02 Feb Art by Homeless men and women to be part of First Thursday Art Walk

Who: For the first time Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission will participate in the Pioneer Square First Thursday Art Walk and will have on display paintings and drawings done by homeless men and women.

What: The art was created by participants in Art from the Streets – a program funded by the City of Seattle that provides an opportunity for artistic expression to homeless to explore the arts as a catalyst for healing and therapy.

The Mission’s Men’s Shelter has created an environment where homeless men and women can safely create, access, and explore their narrative understanding of God, self, and others.

When: Thursday, Feb 3, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Mission’s Men’s Shelter
318 2^nd Ave Ext. South, Seattle in the Old Spanish Chapel
(corner of Third & Washington)

Four Featured Artists:

Nick Cooper
Hi my name is Nicholas Eli Cooper and I am an artist. I like free hand drawing people , nature, river’s, and lakes. I find drawing and art fun and exciting. Since I was a child my father has encouraged me to do art. When my brother and mother left the house I stopped doing art. I just have gotten back into it since being at the Mission and have been doing work every week. It makes me feel great to be in the showcase! I like thinking out of the box with my art, I hope you enjoy it!

Patricia R. Cook
Hi, my name is Patricia R. Cook. I started doing art when I was a little girl. I like to draw and use my own creative inspiration. Art also helps me express my feelings. I hope that one day I’ll be able to go to school to be an artist. I have hope for a new start in my new life because of my relationship with my Lord. I also like to read. Thank you!

Joey Pollitt
Born in Camden, New Jersey in December 24th, 1961.  Came to Seattle on a Greyhound in 1990 after hearing about the landscape and work opportunities.  Had an apartment for 10 years and a job in recycling for 7 years.  I had plenty of money/things/food and was very happy with life.  I cooked my own food and had friends come over to hang out.  I like watching movies, listening to music, and eating KFC.  I lost my job when my company downsized and then lost my apartment.  I have not been able to find consistent work since 2005.  Started living at the Mission doing day labor and recently began selling Real Change papers.  Doing art here at the mission has allowed me to take my mind off my worries, keeps you busy, and helps time go by quicker.  I am constantly looking for ways to better myself.  I also like to sing and act.

John Portman
My name is John Portman and I’m from Puyallup, Washington.  I am a graduate of the New Creations Program here at UGM and am currently enrolled in the CADRE program.  I started doing art in Jr. High and would create whenever I had the resources.  When I became homeless I would go into alleyway’s in Tacoma and find old house paint that I could use on anything I found.  I painted on wood, glass, drop cloth, whatever I could find.  I produced tons of works throughout this time in my life but lost it all as my addiction intensified.  The art classes at UGM have given me the resources to begin creating again and experience the passion that I love.  I would love to study art and have a career as a visual artists if I could some day.

(p.s. Chief Seattle Club also opens its doors on First Thursday to show off art + jewelry)