A new show called ‘Art from the Streets to the Library’ opened Wednesday night at the second-floor gallery of Austin’s new Central Library.
The show features about 50 works from more than 30 artists in the Art from the Streets program, an Austin non-profit that provides studio space and materials to Austin’s homeless population.
Works in the show run the gamut from representational to abstract. Most are works on paper, but some are on canvas. All are for sale — prices range from $35 to $1,200. This show is a great opportunity to purchase some beautiful pieces for a bargain, while helping a homeless artist at the same time. What could be better?
According to their mission statement, Art from the Streets strives to “provide a safe and encouraging environment in which the positive spirit and creativity of homeless and formerly homeless people is nurtured through artistic expression, and to provide with them a source of pride and income through the sale of their work.” This is something that I can believe in.
Art from the Streets has multiple shows around town throughout the year, but their largest show happens during the holiday season. On December 1, thousands of works will be for sale at the organization’s Annual Show and Sale at the Austin Convention Center. You can also buy both original works and prints at their website.
Most of the funds raised through the sale of artworks go directly to the artists; the remainder are used to purchase supplies and fund the continuation of the program.
Troy Campa, director of CAMIBAart Gallery, curated the current show. Campa serves on Art from the Streets’ board of directors.
The show continues through October 14 at Austin’s Central Library.
artsarticulated.com 