When we came into the mural project painting group, the canvas seemed endless.  It appeared to be a gigantic piece of white canvas that went on forever and ever.  How would we ever fill it? What would we say?

People were there for a variety of different reasons. Some people had experienced homelessness very recently and were still in transition.  They were no longer on the street, but not yet experiencing the stability and security they desired. 


Others were still on the street and actively engaged in the struggle to end that phase of their journey.  One person didn't see himself as an artist, and just came to possibly make twenty dollars.  There were some who resonated with the title of "artist" and wanted to make a statement.  They wanted to show both sympathy, as well as empathy for those living on the streets and in shelters.  They wanted to express that those experiencing homelessness are not "ghosts" or "apparitions," but real live human beings who have a presence and an existence on this planet even if they have no residence. The mural painters wanted to affirm the dignity of all human beings no matter what their present station in life may be.

The first step in the process involved putting white paint on the canvas. There was no dramatic transformation, but at least brush had been put upon canvas! The next step was more visible and involved as different shades of background color were applied.  It ascended from dark gray to sky blue. A bridge and steps were added.  Both of these were powerful symbols.  The bridge connects from where one begins to where one wants to go. The steps represented ascension of people who were in transition.  Underneath the bridge, those still experiencing homelessness were located in the dark shades of chaos and confusion. All were recognized in their various stages and understood in their proper context. Everyone is in various stages on the journey of life. 

Our final feat up till now was the addition of the words... "here but not forgotten!"  It recognized that those experiencing homelessness are present.  They are not going anywhere. They are not forgotten by those who have completed that stage of the journey and remember those they left behind in the streets.  

The canvas is no longer blank. It has a life of its own. It has been molded and shaped into a beautiful creation by a collective process of caring artists.  The work continues. The journey does as well.

The men and women of The Art Project, Houston gathered in St. John’s Bread of Life yesterday to continue their work on their newest mural. This mural, once finished, will be a depiction of the feelings and experiences of the homeless men and women of Houston, and it will be hung in City Hall. 

This week was the second of six sessions. Last week, the background of the mural was completed: a smoky, dark gray that gradually becomes lighter as it moves to the top of the canvas. This week, a new touch was added to the top half: a deep blue that fades as it approaches the bottom. So now, bottom to top, the canvas goes from dark gray to light gray to light blue to ocean blue. 

The mural will also feature a bridge, and this week they decided which one: the bridge spanning Buffalo Bayou near the University of Houston - Downtown. Since a large portion of Houston’s homeless community call this bridge their  home, it only seemed appropriate. By this time next week, that bridge will be displayed on the canvas.

Get Creative with The Art Project, Houston is a day of creativity and fun.  Each participant experiences two workshops of their choice, led by professional Houston artists. In each workshop you will learn a new art skill, tap into your creativity and leave with your very own masterpieces. 

We provide art experiences for everyone to tap into their creative spirit within, as well as creative ways for people to financially assist the Bread of Life in offering therapeutic art opportunities for Houston's homeless community.

Click HERE to register today!

Thank You, Lovett Elementary Fine Arts for the Certificate of Artistic Excellence!!!

You are an Outstanding School.  It never occurred to me; that my views on Houston, Texas would have had such an impact.  This was an educational experience, which I enjoyed.  

I got the opportunity to listen and view students from a Houston Public magnet school orchestrate beautiful music.  After talking with the children, I learned they received their musical instrument at a fundamentally early age.  That's wonderful. 

Most of all, Lovett Elementary substantiated my beliefs about Houston.  All the necessary information and resources are here. 

St. John's Church Downtown, the Art Project of Houston and a host of various organizations have greatly enriched my life; since, I returned to my home town. I bank on Houston!  

Thank You Very Much!!!
R.B.H.Yates 
3rd April 15, 2014


Photography by John Bullock of Bullock Art

Saturday, March 29, The Art Project, Houston team led a worship banner painting paint party for members of Westbury United Methodist Church.  With the help of our our friend and artist partner, Pastor Steve Braudt from The Art Project, Iowa who created the design during his visit early this month, the team led 15 participants of all ages in creating worship banners for their Easter service.

To learn how to host a private paint party with The Art Project, Houston click HERE.

Mr. Yates was one of the participants at our first Get Creative with TAPH on February 22. He has been apart of The Art Project, Houston since October 2013.  We invited him to write a reflection about his experience with The Art Project, Houston and Get Creative with TAPH. 
Here is his reflection...

Saturday, the 22nd of February 2014, I was fortunate enough to attend 2 classes of The Art Project at St. John's Church Downtown from 10am until 2pm.  These workshops were taught by 2 brilliant local creative artist.  This experience opened my mind up to the reality that there are numerous things in this life I can attempt to learn.  If no more than the principles or theories of how things operate. (How did they do that.)

The participating hands on in the creative work process show me that if, I focused my mental abilities in a structured and controlled environment my potential is unlimited. There is always a different angle to look at what you are going through.  I learned that God is healing me and it is a process. 

The Art Project has been a stabilizing factor in my life. I am coming out of homelessness. These workshops have allowed me to maintain my sanity through its various creative projects. This was exactly what I needed at this stage in my life. 

The Art Project and St. John's Church has exposed my mind to a whole new world out there.

Rutherford Yates, TAPH Artist Partner & Participant 


For registration details for our next Get Creative with TAPH CLICK HERE.

Ask me a question and I’ll have to think for just a moment to find the proper words to answer your inquiry. Place an art media before me and my thoughts and my hands will immediately begin to work to create something…taking me to another place. 

The Art Project, Houston allows me that space and guidance to come together with like energies to explore…and it gives me life. I love it when I have one vision of how the piece is to come out, I make a mistake and it turns out to be the best imperfection that makes the piece unique…such as life.  And to watch the process of other masterpieces in the making is inspiring and life giving in itself.  It feeds my spirit.

Amanda Emmons was 1 of 31 participants at our first Get Creative with The Art Project, Houston day on Saturday, February 22. Get Creative with TAPH was a day of creative workshops offered by professional Houston based artists, helping each participant tap into their creativity, learn new art practices and create masterpieces to take with them. Each participant got to select 2 out of 6 workshops offered for their donation.  
Our next Get Creative with TAPH will be held on Saturday, May 2 (10am-2pm) at St. John's Downtown. Hope to see you then! For registration details click HERE.