Home Is Where the Art Is: Celebrating the Artistic Journey of the Homeless Community
In a heartwarming initiative merging creativity with compassion, “Home Is Where the Art Is” is poised to inspire the community through two upcoming events: Arts in the Park on April 27, and an auction at the Bo Bartlett Center on May 15. Spearheaded by renowned artist Bo Bartlett, this program not only showcases the artistic talents of homeless individuals but also aims to raise vital funds to support them on their journey toward stability and freedom.
Like a splash of color on a blank canvas, Arts in the Park represents the program’s inaugural participation in this vibrant outdoor festival, where art and community spirit converge. Scheduled for April 27 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Lakebottom Park, this event will be hosted by Midtown Columbus and the Columbus Arts Alliance. Local artists, including Bartlett, Julianna Wells and Mackenzie DeClue, will present their work along with incredible work from emerging artists from the unhoused community.
“The program was started about a decade ago to provide a space for homeless and low-income individuals to create art,” says Mackenzie DeClue. “Some of our participants are incredibly prolific; one gentleman produces about 15 paintings a week!” This initiative fosters artistic expression and brings a sense of autonomy and confidence to individuals often marginalized by society, according to Mackenzie.
In addition to individual artworks, attendees at Arts in the Park can enjoy displays of plein air painting and a host of activities organized by local businesses.. The event aims to raise awareness about the artistic contributions of the unhoused while bridging connections within the broader Columbus art scene.
Following the festivities at Arts in the Park, the program will culminate in a more formal showcase at the Bo Bartlett Center on May 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., where a full-scale art show and auction will be held. “Usually, we have just one show each year, but this time we wanted to expand our reach,” DeClue explains. “We’re really hoping that more people will discover the incredible talent that exists in our community.”
The auction will not only feature the participants’ artworks but also a silent auction with unique pieces by Bo Bartlett himself, designed to further fund the program. “These works often reflect the lives and stories of our participants,” notes DeClue. “Each piece has a narrative, and it’s wonderful to see how they can connect with others.”
Bartlett emphasizes the therapeutic nature of art for the participants. “Expressing themselves through painting allows them to share their stories and find support,” he explains. Over the years, many individuals have experienced life-altering transformations, moving from homelessness to secure housing and employment, thanks to the confidence and skills they gained through participation in the program. “It’s incredibly empowering to witness their journeys,” Bartlett says.
The move to Second Baptist Church on Second Avenue, which the program will soon call home, is anticipated to provide a more stable and supportive environment for participants. “We’re excited about this change,” Bartlett mentions. “It’s a safe place where our artists can create and thrive.”
These events are the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from volunteers and local supporters, and there’s an extraordinary sense of excitement in the air. As the community comes together, both events provide a unique opportunity for individuals who may not typically visit art galleries to experience and appreciate the creativity born from challenging circumstances.
The program’s Instagram page, “Home Is Where the Art Is,” showcases the artistic journey of participants, offering a visual connection to their work and lives. “We want everyone to know that the art they’re buying is not just a product; it’s a means for these individuals to express themselves and gain financial independence,” says DeClue.
As the city prepares for Arts in the Park and the auction at the Bo Bartlett Center, the call to action is clear. Community members are encouraged to attend, support, and engage with the artwork, helping to create a vibrant dialogue around homelessness and the arts. From the vibrant colors of paintings to the stories shared by artists themselves, these events are more than just opportunities to purchase art—they symbolize hope, resilience, and community.
In a world often fragmented by challenges and social disparities, “Home Is Where the Art Is” offers a beacon of hope, uniting creativity with purpose. By investing in the artistic talents of those who have been marginalized, Columbus residents can play a critical role in fostering change and promoting understanding, one brushstroke at a time.
Together, let’s celebrate the power of art as a tool for healing and connection. These events not only allow individuals to express themselves but also encourage the community to engage, understand, and support their neighbors in need. By participating in these initiatives, attendees help to create a more inclusive and compassionate environment, where every individual’s story, embodied in their art, is valued and recognized.
With the momentum building towards these impactful events, there’s a genuine invitation to embrace the spirit of community and to show that home truly is where the art is.