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From the Regional Arts Commission...Art Program Transforms Lives of Homeless at Peter & Paul Community Services-- Exhibit at Gallery at Regional Arts Commission highlights 10 years of artwork from community collabARTive program --
ST. LOUIS (October 13, 2009) – Larry Sherman is an unlikely author, and the path that led him to his passion for writing is even more unlikely. For years Sherman was successful selling steel to the building industry, until the market tanked. Job problems led to drinking problems and to problems paying his rent. In quick order, Sherman was homeless. He found shelter at the Transitional Housing Program at Peter and Paul Community Services (PPCS), a nonprofit organization that provides housing and supportive services to homeless men, especially those living with mental illness, HIV/AIDS and substance abuse. Fearful and isolated, Sherman discovered a way through his “loneliness, guilt and frustration” by participating in the organization’s community collabARTive program, dedicated to the transformative power of community art. Professional artists work with residents to create visual, literary and performance art that helps them express their feelings and ultimately, to understand themselves. For Sherman, a critical aspect of the program was connecting to other people. “When you’re in a shelter, the only people you see are social workers and other homeless people. Working with the artists gave me a new focus.” Sherman found that writing sonnets and narratives helped him gain back his footing. Years later, he is still writing and is looking to publish a short story based on his childhood. The community collabARTive, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has helped hundreds of men both mentally and emotionally to express their feelings in a positive way which in turn helped them transform their lives. It has produced countless works of art, some of which will be exhibited at Finding Grace:Ten Years in Retrospect, from October 23 through December 13 at the Gallery at the Regional Arts Commission at 6128 Delmar Blvd (www.art-stl.com). The opening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 23 is free and open to the public. The show is curated by Con Christeson (who founded the program with Tom Burnham), Keith Buchholz and Michele Ryker-Owens, professional artists who work with the men in the program. One of the pieces in the show is a 16 feet by 16 feet game board in the style of Monolopy, which expresses the frustration of trying to deal with the many bureaucrat agencies organized to help the homeless. Instead of properties to buy, the game takes viewers on the “homeless trail,” as Sherman calls it, including jail, social security, Medicaid, etc. Another participant of the community collabARTive program, Dan Hake, is author of the poem “Finding Grace,” for which the show is named. Here is an excerpt: She is a gift, given to us…there’s no finding her, she is given to us. When you’re ready, she finds you. Live, learn, breathe, accept. Stop all resistance and she will give herself to you.
To see works by Dan Hake and Larry Sherman, and other program participants and staff members, visit Finding Grace:Ten Years in Retrospect during gallery hours: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.art-stl.com. # # # About the Regional Arts Commission |
Managing artist Con Christeson with program alumnus Larry Sherman at KDHX studios. |
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© 2004 Peter & Paul Community Services,
Inc. |
