By: Misty Gattie-Blanco, Shelter Manager, & Sarah Worthen, Supportive Services Coordinator

The Homeless Project exhibition at Fresno Art Museum is showcasing paintings and drawings created by some new artists – participants of our Transitional Living Centers (TLC) program and Sanctuary Youth Shelter.

This spring, 41 TLC young adults participated in a 12-week art series taught by Fresno Art Museum staff. The new art students were exposed to various art forms and created different pieces of art based on techniques learned in each weekly session. In the end, these budding artists created and perfected artwork now on display in Fresno Art Museum’s Child Space Gallery. The artwork of youth who participated in weekly ArtLink education sessions while staying at our Sanctuary Youth Shelter is also on display.

In addition to the Transitional Art pieces created by TLC residents and other Sanctuary and Youth Services’ youth, The Homeless Project – which focuses on homelessness in our community – includes professional photography, architectural renderings by Arthur Dyson, and a three dimensional exhibit by McLane High School students.

During a member-only reception, the young artists and Sanctuary and Youth Services’ staff received a sneak preview of the exhibit. “I believe that art opens new pathways to serenity and hope by creating an escape by imagination and new found talent,” says TLC-3 resident Michelle. Other participants, gained a new appreciation for the power of creative expression. “Someone can see a painting or drawing at the right time in their life and be inspired,” says 23 year-old TLC-3 resident Donell.

The 12-week art series for TLC participants and almost year-long partnership between our Sanctuary Youth Shelter and Fresno Art Museum was made possible with the generous funding support from Cultural Arts Rotary of Fresno and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, respectively.

The Homeless Project currently will remain on exhibit until July 31, 2011.