About 20 artists who have experienced homelessness displayed their works recently. | Courtesy of Shutterstock
Art pieces made by someone who has experienced homelessness were showcased at Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza last week.
About 20 artists displayed their works, selling paintings, sculptures and other creative projects.
“We really want to showcase their work and show that many that are unhoused are capable of doing amazing things,” Elizabeth Holguin, the city’s deputy director of homeless solutions, told KOB.
Homelessness has been a major issue for local residents and city officials with much of the conversation focused on encampments, rising crime and potential solutions. The art show offered a different look at those who have dealt with or are dealing with homelessness.
“I think a lot of time homelessness is a very hotly debated topic in our city, as well as the nation,” Holguin said. “When people talk about those who are unhoused, I think many of us have a negative connotation or a negative perspective in their mind, so we are really trying to show, people are people, whether they have a house or not.”
The showcase was a success, according to city officials, who plan to hold similar shows to reduce the negative stigma around homelessness.
