Artists Experiencing Homelessness Showcasing, Selling Art Through Fresh stART Program

They may not always have roofs over their heads. But thanks to their paint brushes, they have a sense of place. 

An Oklahoma City program is giving artists experiencing homelessness a chance to create, showcase and sell their works.

The Homeless Alliance's Fresh stART program has an art show at DNA Galleries at 1709 NW 16th St. 

It features dozens of artworks created by 11 artists experiencing homelessness. The pieces are available for purchase, and the artists get the proceeds.

“It makes them feel confident in the ideas that they have and showing them that they really do matter and there are people out there who want to see it and hear from them," Taylor Self, the communications director for the Homeless Alliance, said.

The Fresh stART program takes place twice a week at the organization's day shelter, giving homeless artists studio time to create art using supplies donated by the community.

"Many of our clients have reported that this gives them a place to kind of cope with some issues that they might be having. There's even sometimes a chance to get away from their problems for an hour or two and really just express themselves through art," Self said.

The artists featured in the art show said taking part in Fresh stART has been beneficial to them.

"It helps me get my mind off my problems," one of the artists, Rocky, said. "Time flies past and you (n)ever think about anything but art."

Another artist, Willis, said, "Even at 70 years old, it's still my addiction"

"It gives me confidence to try new things," a third artist, Lacie, said.

Many of the artworks have already been sold. But for the artists, it's about more than making money.

"I get to learn more about the healing powers of art," one of the artists, Jhayla, said. "Art therapy can be used as a compliment to other traditional mental health treatments."

The Fresh stART art show at DNA Galleries will run through Feb. 5. It's free for the public. As of Friday, there were still many pieces available for purchase.

Fresh stART has two art shows each year. A second one in 2023 will take place at Homeless Alliance. A date is being determined.