Show to feature works of homeless artists

Artists who are homeless will display their work in an art show from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at the Homeless Alliance, 1724 NW 4. The exhibit is free to the public.

The featured artists participate in “fresh stART,” a program of the Homeless Alliance and City Care to provide people who are homeless in Oklahoma City a supportive environment for creating art. The artwork includes mixed media, collage, watercolor, acrylic and colored pencil.

Participating artists receive 80 percent of the proceeds from the sale of their artwork. The remaining 20 percent is retained by the studio to offset costs.

In addition to providing a potential source of income, art programs enable participants to express themselves creatively, manage emotional issues, develop social skills with a peer group, and develop confidence and skills transferable to employment, said Dan Straughan, executive director at the Homeless Alliance. 2018 Oklahoma Creativity Ambassadors Gala. Farmer was the winner of last season’s “America’s Got Talent.”

The gala will be April 9 at the Civic Center Music Hall. Gov. Mary Fallin will recognize honorees with the designation of Oklahoma Creativity Ambassador. Previously announced 2018 honorees are Don Betz, education; Enoch Kelly Haney, arts and politics; Lou Kerr, philanthropy and community development; Steve Prescott, medical research; Wade Scaramucci, architecture; R.L. Sias, philanthropy and arts; and B.J. Thomas, music.

Tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.stateofcreativity. com/2018-gala/ or by calling 405-232-5570.