How do you define “artist”? Do you consider artists to be sculptors or painters with works displayed in world-class museums? Artisans and craftspeople who produce utilitarian items like baskets or blankets? Bohemian creatives who make objects and images as artistic representations of their experiences? It turns out that “artist” is a kind of catch-all word we can use to describe a person who envisions, designs, or fabricates things of use and/or beauty…so, an artist can be anyone in any circumstance. Sometimes, the circumstance informs the art. Consider that of homelessness.
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.”
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.
