Following an accident that left him unable to work, artist Jameson Behrens had to leave his beloved Colorado and move closer to family in Texas. Like many of us Jameson was looking for something to do during our forced shut in brought on by COVID 19.  He was a fan of Bob Ross and decided to use his stimulus check to buy art supplies and finally start painting.

At Art From the Streets, our mission is to create a safe, supportive space where individuals experiencing homelessness can express themselves through art. Through creativity, our artists build confidence, form meaningful connections, and generate income — opening pathways to greater self-determination and personal growth.Because while housing is vital, we believe that healing, dignity, and community are just as essential to improving and sustaining quality of life.In each episode, you’ll hear the unique stories behind the art — voices of resilience, creativity, and humanity from the AFTS community.

At the age of 55, Marco Abelli left his home state of New Jersey to explore his creative side in Austin, Tx. This week he tells us what brought about that decision and how things have worked out for him in our capital city. Art from the Streets is a non-profit based in Austin, Texas. The mission of AFTS is to provide a safe and encouraging environment in which the positive spirit and creativity for those experiencing homelessness are nurtured through their own artistic expression because focusing on housing alone does not achieve other equally important goals that are relevant and motivating to improving and sustaining a quality of life. Original artwork is for sale in art shows throughout Austin, Texas. At these shows in the community the artist receives 95% of sales. Artists receive 60% of the final price of online artwork and merchandise sales. ⁠Shop online at Art from the Streets!⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Art From The Streets and upcoming events! ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Donate to Art From The Streets. ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow Art From The Streets on Instagram!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Volunteer at Art From the Streets!⁠⁠

In this episode we visit with Kelas Lloyd, who was already a published author and jewelry maker before they came to Art From the Streets. Kelas writes science fiction and fantasy as well as nonfiction. You can purchase their hand-crafted, artisan jewelry at their Etsy store, LikeGlitterandGold.  Art from the Streets is a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas. The mission of AFTS is to provide a safe and encouraging environment in which the positive spirit and creativity for those experiencing homelessness are nurtured through their own artistic expression because focusing on housing alone does not achieve other equally important goals that are relevant and motivating to improving and sustaining a quality of life. Original artwork is for sale in art shows throughout Austin, Texas. At these shows in the community the artist receives 95% of sales. Artists receive 60% of the final price of online artwork and merchandise sales. ⁠⁠⁠Shop online at Art from the Streets!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Art From The Streets and upcoming events! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate to Art From The Streets. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Art From The Streets on Instagram!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Volunteer at Art From the Streets!⁠⁠

Our featured artist today is David Dominguez. Although fairly new to Art From the Streets, he was recently selected to be one of two artist liaisons for the 0rganization. David came to art very early in life, but it wasn’t until he took a workshop at AFTS that he learned to use color effectively in his work. Art from the Streets is a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas. The mission of AFTS is to provide a safe and encouraging environment in which the positive spirit and creativity for those experiencing homelessness are nurtured through their own artistic expression because focusing on housing alone does not achieve other equally important goals that are relevant and motivating to improving and sustaining a quality of life. Original artwork is for sale in art shows throughout Austin, Texas. At these shows in the community the artist receives 95% of sales. Artists receive 60% of the final price of online artwork and merchandise sales. ⁠⁠Shop online at Art from the Streets!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Art From The Streets and upcoming events! ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate to Art From The Streets. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Art From The Streets on Instagram!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Volunteer at Art From the Streets!⁠⁠

For this episode we dropped into the AFTS studio during working hours to visit with volunteer Richard Hand. Richard is a former creative director who retired to Austin and now shares his talent and time with the staff and artists at AFTS. Note: the background noises you hear during this episode are simply artists at work. Art from the Streets is a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas. The mission of AFTS is to provide a safe and encouraging environment in which the positive spirit and creativity for those experiencing homelessness are nurtured through their own artistic expression because focusing on housing alone does not achieve other equally important goals that are relevant and motivating to improving and sustaining a quality of life. Original artwork is for sale in art shows throughout Austin, Texas. At these shows in the community the artist receives 95% of sales. Artists receive 60% of the final price of online artwork and merchandise sales. ⁠⁠Shop online at Art from the Streets!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Art From The Streets and upcoming events! ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate to Art From The Streets. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Art From The Streets on Instagram!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Volunteer at Art From the Streets!⁠⁠

Today we talk to abstract artist Michele McGaughey who uses her studio time to hold a positive mental space as she conquers past traumas and strives to reach new goals. Art from the Streets is a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas. The mission of AFTS is to provide a safe and encouraging environment in which the positive spirit and creativity for those experiencing homelessness are nurtured through their own artistic expression because focusing on housing alone does not achieve other equally important goals that are relevant and motivating to improving and sustaining a quality of life. Original artwork is for sale in art shows throughout Austin, Texas. At these shows in the community the artist receives 95% of sales. Artists receive 60% of the final price of online artwork and merchandise sales. ⁠⁠Shop online at Art from the Streets!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Art From The Streets and upcoming events! ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate to Art From The Streets. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Art From The Streets on Instagram!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Volunteer at Art From the Streets!⁠⁠

Artist Keifred Townsend is an Austin native, whose work depicts people of African descent often in the form of angels. He hopes his art will inspire young people to live out their dreams. Art from the Streets is a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas. The mission of AFTS is to provide a safe and encouraging environment in which the positive spirit and creativity for those experiencing homelessness are nurtured through their own artistic expression because focusing on housing alone does not achieve other equally important goals that are relevant and motivating to improving and sustaining a quality of life. Original artwork is for sale in art shows throughout Austin, Texas. At these shows in the community the artist receives 95% of sales. Artists receive 60% of the final price of online artwork and merchandise sales. ⁠⁠Shop online at Art from the Streets!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Art From The Streets and upcoming events! ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate to Art From The Streets. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Art From The Streets on Instagram!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Volunteer at Art From the Streets!⁠⁠

Ramon ’Spider’ Vargas has experienced violence and incarceration. He spoke to us about his belief that there is darkness in the world and how that comes out in his work. He finds solace and peace of mind at Art From the Streets. Art from the Streets is a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas. The mission of AFTS is to provide a safe and encouraging environment in which the positive spirit and creativity for those experiencing homelessness are nurtured through their own artistic expression because focusing on housing alone does not achieve other equally important goals that are relevant and motivating to improving and sustaining a quality of life. Original artwork is for sale in art shows throughout Austin, Texas. At these shows in the community the artist receives 95% of sales. Artists receive 60% of the final price of online artwork and merchandise sales. ⁠⁠Shop online at Art from the Streets!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Art From The Streets and upcoming events! ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate to Art From The Streets. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Art From The Streets on Instagram!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Volunteer at Art From the Streets!⁠⁠

Welcome to Season 3 of the AFTS Podcast series! We are privileged to open Season 3 with artist Amira Yamaguchi. The experience she gained and connections she made while at Art From the Streets has given her the confidence and skills she needs to blaze a path to a career as a working artist. Art from the Streets is a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas. The mission of AFTS is to provide a safe and encouraging environment in which the positive spirit and creativity for those experiencing homelessness are nurtured through their own artistic expression because focusing on housing alone does not achieve other equally important goals that are relevant and motivating to improving and sustaining a quality of life. Original artwork is for sale in art shows throughout Austin, Texas. At these shows in the community the artist receives 95% of sales. Artists receive 60% of the final price of online artwork and merchandise sales. ⁠Shop online at Art from the Streets!⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Art From The Streets and upcoming events! ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Donate to Art From The Streets. ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow Art From The Streets on Instagram!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Volunteer at Art From the Streets!⁠⁠