Saturday, March 2, about 100 people from the community gathered at the Bread of Life for the unveiling and celebration of the collaborative mural project recently installed on the outside wall of our building on the Gray side. The mural entitled, Epiphany in All Eyes, is a public art piece collaboration between partnering organizations The Boniuk Center at Rice University's SSQ13, Museum of Cultural Arts Houston and The Art Project, Houston a project of the Bread of Life that began in October 2013 and culminated on March 2 with a celebration.

The piece was designed, created and/or installed by high school students from throughout the City of Houston, students from Rice University, Donald Collins (Founder of Love is Studios & TAPH Artist Partner), TAPH artist participants/partners, M.O.C.A.H. artist team and other artists in the community.  On February 24, men and women from the Bread of Life community were invited to make their mark on the mural by adding a colorful handprint to the "Tree of Life" portion of the mural.  The day the community added their mark to the mural was filled with joy, happiness and life!  One participant said, "It was happy out here today on the corner of Jackson and Gray. It was a fun day."

Epiphany in All Eyes is a story of creation, unity and journey. Our paths through life are different, yet our journey is universal. Innocently, we face futures filled with opportunities and challenges. Transcending our difference and initing on common ground we see answers to the questions of life, gaining wisdom and knowledge along the way.  In the end, we share what we have learned and reflect back to see just how far we have come. 

We thank The Boniuk Center for funding this project and inviting the Bread of Life to partner in the creative process, as well as host the mural. This has added color and beauty to our midtown Houston community, as well as helped to foster the vision of creating beautiful art that can be view and appreciated by people from all walks of life. 

If you were unable to make the event, we encourage you to drive by to see this phenomenal piece of public art at the Bread of Life.

I  am originally from Los Angeles, California. I came to Houston in May of 2011, after marrying my then wife who was from Rhode Island. After suffering through 6 months of a tumultuous marriage where I endured both physical & emotional abuse, I finally just packed a few of my things and left on the 22nd of May 2012. This is how I became homeless.

How can I describe how survival on the streets is for someone who has never experienced this ordeal before? Life on the streets of Houston was literally Hell! No family to turn to, no friends to depend on, no knowledge of where anything is that will give you can get a HAND-UP and not a HAND-OUT. 

Everyday waking up to try to find some form of work to care for yourself while at the same time trying to find a secure place to hide your belongings, only to come back after spending all day searching for work to discover that your things were stolen by some other person who has a drug or alcohol addiction. My things were stolen on three different occasions since I’ve been on the streets, including having my identification & work credentials stolen the very first time my things were taken. This is what caused me to be on the streets for so long.

Even through all of that turmoil I’d have to say that the worst experience of life on the streets were the winter months. Having to sleep under bridges, in parks, or in the doorway of some building when it is cold or raining or both is the worst feeling ever. Even worst is to have someone who has a nice warm house to go to every night tell you, “don’t give up, it’s going to get better” yet they do nothing to help ease your condition. Its like being on fire and someone standing there with a bucket of water but not throwing it on you to dowse the flames.

I came upon the Bread of Life a few days after I first became homeless, and met Pastor Lanecia during one of the After Dark Art programs she was teaching that day. It was an art contest to paint something using the theme “HOPE”. I’d never held a paintbrush in my hand to create anything until that day and really didn’t want to participate, but she encouraged me to do so.

I ended up winning the contest with a painting that I titled “My Dad’s Not Missing”, and sold the painting at an art exhibit a few weeks later. That experience ignited a desire to create and I’ve since sold numerous paintings at other exhibits that Pastor Lanecia has taken me to. 

The Art Project, Houston was the stepping stone that I was searching for to help me get my life back on track. It gave me a safe and constructive way to vent the stresses and frustrations that life was weighing on my shoulders without me doing anything illegal that would get me into trouble with the law. Through The Art Project, Houston I was able to meet a number of influential people including, but not limited to, Reginald Adams (an artist and Co-Founder of the Museum Of Cultural Arts, Houston).

I have since gotten a job working at the Port of Houston as a roustabout, and an apartment on Houston’s Southeast side. I can honestly say that none of this would have been possible without my experiences and opportunities through TAPH. This is why it is very important for programs such as TAPH to continue to thrive. Because for every 3 people you run into on these streets full of games, there is one who is sincerely striving to make a way to live a better life…and that one is worth all the effort! 
When did you realize you were an artist?
I’ve been drawing with pencil since my youth, but I never realized I was a painter until Pastor Lanecia put a paintbrush in my hand.

Who or what inspires you? What motivates you to create?
Life!
I look at things as I go throughout my day and something gives me ideas about what to paint or create.

Why did you decide to partner with The Art Project, Houston?
The reason was twofold. It gave me a positive outlet to vent, and helped me out financially in a time when I really needed it.

What is the coolest art project you have worked on with TAPH?
That’s a tough one, because there are actually two projects that stand out to me. Working with TAPH & M.O.C.A.H. at the Starbucks convention last September, and working on the Mural project for the side of the Bread Of Life, again with M.O.C.A.H.

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

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).

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.