PART II - Art Kits Impacting Austin Homeless & At-Risk One Paint Brush

 

With AFTS Open Studio and local art shows not occurring during these unprecedented times - we are unable to provide the VITAL positive environment, community, support or art supplies to our artists. Art From The Streets has been brainstorming the best way possible to bring connection and inspiration to our artists during this time. We are working to not only help the people of our program but also other organizations that work directly with people experiencing homelessness and at-risk. 

 

Through these brainstorming sessions a project called “THROUGH MY EYES" - ART KITS was created. The program was designed to provide members of our community supplies to create art which, we hope, in turn will give each person inspiration, reduce boredom and spark creativity.

 

 

Creating art supports positive mental health by increasing pride, self-esteem, and positivity. During these times of lock down, social distancing and increasingly less human connection, we are determined to bring our artists and others experiencing homelessness an opportunity for self-expression and creative relief to combat the increasing risk of depression and isolation. 

FIRST ROUND - June 2020

 

Within days of the first round of Art Kits being mailed to our artists, we received many positive reports. The response was so outstanding, after two months of creation - our artists turned in their sketchbooks to be auctioned off at our August “Summer of AFTS” online art show. Here are some of the pieces created:

 

                                                              Rose Ann Ortiz, AFTS Artist

                                                              Jeremiah Hurta, AFTS Artist

                                                              Eric Ulteig, AFTS Artist

                                                              Rose Ann Ortiz, AFTS Artist

                                                              Jeremiah Hurta, AFTS Artist

 

SECOND ROUND - October 2020

 

Art Kits Delivered To:

• Watercolor Themed Art Kit 
• Veterans Outpatient Clinic
• Integral Care
• Clients from Caritas of Austin

• Collage Themed Art Kit 
• 35 - 40 AFTS Artists 

Watercolor Art Kit Contents:

• Watercolor Paints
• Brushes
• Book of Cold Press Papers
• Colored Pencils
• Colored Sharpie Pens
• Instructions
• Inspirational quotes

Collage Art Kit Contents:

• Variety of Paper (Magazines, Wallpaper Samples, etc.)
• Sketch Book
• Glue (Decoupage/Mod Podge)
• Paint Brushes
• Instructions
• Inspirational quotes
• Notes from Volunteers

 

We want to supply art kits quarterly until we can gather again. The next distribution will be delivered/mailed in the new year. We are working diligently at AFTS to offer quality supplies so each person has a positive and uplifting environment creating the best opportunity for growth, success, and encouragement during these hard times.

  

 

A program like “Through My Eyes” - Art Kits is nothing without its volunteers, interns, and donors - the people that have worked behind the scenes to make this program prosper. We want to express our gratitude to our volunteers and donors for their time, energy and donations. Art From The Streets couldn’t do this without you - THANK YOU for helping us impact the lives of over 300 people experiencing homelessness or at-risk in the Austin area!

 

DONORS: 

 

• AFTS Art Supply Donations
• Online Amazon & Jerry Artarama Wishlist Donors
• Target - Austin South Park
• Target - Bee Caves
• Target - UT Campus
• Target - 5th Street

 

 

This program is funded solely through donations and we would love to continue creating art kits for the community with your help. 

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

 

• Your direct donations to AFTS at this time will go directly to support this program.
• Donate an art kit you made at home - contact us regarding where to ship or drop-off.
• Donate art supplies through AFTS wishlists:
• Amazon Wishlist 
• Amazon will directly mail supplies to our PO Box.
• Jerry’s Artarama Wishlist
• Highlight the product from our list.
• Place the highlighted text into the "search" bar.
• Select the quantity you would like to purchase.
• When checking out - add us to your "Ship To."
• AFTS, PO Box 202742, Austin, TX 78720

 

 

 

Thank you for visiting the Art From The Streets blog, an Austin based nonprofit that provides artistic endeavors in which the positive spirit and creativity for those experiencing homelessness are nurtured through their own therapeutic art-making. If you are looking to further discuss our program, please contact us today for more information.