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Art From the Streets

72 minutes | Family | 2006 | United States of America

Art / Documentaries

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Tagline

Art From the Streets tracks the lives of five homeless artists involved in a grassroots art program providing them with courage, hope, and money.

Synopsis

Art From the Streets is an award winning, feature length documentary about a program for homeless artists in Austin, Texas, called Art From the Streets. The film tells
this story by tracking five of the artists involved in the program over the course of a year.  Viewers will visit homeless camps, learn the daily challenges of street life, and sit in on the Tuesday/Thursday art "classes".  You'll also experience the 2-day show and sale where the artists' work is sold and where they interact with people that they rarely have a chance to encounter in such a positive way.

Director's Statement

I was introduced to Art From the Streets in 2003 when I eagerly agreed to shoot a PSA, for their annual, end of year, "Show and Sale". The cause, a program for homeless artists, was worthy and the dedicated staff of volunteers most impressive. But, what "blew me away" was the amazing artwork! Additionally, the artists themselves were absolutely fascinating. I was convinced this had all the makings for a great documentary. So in 2004, I began shooting Art From the Streets.

It was in 1991 when Heloise Gold and Beverly Bajema made a deal with the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless to provide a space where they could invite homeless people to work on art projects. Gold and Bajema provided the art supplies, ARCH provided the space. Art From the Streets, as they called it, was born. After several months of these homeless "clients" creating artwork, Gold and Bajema decided that they needed to do something with the art. Their solution was to have a show to sell the work and give the money to the artists. Twelve years later, in 2003, the AFTS show sold several hundred pieces for a total of about $70,000 with the artists receiving 95% of that total.
Over the course of a year, I followed five of the artists involved in the program. As we witness their daily struggle to survive on the streets, we will also learn how this phenomenal program provides them with much-needed funds and an essential boost in self-esteem.

Directed by: Layton Blaylock
Written by: Layton Blaylock
Produced by: Layton Blaylock

Cast

Crew

 : Benny Holliday
: Linden Hudson, Chris Smith
: Doreen Copeland, Linden Hudson

“Art From the Streets is a doc about a program in Austin, Texas, that allows homeless people to create art and then sell it in a once-a-year exhibition. Yeah, I know. It sounds like one of those movies we should see because “It’ll be good for you.” Well, surprise. Layton Blaylock’s film is funny, sad, shocking and astoundingly emotional, a home run that puts a human face on homelessness. And don’t let anybody tell you art isn’t important. It can be a lifeline. And, yes, this movie will be good for you.” -Bill Butler, Kansas City Star

A review that I love:
“Art From the Streets is a doc about a program in Austin, Texas, that allows homeless people to create art and then sell it in a once-a-year exhibition. Yeah, I know. It sounds like one of those movies we should see because “It’ll be good for you.” Well, surprise. Layton Blaylock’s film is funny, sad, shocking and astoundingly emotional, a home run that puts a human face on homelessness. And don’t let anybody tell you art isn’t important. It can be a lifeline. And, yes, this movie will be good for you.”
-Bill Butler, Kansas City Star

  • Layton Blaylock

    Director

    Layton Blaylock

Press

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