When COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness (KCAH) sought new ways to engage their community. I reached out to them to help coordinate and facilitate an art program that intertwined KCAH's goals with the participants' interests.

Over six weeks, we explored:
 



 Self-portraits through collage to examine our identity.


Abstract art and how different colors and brush strokes evoke emotions.


Pottery, exploring various methods such as coil, print, and slab.


Masks to investigate how we use different personas in everyday situations.


A group mural, where we planned and created our final public art piece. Limited by time, materials, and COVID-19, we created a collaborative painting that incorporated all of the staff and workshop participants, visualizing their message to welcome other visitors into the charity.



 

Through collaboration, shared coordination, and a curiosity to try new ways of approaching the self, we were able to create a safe environment for participants who have experienced homelessness to express themselves within a supportive community.