Thursday, January 23rd 2025, 6:24 pm
Having an art show and selling your work is the dream of any artist, even if the artist is homeless.
“I’m always surprised and delighted by the things that I see from our artists; they are so talented,” said Taylor Self with the OKC Homeless Alliance.
The Fresh Start art program was started in 2011 through the Homeless Alliance.
“Anyone in the day shelter who wants to express themselves or have kind of a quiet place to create art is able to join us and express themselves however they choose,” said Self.
“When you get to sit down and paint, you get to relax and things can come to you easy when your mind is calm,” said Mary, a homeless artist.
Twice a week, the artists come into the dedicated space at the Homeless Alliance and use art to express themselves in many different ways.
“Painting, jewelry making, clay, watercolors, markers,” said Self.
All of the artists are either formerly or currently homeless, allowing us a glimpse into their world.
“He uses his cell phone, and he takes photos of places that he has slept,” said Self.
“A person from out in the world has come out and decided that I love that piece, and I am purchasing it. I want that on display in my home or office,” said Self.
Providing a huge boost of esteem to people who often feel overlooked.
“Someone is pointing to their idea and their talent and saying you matter and what you say matters,” said Self.
The artists set the price for their work and receive most of the money from it. The Homeless Alliance receives a small portion to purchase more art supplies for the program, to give more hope and more belief of a better day.
“Makes our artists feel confident, it makes them feel good about themselves,” said Self.
The program continues to grow and is in desperate need of art supplies of any kind to keep the program going.
The art will be on display through Feb. 8 at DNA Galleries, 1709 NW 16th Street in the Plaza District.
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