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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.”