed throughout the United States to combat the spread and decrease the incidences of death. Throughout 2020, Suffolk County has been involved in various vaccination efforts including organizing and facilitating vaccination sites throughout the county, offering mobile vaccination units to vaccinate individuals who were homebound and partnering with local organization and groups such as the Shot To Reunite Coalition.
The Shot To Reunite Coalition organized a marketing campaign, asking local artists to submit creative, culturally resonant works to raise confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine and address vaccine hesitancy in communities with the lowest vaccination rates in the county. Over 150 artists submitted works of art for the competition and ultimately, 6 finalists were chosen. Each of the winning artists received a check for $350 from the campaign’s sponsor PinkTie and of the 6 finalists, one of the artists will be selected to have their piece made into a street mural.
Steven Soltysik, an art teacher at Kings Park High School and a self-employed freelance designer, submitted his piece, “Jumpin Outa Covid,” and was chosen as one of the six finalists. “Jumpin Outa Covid” will be printed, distributed and displayed throughout downtown communities all across Long Island and will be provided in both English and Spanish. For more information about the campaign or to view all the finalists’ pieces please visit https://www.shottoreunite.org.