Art From The Streets

Austin native Stephen Walker has loved to draw since he was a kid. In high school, he painted cartoon characters dressed in hip hop gear on clothing that he later sold. These days, he mainly paints on canvas and describes his art as both a kind of therapy and a way to put something positive into the world.

Deadre Vaughn-Hasley has been involved in the arts since she was a child.  She participated in everything from dance, to poetry to ceramics.  A naturally shy person, she has found interacting with volunteers and artists in the studio helps her become more outgoing in other areas of her life.

By coming to Art From the Streets, retired nurse Mary Anne Dyche discovered that not only is she an artist, but also  that her art has purpose and value.

Adelle Tippetts is the coordinator for the Art From the Streets outreach program. On the show today, she discusses the details of this growing initiative, and how access to artistic expression benefits those dealing with difficult situations.

When Valerie Brown first arrived at the Art From the Streets studio, she didn’t know how to work with paint and canvas. She was primarily a writer and sketch artist. Over time she learned about color, technique and the properties of the media. Now she uses both her writing and visual talents to create work that she describes as divinely inspired.

Artist Jack Hurd has been coming to Art From the Streets for nearly a decade.  He joined me in the studio to talk about how his tendency not to complete things may have caused some issues in his life and how he now finds joy in parenthood and art. @JackSpontaneousCreations

Board member Allee Beatty is the Director at the West Chelsea Contemporary in Austin.  She met me in the studio to talk about the importance of art for everyone and the need to care for creatives wherever we find them.

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 commun...

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 fo...

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...

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 prov...

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 A...

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 t...

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...

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 creativit...

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 enc...

Heloise Gold, is a dancer, performer and tai chi master who more than 30 years ago was moved to co-found Art From the Streets to help people reclaim their dignity, build connections and express themselves through art. 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 of those...

Pat Chapman, a professional artist, has worked with Art From the Streets for 13 years, first as a volunteer and now as the studio coordinator. She talks about how she became an artist and how she uses her experiences and skills to mentor the artists at AFTS. 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...

Artist Rhonda Beckham has beaten cancer 14 times. She met with us at the Art From the Streets studio space to talk about how she discovered painting as a child, how illness has impacted her life and how the people at Art from the Streets support her art and sustain her life. Art from the Streets is a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas. The mission of AFTS is to provide a safe and encouraging environ...

Artist John Bossert discusses how his creative work is influenced not only by high art, but also his faith. It is his appreciation for the steadfastness of Job that led him to his preferred media, charcoal, and graphite. Creating at Art From the Streets and selling his work, has increased his feelings of self-worth and enhanced his view of the world. Art from the Streets is a nonprofit based in Au...

One of AFTS’s newest board members, Molly Batschelet, sat down with us to discuss her work with homeless populations - including veterans - the importance of the term ‘housing first’ and what motivated her to become involved with AFTS. 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 cr...

Deborah Nugent found her way to Austin with a group of friends; artists and musicians looking for opportunity in the early 90’s. She tells us about studying philosophy and that she expresses her values and ideals through her 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 creativ...

Marla Johnson is the development director for Art From the Streets. She explains how her drive to serve led her to work for nonprofits, connect with the unhoused and build lasting friendships within this community. 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 ex...

Multi-talented creative Cathy Haynes has been creating works of art since she was a child. Inspired by the vibrant artistry she saw as a youth living in Japan, she creates colorful artwork that inspires happiness and brings “good vibrations” into the world. 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...