Art From the Streets Celebrates 35 Years With Its Annual Austin Show & Sale
Shop more than 1,000 original works supporting local artists who have experienced homelessness
Visitors to the Blue Genie Art Bazaar on Oct. 17-18 can meet the artists behind the work they take home, with 95% of each purchase going directly to its creator. Art From the Streets’ (AFTS) two-day sale features paintings, sculptures, photography and mixed-media pieces, with prices starting at $35.
The show runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at 6100 Airport Blvd. Admission requires a minimum $5 donation, and advance tickets are available on their website.
“Our annual Show & Sale is a prime example of what can happen when people are given the space, opportunity and encouragement to express themselves,” AFTS Executive Director Laura Stubbins said. “For 35 years, art has opened doors for our artists, giving them a way to share their stories while helping them rediscover their voices, their confidence and their sense of possibility.”
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Opening doors through art
The event also gives visitors a chance to hear the stories behind the work directly from its creators. For artists, those conversations offer recognition that can be as meaningful as a sale.
Stubbins saw that firsthand on her first day with the organization, when an artist sold a piece for the first time. The woman kept repeating that she felt seen. Someone thought she was an artist. “I was like, because you are an artist,” Stubbins said.
The annual show supports work that continues throughout the year. AFTS provides people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness with free supplies, instruction, workshops, mentorship and opportunities to exhibit and sell their art.
Beyond the annual sale
At its studio in East Austin’s Canopy complex, AFTS holds sessions Monday through Thursday, typically welcoming 15 to 30 artists. Some have established art practices; others have not made art since high school. The organization also brings supplies to shelters and navigation centers five days a week, giving participants a chance to create and learn about the studio.
“I think one of the best things is it gives the community kind of a chance to see people beyond the circumstance of homelessness,” Stubbins said.
The studio gives artists a consistent place to work, store their pieces and connect with buyers. During Canopy’s monthly first-Saturday open studios, tables and supplies are cleared away and artwork goes on the walls for visitors to browse and purchase.
Opportunities extend to commissions, exhibitions and collaborations. This summer, several participants worked with established Austin artists on pieces displayed at West Chelsea Contemporary. Stubbins said artists also help one another with commissions, offering to collaborate so a fellow participant can share in the work.
Supporters can help sustain that work by volunteering, donating or purchasing supplies through the organization’s Amazon and Jerry’s Artarama wish lists. For more information visit their website at artfromthestreets.org.