Art on Display
Austin-area homeless showcase original artwork from the streets
Catherine Townsend, "Owl."Courtesy of Art from the Streets
Pat Bailey, "Balloon Trees."Courtesy of Art from the Streets
For 22 years, Art from the Streets has been providing a creative outlet — and giving back — to Austin's homeless. The volunteer-led program, which provides art supplies and classes to homeless participants, culminates in an annual art exhibition that connects participants with art-hungry Austinites.
Art from the Streets hosts its annual art show and sale on December 6-7. The community-minded event will feature paintings, sketches, jewelry, pottery and more from 75 Austin-area homeless artists. All proceeds go directly to the artists.
"The effects of this annual show go way beyond the money and the art," says Bill Jeffers, executive director of Art from the Streets. "For those attending the show, seeing all this creativity and beauty changes what they think about 'the homeless.' They aren’t faceless anymore. They become individuals — this person, this artist whose picture is on my wall. There is a story connected to every piece."
Since its inception in 1993, the art show has grown significantly. In its first year, co-founders Heloise Gold and Beverly Bajema, helped homeless artists earn $1,650 in sales. Last year, after two decades and hundreds of success stories, the show raised $83,000. All proceeds go directly to the artists, helping them purchase essentials or work their way out of homelessness.
The annual show takes place December 6-7 at the Austin Convention Center. For more information about the show, check out the listing on our events calendar.
