Art From the Streets: Making Art Affordable, Meaningful, & Accessible in Austin
Where To Buy Art In Austin. In Austin, it can be challenging to find art that is both meaningful and accessible. Among the many galleries, fairs, and boutiques, one nonprofit stands out for doing something different: Art From the Streets (AFTS). Their mission is rooted in compassion, creativity, and social change. They provide a platform for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to express themselves through art—and to sell it in a way that restores dignity and makes art affordable to the broader public.
A Bit of History & Mission
Founded in 1991 by Heloise Gold and Beverly Bajema, Art From the Streets began as a response to a realization: many people on the streets in Austin carried artistic talent, but lacked access to supplies, space, or the opportunity to present their work. What started as giving out pencils, paper, and encouragement evolved into regular art classes, open studios, and eventually a full nonprofit program.
The mission of AFTS is simple yet powerful: to provide a safe and encouraging environment in which the positive spirit and creativity of homeless and at-risk people are nurtured through their own artistic expression. Through this, they aim to foster self-determination via a sense of achievement, social connection, and income generated through art.
What Makes Their Art Meaningful
The artwork produced by AFTS artists is deeply personal. Many works describe lived experience—stories of hardship, resilience, hope, and identity. These are not generic pieces crafted just to sell; each work speaks of a person’s journey. For many artists, creating art becomes a form of therapy or self-expression, a way to find voice amid invisibility.
Another meaningful part is the connection to community. AFTS holds open studio sessions several times a week, where artists, volunteers, mentors, and peers gather. The space offers more than supplies—it’s affirmation, validation, and a chance to belong. Many people using AFTS say those moments contribute significantly to their sense of self-worth.
Affordability: How AFTS Makes Art Accessible
One of the strongest features of AFTS is how it makes art affordable to both buyers and to the creators themselves.
-
Pricing: Original artwork starts at relatively modest amounts (in past years, some work has started around $35). Prints and merchandise options are available too, often starting from $25. This makes it possible for people who aren’t wealthy art collectors to own original work.
-
Profit Distribution: In most cases, artists receive 95% of the profit from sales during in-person shows. For online or merchandise/print sales, a somewhat different split applies, but the system is transparent.
-
Regular and varied events: Their “Annual Show & Sale” is a major event, but art is also sold online year-round, and through smaller community shows. Plus, they hold an “Affordable Art Fair” featuring works under $500 and $1,000 to ensure lower-cost options are visible.
-
Low barriers: Admission to most shows is free or low cost, parking is often free, and the art itself is priced to allow for impulse purchases while still being meaningful. Buyers are not only purchasing art—they’re supporting an important social mission.
Where to Buy Art from AFTS: Your Guide
So if you’re wondering where to buy art in Austin with purpose, here’s how Art From the Streets makes that possible:
-
Annual Show & Sale: This is their biggest public event. It’s held usually in the fall (often in October) at locations like Blue Genie Art Bazaar. Thousands of pieces from dozens of artists are available, in styles ranging from abstract to representational, in all price ranges.
-
Online Store & Prints: On the AFTS website, buyers can shop prints, merchandise, and selected original works. Prices for prints often begin around $25. This is a great way to support artists even when you can’t attend shows in person.
-
Community Art Shows: Throughout the year, AFTS participates in local events, fairs, and pop-ups. These smaller shows bring art into more neighborhoods and offer direct interaction with artists.
-
Permanent Studio Location & Gallery: AFTS recently secured (or is preparing) a permanent studio space, which strengthens its presence and shows. That means more stable opportunities to view and purchase art locally.
Why Buying from AFTS Matters
When you buy art from Art From the Streets, it’s more than decor. You’re making a statement. You value human stories. You show that art isn’t only for those with galleries, large budgets, or connections. You help people achieve dignity, stability, and self-worth. You also support a creative ecosystem in Austin, where art comes from all walks of life.
Moreover, buying affordable art from AFTS brings art into more homes. It makes your wall an expression of social justice and creativity. That piece that started at $35 might become a conversation starter, a reflection of the city’s spirit, a meaningful addition to your personal art collection.
If you’re exploring where to buy art in Austin, especially art that carries meaning, supports social good, and doesn’t require a millionaire’s budget, Art From the Streets is among the very best. Their mission, the quality and diversity of the work, and their pricing system make them unique. They provide a way for buyers to engage with art not just as aesthetic objects, but as stories, expressions of intention, and catalysts for change.
Whenever you visit one of their shows, browse their online store, or walk into their studio/gallery, remember: you’re not just purchasing art—you’re helping to uplift voices that often go unheard. And that, in a city like Austin, is something truly worth supporting.
