2020 AFTS Year in Review
Did we have a plan to for 2020, YES! Did we have to take a hard right hand turn, YES!
Art From The Streets is thrilled to say, with the help of our amazing board and volunteers, we were able to steer towards a positive, creative and supportive year for the artists in our program as well as many experiencing homelessness and at-risk in Austin, Texas.
ART KIT PROGRAM
We were excited to introduce our Art Kit Program, which gave creative supplies to the homeless community to give each person inspiration, reduce boredom and spark creativity. We partnered with multiple organizations in Austin to ensure supplies were delivered, mailed, and picked up.
- Families In Transition Program in Round Rock
- Integral Care Austin
- Trinity Center Austin
- Austin Veteran Affairs Outpatient Clinic
These kits offered a means to create and encourage positive mental health during these isolating times. We delivered over 350 art kits this past year.
THANK YOU to our patrons who purchased supplies through our Amazon and Jerry's Artarama Wishlists as well as others who put together their own art kits and donated them to AFTS.
This program was successful and sustainable - we will be working diligently to continue art kits throughout 2021.
BUDDY PROGRAM
Implementing a "Buddy" style program was a no brainer for this organization. Giving our volunteers a direct line to communicate with our artists was a WIN for everyone.
Providing support, community and one-on-one interaction was key during this isolating year. Our entire program all enjoyed engaging with our artists.
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
It is always so exciting to collaborate with local artists in the community. Here are some of our community collaborations from this past year.
- Laugh A Lot Art Events donated profits from online art classes.
- Austin photographers donated their time and skills to photograph artwork for our annual show.
- The Arts Council of Brazos Valley hosted AFTS at their art exhibit in College Station, Texas.
- Blue Dozen Collective Artists created a stunning mural promoting AFTS annual show.
ART SHOWS
Our board and volunteers stepped up to support our program by creating and supporting original art shows and sales.
- Neighborhood Pop Up Art Shows
- Summer of Art From The Streets, Online Show
- Original Sales in the Austin Studio Tour, Online Show
- AFTS 28th Annual Show and Sale, Online Show
Though nothing looked like ANYTHING we have done in the past, what does right now? We were excited to offer amazing work created during the pandemic to patrons.
We found by hosting online events, we were not limited to the Austin area - allowing AFTS to grow and spread our mission and art to new audiences. Each event has been a huge success and we are so grateful for your support of the program and our artists.
As we look towards the future, we are excited for what new is to come. We are digging our heals in to ensure this program benefits and supports those persons less fortunate.
Barriers and misconceptions have been broken. We are changing and adjusting in ways we never thought we could or would. The statement: "this is the way we have always done things," doesn’t cut it anymore. We, like so many businesses and nonprofits, have had to adjust and make major changes. Hard changes.
"Being uncomfortable creates change. Get used to being uncomfortable."
Let's be uncomfortable together in 2021 and create change!
Happy New Year to each of you! Wishing you a safe and healthy 2021!
Kelley Worden, Executive Director
Make a new year donation HERE to kick start 2021 for AFTS!
Purchasing artwork supports the artists directly.
