Celebrate Creativity at Art From the Streets’ 33rd Annual Show & Sale

For centuries, art has been one of the primary methods of communication, bringing people from different backgrounds together and fostering community in a way that mere words cannot compare. 

But what makes an artist? This is the question that Austin’s very own nonprofit organization Art From the Streets provides a new answer to each and every day. 

For over 30 years, Art From the Streets has worked hard to create a safe space for Austin’s unhoused community to foster their creativity by providing a safe and encouraging environment to create art, build healthy relationships, and feel validation through the sale of their work. Once a year, the nonprofit gets to showcase their work at their annual Show & Sale, a beloved Austin tradition that has drawn a diverse, loyal audience since it began in 1991.

Art From the Streets’ 33rd Annual Show & Sale continues their mission to provide a safe and encouraging environment in which the positive spirit and creativity of those experiencing homelessness are nurtured through their own artistic expression.  More than just an exhibition, it’s a celebration of creativity and resilience—offering their artists a powerful platform to share their stories, sell their work, and gain recognition within the broader arts community. For many, it’s a rare opportunity to connect with supporters and feel a deep sense of accomplishment, proving that through the transformative power of art, anything is possible. 

In January of this year, a homeless count reported that just over 3,200 people in Austin and Travis County slept in tents, shelters or cars. That’s a 36% increase compared to 2023, the last time a homeless count was done. These people need our support now more than ever, and Art From the Streets aims to form a pathway to self-determination by means of the sense of achievement, social connections, and income generated through the pursuit of art. 

Their program offers a supportive, judgment-free community where individuals can step out of isolation, form meaningful connections, and begin the healing process. Through art, their artists build confidence, manage stress, and develop stronger emotional and coping skills. Art becomes a pathway to healing. And when their work is showcased and embraced by the broader community, it reinforces their sense of worth, acceptance, and belonging. This is more than an art program—it’s a space for transformation and hope. That transformation and hope is fully realized at AFTS’s Annual Show & Sale, which showcases over 2,000 pieces of original art spanning a wide range of styles and prices.

This is one event you won’t want to miss. Come celebrate creativity, community and caring on October 18-19 from 11am-5pm at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar. Parking is free, and 95% of sales go directly to the artists experiencing homelessness.

So what are you waiting for? Buy a ticket, support local art and help make a difference at Art From the Streets’ 33rd Annual Show & Sale! By attending this event, you’re not only celebrating the creativity of the artists – you’re affirming the dedication they’ve poured into their work. And what could be more rewarding than that?

The 33rd annual “Art From the Streets Show & Sale” will take place Saturday, Oct. 18, and Sunday, Oct. 19, 11am-5pm, at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd. Ste. C. A $5 admission donation helps Art From the Streets to continue providing a safe, nurturing environment where artists experiencing homelessness feel seen, valued, and supported through their own creative expression. For more information visit https://artfromthestreets.org/ or email at [email protected].

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