This past art class rotation included many unique workshops, powerful times of sharing, and delicious lunches.  The TAPH artist participants fully invested their talents and encouraged one another to explore new creative ideas.  I have seen the power of vulnerability about our struggles, as well as our rejoicing in our celebrations. 

The class began as a group of people and ended as a family.
Some of the common themes expressed in the student’s work included joy, love and life, possibility, and faith.  The class participated in multiple life-giving workshops including watercolor with Joe Synan, collage with Robert Hodge, adornments from recycled objects at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, and silk painting with guest artist Deb Gavron.  The artist participants described their experience as  “great, enriching, and magical”

Here are some quotes from the TAPH artist participants...

 “I thoroughly enjoyed the watercolor class. I was intimidated at first because I had never really painted before. Mr. Joe was very understanding.  He showed us different techniques.  He let us explore our own personal creativity.  After making several paintings I felt more comfortable about the creative process.  I really would like to do another watercolor workshop in the future.  I hope that others will appreciate my paintings but more importantly, I enjoyed the process and I loved my work!”
-K.B. (Watercolor Workshop with Joe Synan)

“Today has been a wonderful and blessed day for me.  A day of light and creativity. It felt so good as a therapeutic release. I just love this class. I am so excited about being in it. God has opened a new door for me! I had been praying for doors of opportunity to be opened, he did more than I asked! (Ephesians 3:20)  I am so blessed and encouraged by this church, and the path and journey I am on. Praise God. Everyday becomes better and more blessed.”
-P.J. (Watercolor Workshop with Joe Synan)

 “I enjoyed myself, it was my first time going and I thought it was going to be boring but I was amazed. I liked the cups exchange exhibit, that was neat. (Artist Michael Strand accepted “misfit cups” from visitors in exchange for his handmade cups as a part of his “Misfit Cup Liberation Project”)  I love that we came here and I loved making arts and crafts. I love my wind chime that I made.”
-A. (Visit to Houston Center for Contemporary Craft)

“The collage workshop was very revealing.  I was very intimidated by the large piece of paper.  I fought through the fear.  I had to overcome my own rigidity and resistance to trying new things.  I seemed to be more concerned about doing the project right than allowing the process to unfold naturally.  I felt that I used too many faces and words rather than images and symbols.  I felt like my collage screamed rather than evoking something subtle and thoughtful.  It was instructive in that it is a study in my own psychology and emotional life.  I feel less fearful about the process and all of the work to cut out and organize the images but it was rewarding.  I would definitely enjoy doing another collage class.  The next time I would be more relaxed and playful.  I would try to flow rather than force it.  I wouldn’t barrel through it like a rodeo bull but cascade over the page like water.  I would enjoy doing collage work again.” 
-K.B. (Collage Workshop with Robert Hodge)

 “I enjoyed meeting the instructor and hearing about her talent and experience working with silk colors/designs.”
- T.D. (Silk Painting Workshop with Deb Gavron)

Blog Reflection by Cynthia Javaras, Mission Year Intern with The Art Project, Houston

Consider partnering with The Art Project, Houston to provide a creative FUN experience for your next party, event and/or team building experience.
The Art Project, Houston seeks to provide creative party experiences that allow for everyone to tap into their creative spirit and have fun in the process.  We will provide the easel, canvas, paints, brushes, aprons, art supplies, party hosts and instruction.... all you will need to provide is the space, table, chairs, food/appetizers and drinks you want for the party. 
Each experience provides an opportunity to:

• learn about the work of the Bread of Life, Inc.,
  
• meet some of the participants in The Art Project, Houston,
• tap into YOUR own creativity and
  
• support a project that is healing and empowering the lives of men and women in the homeless community.

 Read some of the stories of the difference TAPH is making...
 Ms. Carolyn
 Solo
 DaCamera Concert at the Bread of Life

If you are interested in hosting a Paint or Make & Take it Party, please fill out the form below and someone from The Art Project, Houston office will contact you to customize your event.  Each experience is a suggested donation of $50 per person. Contact us to craft an experience to meet your group's creative, financial and/or timeframe needs.

Bring your community together for a party that does more than leave its guests with the memory of a fun evening with friends and piece of art to take home. Instead, your guests will leave this party having made a difference in lives of men and women of Houston's homeless community through the Bread of Life, Inc.

Who knows how great of a reach and ripple effect you may have. Together WE will make a difference.

Contact us today if you would like to host a party by clicking the link below:
Host Your Own Paint Party with TAPH

Eunice is one busy and focused woman. Between her commitments to volunteer at Lord of the Streets, Bread of Life Wednesday Food Fair, The Art Project class, getting things in order to become a professional hairstylist again, and creating beautiful jewelry art, we managed to find a few minutes for Mission Year Intern, Cynthia Javaras, to learn some things about her as an artist and her experience with TAPH to share.

