BLOG — AFTS Updates
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:
Finding Strength in A Community: Interview with AFTS Artist
Crystal has been coming to AFTS Open Studio for more than 5 years and tries to attend once a week “so that I feel like I’m doing something - life’s not just passing me by. I have something to look forward to.”
“Life can draw you away from your real talent, and AFTS helped me rediscover an old talent. [AFTS] gave me the opportunity to rekindle that talent.”
The Backbone of Art From The Streets - Volunteer Series III
"I remember the first encounter I had with Jefferson Bright - a VERY talented and humble man. We connected through a discussion regarding the U.S. military - my own father is a Navy veteran who served during the Korean war. Jefferson shared with me that he had actually served in two different branches of the military - the Navy and the Army. I was saddened that someone who has given so much for our country was not being cared for better. He was such a gentle soul and certainly not angry about it, even though I was."
Impacting Austin's Homeless & At-Risk One Paint Brush At A Time
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.
The Backbone of Art From The Streets - Volunteer Series II
“I cannot change what has happened in the lives of the people with whom we work, but I can participate in providing an opportunity for people that are part of the homeless population to create art and nurture something that brings them joy and a sense of dignity and creativity.”