St. Francis House

So, some of you might remember this post: http://www.theinfamousdance.com/2008/04/st-francis-house.html

Today I found a reason to love passing this place again.

A few days ago as I was walking by, something caught my eye. Buried in the corner of their art display (the occupants of the St. Francis House do art therapy sessions), something caught my eye.

Skulls! On the window, there was a note that everything in the window is for sale, with a number to call if interested.

I called and through a series of calls that were missed and returned over and over (me and the art director have completely different schedules), I got an appointment to meet with the artist and purchase his work.

That was today at 11am (thanks go to Tim Leinhart who acted straight so I could look like I have an intimidating boyfriend).

It was pretty intimidating as we sauntered through the metal detector and fielded the expected looks of, "What are you doing here?" I walked through the kitchen full of homeless men to the art room where a number of folks were working on canvas and paper with crayons, pens, markers, and every once in a while - actual paint. My heart broke as I saw these full grown members of our society using the art somewhat elementary fare typically relegated to little kids.

Linda, the art director at the St. Francis House, approached me and showed me what I came to purchase. It was done in crayon and ink on legal-size paper. The gentleman who had painted it was there, and I got to give him the money directly.

It was so wonderful to meet him and shake his hand, but to be honest, I felt guilt.

His work (which most likely took him a few hours) was sold for $20.