Several readers recognized the new Art Collective from last week’s “Where Is It?”
It’s located at the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store at 6464 West State St., but it’s operated by the Interfaith Sanctuary.
Interfaith’s Executive Director, Jodi Peterson-Stigers, told Boise State Public Radio that the collective originated when an unhoused Boisean grew tired of being ignored on the streets. He started painting on an easel in public, which drew people to him.
That was in 2019, and this month, the collective opened to the public for the first time. The art on display is all by unhoused Boiseans, and sales go back to support the artists.
Get to know the people behind the artwork. (Blake Hunter / City Cast Boise)
The art collective serves a need for unhoused Boiseans to express themselves and be seen with dignity, similarly to the “Word on the Street” paper, largely written by sanctuary visitors.
Not only does homelessness often separate people from their means to make art, but it also deprives people of crucial self-soothing practices. Supporting the collective directly helps artists in need, so give it a visit!
Plus, winter isn’t over, so check out how to support unhoused Boiseans through the cold months.
