Episode 78: Art From The Streets

Austin Art Talk

“My passion is around art because I know how wonderful it is to create. There are lots of fabulous programs for people to have food and shelter. Very Important. Very Important. But we as human beings need to have our souls fed. That’s what I see happening with Art From The Streets.”

Heloise Gold - Founder and Board Member At Large
"We have about 35-40 artists that are actually there at a booth, that you can communicate and talk with and get to know and hear stories. I think when you take things back home that’s the best part of the art, the story that you have about the person or what it was about or what it meant to them.”

Kelly Worden talking about the 27th Annual Show and Sale
For the last 27 years Art From The Streets has helped artists who are currently or have previously been homeless to have the supplies and a safe space and window of time to just create. The work is then sold and the artists receive 95% of the proceeds. This interview consists of the voices of four different people involved with the organization. First Executive Director Kelly Worden speaks to the overall scope and mission, responds to quotes from four artists, talks about how this work has changed her life, and hopes for the future. Next, one of the original founders Heloise Gold talks about how it all started and it’s impact on her and others. Having been a weekly volunteer for the last 8 years, Katrina shares details about the open studio sessions, things that she has learned working with a homeless population, and about creating hope and success. Lastly we hear from Hugh, a formerly homeless artist who shares his story and how AFTS has helped him. Please visit their website to see how you can help this very important organization!
Art From The Streets
27th Annual Show and Sale
December 7th & 8th 11am-5pm

Austin Convention Center
500 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, Texas 78701 Ballroom A
Text courtesy of the AFTS Facebook event page

The mission of Art From The Streets is to provide a safe and encouraging environment where the positive spirit of homeless and at-risk people is nurtured through artistic expression, offering them a pathway to self-determination as a source of pride, achievement, social connection, and income through the creation and sale of their work.

AFTS is celebrating its 27th year! YEAHH!!

We provide a 4 times a week Open Studio for the artists to come and create throughout the year which culminates in this AMAZING show! There will be thousands of pieces of artwork for sale for you to choose from for all budgets! Many of the artists themselves will be attending to chat with you about their artwork and inspiration.

Come and invite your friends, colleagues and family to support this program but most importantly the artists!!

Suggested $5 Donation at the Door to support AFTS!
Austin Convention Center Ballroom A
Entrance on Cesar Chavez/Red River - Fairmont Hotel Entrance

Be reminded 95% of artwork sales goes DIRECTLY to the artists.
Some of the subjects we discuss:
Kelly Worden-Executive Director

Description of AFTS
Annual art sale
How to help
Artists quotes
Life changing

Heloise Gold-Founder/Board Member At Large

The beginnings
Making art with us
First show
Open studio classes
Getting organized
Divisiveness
Feeding your soul
Success story
Preconceptions
Finding a space
The work is good
Meeting the artists

Katrina Meredith-Volunteer

Volunteering
Trinity center open studio
Artists have jobs
Assumptions
Interacting
Veterans
Transformation
Blanton visit
More interaction
Finding joy
Support themselves
Creating hope/success

Hugh Miles-Artist

Coming to Texas
Art talent as a boy
Sharing knowledge
Positive state of mind
Looking forward
We are not labels
Love/action/truth
They can relate
Resentments
Always had art
Enough is enough
All I have is today
Not looking down
Don’t fit in/judgement
How AFTS helps
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Intro music generously provided by Stan Killian

Support this podcast.

Links:

• Art From The Streets
• Art From the Streets - Facebook
• 27th Annual Show and Sale