What has brought you the most life in the art class?
I have enjoyed the watercolor with Mr. Joe the most!  I previously had training in that medium and my art teacher in junior high said I had the skill.  Since then I knew I wanted to continue to do art.

What do you enjoy the most about making beads?
I love anything that I get to use my mind.  (Beads) is just another craft I can master.

What have you enjoyed about being apart of The Art Project, Houston?
I love people.  I started doing the art after dark program about 8 weeks ago and knew I wanted to continue to do art.  I am a people person and the class allows me to blossom because everyone else is blossoming.

Participants often use the word "family" in describing The Art Project class experience. Do you think the art class has become a family?
We were already family.  The class is the icing on the cake.

Reflection by Mission Year Intern with TAPH, Cynthia Javaras

The art class ended another rotation this past Tuesday December 18, 2012.  The students have journeyed through various trips to Museums, enjoyed a couple of watercolor workshops directed by a local artist, and learned new skills including working with fabric.  Below, are the individual celebrations and experiences of the art students.

 “Ever since we went to the museum of contemporary craft and saw the fabric art exhibit I have wanted to stitch.  Now I don’t want to sketch, all I want is my needle and thread.”
(Eric) a participant who is currently working on a fabric piece with the words “Be encouraging to one another”

Ms. Carolyn is a student who is very fond of the scripture John 3:16 and has continuously looked for new ways to place her stamp on new materials.  This art class rotation she started to paint!

“The art class is a relaxing environment for me.”
(Gerald) a participant who has inspired the class with his dedication to his school work along with his commitment to the art class.

“ I enjoyed the trip to the Fine Arts Museum because in the Egyptian exhibit showed how writing to them was a sacred practice, and I enjoyed that because I am a writer.”
-(Kellie) a participant who is a extremely gifted writer, lover and brilliant caretaker of words. Be on watch for some of her pieces soon.

“I like to draw peaceful places (including mountain and beach scenes) because I want to go there myself.”
 -(Chris) a participant who is currently a resident at Knowles-Temenos apartments and volunteers daily at the Bread of Life, Inc. as a way to give back.

Each of the students have unique passions including writing, sewing, painting, drawing, poetry, stamping, and collage.  Despite these differences of skill and craft, the class shares a genuine spirit of thankfulness and gratitude toward one another.  As a way to mark their willingness to commit to the process of healing and being empowered by art, each member of the class was handed a “Certificate of Completion" and was photographed by one of the participants who picked up a box camera for the special day.

Smiles all around.

Special thanks to Marie Noack, Roz Grimes and Pastor Simeon L. Queen for their leadership, support and love of each participant in The Art Project class (therapeutic art and empowerment 5-week rotation class of TAPH).

Here at TAPH, students have been in full swing this holiday season, creating Christmas cards and holiday art for various Art Fairs and Holiday Markets. As they have been celebrating and capturing the spirit of the season through their art, they have also been given the chance to be apart of something so much bigger than themselves!

Iconic entertainer and performer Beyoncé along with her mom, award-winning fashion designer Tina Knowles have joined forces with Bread of Life, Inc., and Pastors Rudy and Juanita Rasmus (Founder and Creative Director of The Art Project, Houston), to fight for the needs of the less fortunate with a fundraising campaign they call Miss A Meal.  Participants and supporters of the movement donate by "Missing a Meal", and donating what would be the cost of that meal to the Miss a Meal Campaign. Supporters take a picture with their empty plate and post the picture on social media sites like facebook and twitter, to show their individual support and to spread awareness of the movement! many twitter users even add a signature "twibbon" to their profile pictures to spread the word!

On Sunday, December 9th, 2012, TAPH students had the opportunity to have their picture taken with a signature Miss A Meal Plate! St. Johns Downtown had a photo shoot set up in the lobby for supporters of the movement, Bread of Life, Inc, and TAPH, to have their picture taken with a signature Miss A Meal Plate. All Pictures are to be realeased on the Miss A Meal Facebook page.

The Miss A Meal movement will not only benefit Bread of Life, Inc. and TAPH students, but also partners with non-profits that are instrumental in meeting the needs of the hungry by providing for those who aren’t sure of where their next meal will come from. Miss A Meal was inspired by the simple premise that one person has the power to help many. With a nominal cost of $1.00 per person to provide a well balanced meal, Miss A Meal supporters will be able to provide multiple meals through a single donation, simply text the word “PLATE” to 50555 in order to make a $5.00 donation to the Miss A Meal movement! 

It only takes one plate!

It's is not too late to purchase your ticket for the second annual FUNdraiser of the Bread of Life, Inc. for our therapeutic art and empowerment project, The Art Project, Houston!

Prescription: Paint 2012 is an interactive paint party FUNdraiser to support the work of the Bread of Life, Inc. to facilitate the mental healing and transition of men and women of the homeless community in Houston. 

Come dressed to create and leave with your very own masterpiece! 

