Art in Community among the Poor

"The Dive"

oil on canvas

This painting was done in the Word Made Flesh community and hags at the drop in center in one of the class rooms for children in the afterschool programs. This painting was done after a series of large portraits were drawn persons in of the community.

preliminary sketch for "The Dive"

I have found that most people are honored when asked to model for a painting. There is a basic respect and dignity offered in spending the time to draw someones portrait. It says, 'you are important, you exist, you are worth attention'. The process in making art in community among the poor is redemptive in itself.