Last Friday and Saturday, a giant nose and a team of white-coat-clad “doctors” appeared in downtown Vashon, as part of a humorous performance by members and affiliated artists of Vashon’s famed UMO Ensemble, aimed at encouraging islanders to get tested for COVID-19.

Performers included Mik Kuhlman, Martha Enson, David Godsey, Janet McAlpin and Lynelle Sjoberg. Pictured here, left to right, are Lynelle Sjoberg, Janet McAlpin, David Godsey and Mik Kuhlman.

The nose is part of a giant puppet, created in 1990 by the founding members of UMO and subsequently paraded around to many theater events, festivals, street fairs, and protests. Conceptual artist and test site volunteer Patricia Toovey built a large scale testing swab to accompany the nose as a means to drive home the message that testing for COVID-19 is readily available on Vashon. According to Kuhlman, the performance was also intended to remind both islanders and visitors that mask-wearing and keeping safe distances are also encouraged on Vashon. The performers gave away a limited number of three-layer cloth masks, made on Vashon, to passersby.

Testing on Vashon is easy to arrange. Call 844-469-4554 on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to speak to a volunteer from Vashon’s Medical Reserve Corps who will guide you through the process. No insurance? No problem. Testing is done Monday through Friday, by appointment, at The Open Space for Arts and Community. Call early for same-day appointments.