common art is a unique program that provides space, materials and support to homeless people to help develop their artistic abilities. People who live in shelters, rooming houses and on Boston’s streets, gather every Wednesday at Emmanuel Church in Boston to draw, paint, sculpt, make crafts and to share with other artists in like circumstances. For most members, “common art” is a chance to express their artistic gifts. For some, art is a professional path, interrupted and suspended by calamity and homelessness. For others, it’s pure joy, an oasis of form and color in otherwise dry times. For all, it’s a simple and welcome relief from daily difficulty. “common art” meets once a week. A typical gathering includes 40 – 75 artists, along with volunteers, interns and staff. Artists are provided with materials and space to draw, write, paint and sculpt, as well as create beautiful crafts. Meet many of these artists and support their efforts by attending a “common art” show on Sunday, October 2, 12-2pm, at St. Peter’s Church, located at 320 Boston Post Rd in Weston. Most artists price and sell their work and receive 100% of the sale. Others take pride in displaying their work, benefiting from the encouragement and admiration of strangers. For more information call 781-891-3200.
