by Marcus Washington
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A metro showcase is giving a voice to dozens of talented homeless artists through an art exhibit.
At first glance down the hallway on the fourth floor of the Metro Office Building, it looks like most hallways; but if you look closely you see the stories of a group that is often ignored.
"I wanted something good and something that could connect with people," said Anita Smith, artist and formerly homeless.
Showing her displayed photography titled, ‘Where It all Began,' she explains how it defines her past, present and future.
"The pain of alcoholism. I am free from that today. I was in a violent relationship. I am free from that today and homelessness, I am free from that today," said Smith.
To the average eye the photo is simple. Just the Contributor Newspaper she sells and a bag on the window seal.
Along with nearly two dozen artists who are or were homeless, Smith's work is displayed at the Metro Nashville Arts Commission gallery in the Metro Office Building for the Project Arts Connect, the first of its kind.
"There is something universal about the need to create and the need to go one step past that to sell your work," said Metro Nashville Arts Commission executive director Jennifer Cole.
The artwork is often used as a form of therapy.
Cole says this exhibit gives an opportunity to artists who would not typically make it to commercial galleries.
"This urge to create, it doesn't matter what your living condition is, people want to see the world and reflect the world back through art," said Cole. "Whether you're homeless or you live in a big house that really doesn't matter; what matters is that people have something to say."
It's a new beginning for many people.
The exhibit is a partnership between the Metro Nashville Arts Commission, The Key Alliance, The Contributor newspaper, and Room In The Inn.
The open reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, January 20, and the artwork will remain on display until March 2, 2012
Donations of scarves, coats and hats are being accepted during the exhibit for people in need.
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