Twice a week up to 30 artists come to a Downtown studio to create.
“When they are given the opportunity to create art, they are reminded about what's special in them,” said Yvonne Baughman with Art From the Streets.
Howard Cook is one of of those artists.
“One day I came in and started doing art,” said Howard Cook.
That was more than 15 years ago. Howard is part of a program helping bring art from the streets.
“Each person brings their own energy, own ideas," said Baughman. “They use the materials and create something.”
For 18 years Art From the Streets has been helping people who are homeless explore their painting and drawing skills in open studio art classes.
“They love having the opportunity to come and make art,” said Baughman.
The organization recently moved to Trinity Center inside St. David’s Episcopal Church in downtown Austin. Both organizations see it as a natural fit.
“Art From the Street relates to beautiful folks as artists. We relate to them as neighbors,” said Irit Umani, Executive Director.
Artistic expression is not the only benefit. The class also gives artists a way to interact with one another in a positive, supportive way.
“It's nice to sit down and look at everybody else and talk to everyone else while they do their art,” said Cook.
“Many come for the companionship,” said Umani. “They come to visit with one another, to visit with us to not be shunned away and not be judged.”
Each year the artists have the opportunity to sell their work at the Art From the Streets show. Howard has sold enough paintings to afford an apartment, at least for a while.
“When I'm on, I am inside. When it starts coming to an end, I still got to live, so I’m outside,” he said.
Selling their paintings is not the most important thing for many of these artists. It is the fact they are able to walk away with a feeling of accomplishment and self confidence.
“You've got a lot of beautiful talent. Who could ask for anything more?” said Cook.
“I see it as a place of compassionate action,” said Umani.
The 18th annual Art From the Streets show is November 6 and 7 at St. David’s Trinity Center located at 7th & Trinity in Downtown Austin.
