Art From the Streets

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This morning I went to the Thin Line Film Festival in Denton and saw Art From the Streets a documentary film by Layton Blayloc.

"Art From the Streets is a feature length documentary about homelessness, art,
community service, courage and hope. The film tells the story of an
extraordinary, grassroots program in Austin, TX for homeless artists."

I am the type of person that always gives the homeless person on the side of the road, holding a sign, some money. People always say to me, "Why give them money? They are just going to buy booze or drugs with it."

You know, maybe that is true. Maybe it's not. I don't really care what they do with those couple of bucks I give them. I figure anyone having to stand on the side of the street asking for money needs those couple of dollars more than I do. I really do feel for anyone who lives out on the streets. I always wonder what went wrong in their life? How did they end up here? How difficult it must be to "get back on your feet" when you have lost everything.

I remember as a child, my father having a soft heart for the homeless. One story in particular, we were on our way out to California and had stopped to fill up with gas. A homeless man came up to him and sold him a beaded necklace for $10.00. My Dad gave me the necklace (which I still have to this day) and told me that man needed that $10.00 more than he did.

Witnessing my father give, even small amounts, unselfishly to homeless people has taught me a few things. One, to also give to the homeless. Two, to be tolerant and non-judgmental towards them. Three, to want to instill these ethical values into my children.

This year's art show is coming up in November. I think I am going to have to plan a trip to see my sister in Austin.

http://www.artfromthestreets.com/