City HeArt - A Homeless Art Show & Sale

The City HeArt event is an example of the power of art, when it is used to engagement a community. The community in this case has multiple dimensions: artists, homeless, and art-lovers. In the process this event is also engaging social service agencies, students, scholars, activists, and musicians without regard to gender, race or religion. 

On Saturday, April 14, 2012 the artwork of 40 homeless artists was showcased at the 2nd annual City HeArt event, held at the old South Church in Copley Square, Boston. Organized by visual artist and educator, Heidi Lee, this event included representatives from some of Boston's organizations such as Common Art, Pine St. Inn, Cambridge Women's Center, Someville Homeless Coalition, New England Center for Homeless Veterans and several other groups.





Many artists were on hand to talk about their work, such as these artists in the photo on the left who described the meaning behind their pieces.  The event featured all types of visual art, including pen & ink, painting, fabric art, sculpture, jewelry, scarfs and various other artifacts for show and sale. There was also an abundance of baked goods free and open to the public.

Acoustic musical entertainment was provided by volunteers and attendees were invited to participate.   One female artist gave a soulful acapella version of an Al Green tune, followed by another woman artist who sang The House of the Rising Sun accompanied by the guitarist.  A native american poet recited several original poems about the challenge of being homeless.  Another young man took the mike and spoke about his faith.