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Creativity Gives Homeless Fresh stART
Mar 15, 2016, 19:33 PM
Art is more than just a hobby for Rocky Sumpter. It has helped rescue him from homelessness, taught him self-discipline and given direction for his life. As an artist in the Homeless Alliance’s “Fresh stART” program, Rocky has honed his painting and drawing talents while cultivating opportunities to turn his life around. Now as part of the OKC Home + Outdoor Living Show, he’s showcasing his artwork while helping raise awareness about homelessness in Oklahoma City.
The Homeless Alliance was selected as the charity partner for the Show because of their efforts in the community to end homelessness. Rocky, along with other artists who are experiencing homelessness, will showcase their work at the show March 18-20 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park. As part of their booth, the Homeless Alliance will feature the Fresh stART program so that Rocky and other Fresh stART artists can display and sell their art pieces. OKC Home + Outdoor Living Show guests will also have the opportunity to visit with the artists about their work.
“In addition to providing a potential source of income, open studio art programs enable people experiencing homelessness to express themselves creatively, manage emotional issues, develop social skills, and develop confidence and skills transferable to employment,” said Kinsey Crocker, director of communication for the Homeless Alliance. “We think the art will be a good addition to the home show because visitors will be able to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces that will not only brighten their home but also have meaning and support someone who is working to change their life.”
The Homeless Alliance booth will also include vendors from The Curbside Chronicle who will be selling the magazine that provides employment to people who are homeless, as well as wrapping paper designed by local artists for the “Wrap Up Homelessness” campaign.
Visitors to the booth will also have the opportunity to learn about donation needs including Welcome Home baskets that the Homeless Alliance provides to people who are moving into housing.
As someone who has lived on the streets with little hope or opportunity, Rocky directly understands the value of organizations like Homeless Alliance. His Fresh stART sales and the support from friends and mentors have helped him purchase a car, move into a home and leave behind his life on the streets.
“The Fresh stART program is so much more than just art,” Rocky said. “The art studio is a safe, familiar place people can go to stay out of trouble, realize a purpose and find an opportunity to better their lives.”
The OKC Home + Outdoor Living Show is a three-day event held March 18-20 at State Fair Park showcasing hundreds of experts in patios, decking, windows and more. Adult admission is $9 and children under 12 get in free. Buy tickets online using the promo code HOME and save $2
The Homeless Alliance was selected as the charity partner for the Show because of their efforts in the community to end homelessness. Rocky, along with other artists who are experiencing homelessness, will showcase their work at the show March 18-20 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park. As part of their booth, the Homeless Alliance will feature the Fresh stART program so that Rocky and other Fresh stART artists can display and sell their art pieces. OKC Home + Outdoor Living Show guests will also have the opportunity to visit with the artists about their work.
“In addition to providing a potential source of income, open studio art programs enable people experiencing homelessness to express themselves creatively, manage emotional issues, develop social skills, and develop confidence and skills transferable to employment,” said Kinsey Crocker, director of communication for the Homeless Alliance. “We think the art will be a good addition to the home show because visitors will be able to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces that will not only brighten their home but also have meaning and support someone who is working to change their life.”
The Homeless Alliance booth will also include vendors from The Curbside Chronicle who will be selling the magazine that provides employment to people who are homeless, as well as wrapping paper designed by local artists for the “Wrap Up Homelessness” campaign.
Visitors to the booth will also have the opportunity to learn about donation needs including Welcome Home baskets that the Homeless Alliance provides to people who are moving into housing.
As someone who has lived on the streets with little hope or opportunity, Rocky directly understands the value of organizations like Homeless Alliance. His Fresh stART sales and the support from friends and mentors have helped him purchase a car, move into a home and leave behind his life on the streets.
“The Fresh stART program is so much more than just art,” Rocky said. “The art studio is a safe, familiar place people can go to stay out of trouble, realize a purpose and find an opportunity to better their lives.”
The OKC Home + Outdoor Living Show is a three-day event held March 18-20 at State Fair Park showcasing hundreds of experts in patios, decking, windows and more. Adult admission is $9 and children under 12 get in free. Buy tickets online using the promo code HOME and save $2