‘Art From the Streets’ Gives Voice to City’s Homeless

Image from artist Donny Birch

Art from the Streets is an Austin, Texas-based organization that develops art skills among the city’s homeless with studio classes at the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH). Each year, the organization presents an exhibition of work created by program participants. This year, the exhibition features more than 2000 works from 50 artists.

Not only does their annual show give enormous pride to a new crop of local artists, it also provides income for basic necessities, with most of the proceeds from each piece sold going directly to the person who created it.

The 2011 Show and Sale is held at St. David's Trinity Center and you can expect to see everything from paintings to photography, all while getting to meet the artists.

Cynthia Goad, one of the exhibiting artists, first began taking the art classes to escape the 100+ degree heat during Austin’s summer days. Participating in her first show this year, she said, “It keeps me focused, busy and off the street. Being creative gives me an opportunity to grow.”

The revolutionary Art From the Streets program has even been featured in a documentary, and of its shows, Howard Cook, who has been in the last 15, said, “I would love to see what my art can do while I'm living; not like famous artists whose art is only realized after they're gone.”

Art From the Streets: The 2011 Show and Sale
Dec. 3rd-4th
St. David’s Trinity Center
Suggested Admission Donation - $4; Pieces start at $35