Write a comment"Homelessness in America in Scene and Story” will be on display at the The Salmon River Fine Arts Center as part of their annual Fall Member Exhibit.
The display features watercolor and acrylic paintings by member artist Craig Anderson – each accompanied by a brief “story” written by his wife and partner, author Kelly Bargabos. The story brings each scene to life and gives voice to the often unheard and unseen homeless. While the member exhibit will feature a variety of fine art created by members of the art center, this special and provocative display “was designed to bring awareness, inspire empathy, provoke action and to bring power and voice to the homeless in America,” says Bargabos.
There will be an opening Reception: Sunday, November 3, from 1 to 3 pm which is free and open to the public. Meet the artists as well as representatives from some of the local organizations that support our homeless. To help the cause, 100% of the proceeds of the “Homelessness Exhibit” will go toward funding local organizations who support the homeless. Information about support offered by some of these organizations will be available throughout the exhibit.
This truly powerful and beautifully executed show offers a unique perspective that helps shift the growing bias of the homeless. As Kelly points out in their show book, “the causes [of homelessness] are many and complicated, multiple and complex, and range from mental illness to addiction, from disabilities to lack of affordable housing, from history or racial injustice to the system itself.”
For Kelly it was personal. Kelly’s brother ran away from home when he was sixteen and was homeless for five years. This compelled Kelly to serve the homeless in her free time the way she hoped someone might be serving her brother. It was also the driving force for writing a memoir, as well as the book that accompanies the featured work of the show. Craig and Kelly’s desire is that in some way the show will be a catalyst for change.
For Pulaski, homelessness became a focus with the recent tragic death of Steve Woods on Saturday, September 21st. Woods was a local resident of Pulaski who experienced homelessness. So when Craig Anderson, a member of the Salmon River Fine Arts Center approached a board member about this collection of work, the board felt it was important to find a way to display it during the members show to coincide with National Homeless Awareness Month in November.
The moving depiction of homeless scenes exquisitely painted by Craig and the thoughtful voice Kelly adeptly gives to each character tugs at your heart strings. The show is something everyone should take time to see – since true change starts with awareness of a problem.
In addition to this special display the annual member exhibit will showcase a variety of work in different genres as well as handcrafted ornaments. The exhibition for the members show will be from October 31, 2024 - January 18, 2025, in the Salmon Fine Arts Center and can be seen during gallery hours: Thursday and Friday, Noon - 6 pm and Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm.
The Salmon River Fine Arts Center is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization, located in Pulaski, NY offering workshops, classes, fine art exhibits and studio space to engage and educate the community, promote artistic expression of local artists and inspire the novice. For information about the fine arts center, or to find out how you can help or get involved please visit salmonriverfineartscenter.com or the arts center’s Facebook page at facebook.com/SalmonRiverFineArtsCenter/.
