BLOG — AFTS Updates

Recently at the SXSW festival, a film that documents East Austin's first and only emergency homeless shelter for both immigrants and those seeking asylum, regardless of whether they're documented or undocumented, made its official debut.

The film, which is titled “They Live Here, Now,” made its debut this past Sunday afternoon at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, with additional screenings to follow later on this coming week.

“They Live Here, Now” tells the story of a teenage girl from Mexico whose brother was tragically murdered by members of a gang. After making her way to the United States, she finds herself at Casa Marianella, the aforementioned emergency homeless shelter. Through this, the audience is able to meet the real-life occupants of the shelter, as well as see what typically goes on in their daily lives.

Thanks to the film, the audience will be able to see exactly how the shelter's residents do many things, such as assist one another with daily tasks, building up a fellowship with each other, and even take classes to learn English. Refugees from locations such as Somalia and Iraq are featured, and all share their own unique stories of forgiveness, acceptance, and having the chance to start a brand new life in the United States.

Casa Marianella has been in operation since 1986 and has seen many individuals pass through it, such as Salvadoran war survivors and many different immigrants and refugees from approximately 40 countries. Additionally, the shelter also offers various resources of both legal and medical natures, and back in 2003, the shelter opened a separate branch known as Posada Esperanza, which is exclusively for both women and children. Currently, Casa Marianella operates 13 different homes which serve more than 300 people on an annual basis.

Art From the Streets rely on generous donations of people like YOU! 

Purchasing artwork supports the artists directly. 

Donating to our program helps us to offer a free Open Studio 

for the homeless and at risk. THANK YOU!

 

A statue of Leslie Cochran, a homeless Austin resident who's most well-known for his crossdressing and passed away in 2012, is closer to becoming a reality in the city of Austin.

Over the years, Cochran frequented the area of Sixth Street and Congress Avenue, where he would often be seen pushing a large cart filled with not only all of his belongings, but also adorned with many different slogans and signs that were made by him.

A local filmmaker was inspired by Cochran so much that he decided to make a film detailing his life. Additionally, he is also working to raise funds to have the aforementioned statue, which will involve Cochran sitting on a bench, erected in downtown Austin. Currently, the plans are to have the statue sit at the corner of Congress Avenue and Sixth Street, where it will be in front of an area Starbucks store.

A local artist has designed the statue, with the model of it recently being relocated so that a final fitting can take place for the statue and bench prior to any kind of a mold being cast. When the time comes, the mold itself will be used to cast the statue itself in bronze.

An additional $300,000 is needed in order to finish both the statue and the film about Cochran's life. Anyone who wishes to contribute can do so by visiting a fundraising webpage that has been established. Additionally, the “Remembering Leslie Cochran” Facebook page also contains more information regarding the project.

Art From the Streets rely on generous donations of people like YOU! 

Purchasing artwork supports the artists directly. 

Donating to our program helps us to offer a free Open Studio 

for the homeless and at risk. THANK YOU!

 

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First off, what is the East Austin Studio Tour? It’s a huge art festival happening all over East Austin. This free annual art festival kicks off soon on the east side of I-35. Over 150 studios, exhibition spaces, and galleries will be opening their doors to the public. from November 11 and 12 from 11AM-6PM.

Along with a great opening from Art From The Streets at 2832 E Martin Luter King Jr Blvd, there are countless other artists to see. Here are a few of our favorites:

You can see art inspired by the patterns of analog video feedback and the geometrical symmetry that comes out through it. There are turning patters and mathematical hallucinations painted into large pieces by the talented Paul Baker. You can see his art at the library at 4725 Loyola Ln.

Art represents life, and Augustine Chavez takes that very seriously. She depicts construction workers doing what society depends on, with a focus on race and work in our communities. None of the pieces show faces, to depict their anonymity yet their importance in our society. These pieces are on display at the Cepeda Branch Library.

Interested in woodworking? See Terry and Sarah Snow’s mixed media pieces at Chaos Woods Studio. Their pieces are unique wood sculptures, bowls, boxes, furniture and toys that explore the possibilities of what wood can be.

Want to wear the art? We’re loving the pieces by Emily Spykman Clementine & co Jewelry. They’re all based on the idea that jewelry should work with your body and be personally symbolic. The artist considers them to be like physical medicine in that the earth is supporting us.

Anywhere in East Austin you’re sure to find something great at this festival. Make sure you get out there this weekend!

Art From the Streets rely on generous donations of people like YOU! 

Purchasing artwork supports the artists directly. 

Donating to our program helps us to offer a free Open Studio 

for the homeless and at risk. THANK YOU!