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      What is “Art From the Streets”? Our Mission, Our Movement

      Posted by Chris Ornelas ·

      What is “Art From the Streets”? Our Mission, Our Movement

      Our Mission Our Movement Austin. Welcome to the Art From the Streets (AFTS) community! Whether you’ve recently encountered our work at our gallery, seen an artist creating downtown, or heard about our mission from a friend, we are thrilled to have you here. As our organization evolves and expands, we are reintroducing ourselves to the community we serve and to the city that has so generously supported us. We are growing into so much more, and we want to take a moment to share our story—our history, our goals, and the profound impact we have every day.


      1. Our History: A Creative Spark in the City


      Art From the Streets began with a simple yet powerful idea: to provide a safe, creative outlet for Austin’s unhoused community. In a world where people experiencing homelessness are often unseen, unheard, and misunderstood, AFTS was founded to offer a space for self-expression and human connection. It started as a small, weekly gathering where artists were given basic supplies, a place to sit, and the freedom to create. This initial spark was fueled by the belief that every person, regardless of their living situation, has inherent talent and a unique perspective to share.


      1. Our Core Goals: What We Do and Why It Matters


      Our mission has always been anchored in a deep commitment to dignity and empowerment. At its heart, Art From the Streets is dedicated to providing a supportive and encouraging environment for artists impacted by homelessness to create, exhibit, and sell their art. Our work is driven by three primary goals:


      • Providing a Creative Sanctuary: We offer a dedicated, stable studio space where our artists can find refuge from the daily struggles of life on the streets. This is more than just a place to make art; it is a creative sanctuary, a place of safety and routine where artists can focus on their passion, rebuild their confidence, and reconnect with their identity beyond their circumstance.

      • Empowering Through Economic Opportunity: The cornerstone of our program is the belief that art can be a path to economic independence. We help our artists sell their work through various channels, most notably our annual Art Show and Sale. When an artist's work is purchased, they receive a percentage of the proceeds. This income is not a handout; it is a dignified wage earned from their talent and hard work, providing them with the financial means to support themselves, save for housing, or purchase food and other necessities.

      • Building a Community of Support: AFTS is a family. The connections forged within our studio transcend art. Artists find companionship, support, and a sense of belonging with their peers, volunteers, and staff. This supportive network helps combat the social isolation often experienced by people facing homelessness, fostering a sense of community that is just as vital as the art itself.


      1. A New Chapter: Growing Into So Much More


      In recent years, Art From the Streets has been evolving and expanding our reach, thanks to the incredible support of our donors and the wider Austin community. This year alone, we've seen highlights that mark a new chapter in our organization's history:


      • Expanded Programs: We have launched new workshops and skill-building programs, offering our artists opportunities to experiment with new mediums and techniques, deepening their artistic practice and enhancing their portfolios.

      • Record-Breaking Impact:Our latest annual Art Show and Sale, along with our community and studio gallery shows, have achieved record-breaking success. generating unprecedented sales that directly benefited our artists. This milestone is a powerful testament to the talent of our artists and the community's belief in our mission.

      • Deepening Community Connections: We are forging new partnerships with local businesses, galleries, and organizations, creating more platforms for our artists to showcase their work and share their stories with a broader audience. Our presence at new community events has helped us reach more potential artists and advocates than ever before.

      • A Growing Family: Our studio is helping more artists than ever. We're also reaching new people with an Outreach Program that brings art to our community partners. This shows that more individuals are using art to find connection, express themselves, and get support. This growth is a powerful sign that we are making a bigger difference and are committed to helping those who need us most.


      Art From the Streets 2025 Annual Show and Sale


      Art From the Streets is proud to invite you to our 2025 Annual Show & Sale — a vibrant and powerful showcase of original artwork created by individuals who are currently or have recently experienced homelessness in Austin. This year’s show marks 33 years of fostering creative expression and community support through our unique program. Whether you're a longtime supporter or a first-time guest, this event is your chance to experience the power of art to heal, connect, and transform lives. 


      Event Details


      DATES: October 18-19, 2025

      LOCATION: Blue Genie Art Bazaar - 6100 Airport Blvd Ste C, Austin, TX 78752

      TIME: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

      PARKING: Free on-site parking available


      What Makes This Year's Show Special?


      This year’s show offers a vibrant look back at an innovative and creative year for our artists and program. With over 1,000 original pieces available in a wide range of styles and price points, there's truly something for every art lover.


      • More than 1,000 original works of art for sale – all genres, all budgets

      • Meet the artists – connect directly with the creators and hear the stories behind the art

      • 95% of all artwork sales go directly to the artists – making an immediate and meaningful impact

      • Celebrate 33 years of creative support for Austinites experiencing homelessness


      This show isn't just an art event — it's a celebration of humanity, creativity, and resilience.


      How You Can Support


      COME! Bring your friends, colleagues, and family. Every artwork sold and every hand shaken helps build a stronger, more compassionate community.


      Can’t make it in person? You can still support:



      Art From the Streets is not just an art program; it is a movement. We are a community of creators, advocates, and supporters who believe in the transformative power of art. By providing a brush and a canvas, we are offering a voice, a purpose, and a path forward. We invite you to join us on this journey as we continue to grow and build a brighter, more vibrant future for Austin’s creative community.


      Be sure to check out our donor newsletter for 2025 by clicking here!