Saturday, October 13
11am-2pm 
Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth
St. John's Downtown
2019 Crawford Street
Houston, Texas 77002
Sponsorship Opportunities are Still Available
Individual Tickets: $100
Event Chair: Anita Smith

I met Ms. Carolyn my first week at the Bread of Life, walking along Gray St. from one building to another.  She was standing beside one of the buildings with her bags and her morning cup of coffee she gets at the church. The new kid on the block, I raised my morning cup of freshly brewed coffee from a local coffee shop and introduced myself. She was gracious, quiet and did not say more than, "Ok. Ok," with a little giggle and a smile that articulated surprise by my audacity that morning. 

There was a light in her that leaked through the layers of heaviness and depression in her life. I don't remember much from that day or first week with The Art Project, Houston, but since then Ms. Carolyn has been a constant in my life and the life of The Art Project, Houston. Over the past year and a half, I have gotten to know and work closely with Ms. Carolyn. We've shared some of our stories with each other, and she has given me permission to share some of her stories on this blog.

Ms. Carolyn started living on the streets of Houston more than 10 years ago. She learned of the Bread of Life during a worship experience at St. John's Downtown. There was an announcement about the services offered everyday, so she decided to check them out. Now the Bread of Life is her community. When we first started inviting men and women receiving shelter at the Bread of Life to participate in The Art Project, Houston back in April of 2011, I must have asked Ms. Carolyn once every week, to which I received a very kind and little giggle, "No, I don't think so."  She continued her daily routine without interruption, watching the project develop and getting to know me better.

In August 2011 we hosted an art show of work by the first participants of The Art Project, Houston. Our first audience were the men and women staying at the Bread of Life's After Dark Shelter. Ms. Carolyn came to see the art and drink a free cup of coffee. During the show I learned that she is a self proclaimed "artist by nature" and she was very much at home in the room filled with art. One of my colleagues told her she should join the next art class and without hesitation she said, "Ok. You can sign me up." 

So in August 2011 Ms. Carolyn became a participant of The Art Project, Houston. Since our first encounter, I have been privileged to see the external and internal transformation happening in her life as she has opportunities to tap into her creative spirit within and participate in something life-giving in the midst of a reality that is life-draining and hard.  She recently shared in an interview that living on the streets, 

"is not convenient. I can't get to what I want to get to living on the streets physically. The environment--we are not in a rich environment; we are in a poor environment and The Art Project keeps us from being depressed about other things. Some of us may not have enough to go to McDonald's every day, and I am used to that. (smile) Art kind of helps, you know, I feel a little better doing something. I don't feel so depressed because I don't have enough Federal Notes to go to McDonald's. It's pretty much that, you know, it helps me from getting so depressed."

Carolyn's story is her own, but she is not the only one who knows this to be true. As I manage The Art Project, Houston, encountering lives like Carolyn and the numerous others who receive the invitation to participate; I am inspired, encouraged and empowered to reach my full potential. Every time I am able to get out of the office and sit at the art table with the men and women we serve, I believe more and more that just as we hunger for bread and thirst for water, we hunger for beauty and have a need to create. We all have a need to tap into the creative capability within and be affirmed as good. There is power in affirmation. There is mental and emotional power in creative expression.

There was a time Ms. Carolyn and I could not hold a conversation about the possibility of her living in an apartment, but a few months ago she asked me to check into some housing options for her to consider.  For months the only art Ms. Carolyn would do was sing, stamp John 13:16 in her scrapbook and prayerfully package the TAPH Art Cards, but now she creates pottery and other simple art pieces with paper. There was a day when Ms. Carolyn would not join The Art Project class for our field trips, and last month she joined our trip to the Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts and Lawndale Art Center. She enjoyed herself and added so much to
the experience.

The Layers of heaviness, depression and mental blocks that have hindered Ms. Carolyn from thinking past the moment she is in, have been falling off. Every day her light gets brighter and brighter as she creates, opens herself up to new experiences, is surrounded by an affirming team and begins to imagine new possibilities for her life. 
Ms. Carolyn shines, and it is beautiful.

As a volunteer and visiting guest artist at The Art Project, Houston, I was blessed with the experience of Life, Love, Belief, Prayer, and Faith!  These are more than just mere actions or words to the people of The Art Project they are a ministry of words and actions that call, push, and urge us to take a journey. Regardless of if we are seeking a corporate journey or a more personal spiritual path.  As I witnessed people entering into this area of art and wonder, I knew without a doubt, I was in the company of Christians that cared and loved deeply for those around them and for the art that they strived to create.

One of my professors at seminary, Dr. Dwight Judy writes, “Wherever there is an act of creation,
there is God.  God is a universal and eternal process of creating and sustaining the universe and every created
entity.”[1] hat is what I witnessed at The Art Project, Houston, a place where God is seenand experience in the act of creation!

 [1] Judy,
Dwight H. Quest for the Mystical Christ: Awaking the Heart of Faith, Akron, Ohio: OSL Publications, 2003, 51.