POVA IN THE NEWS: Nashville Scene - Poverty & the Arts Second Birthday Party

Poverty & the Arts Second Birthday Party

By: Amanda Haggard

Nashville’s Poverty & the Arts, a nonprofit focused on working with homeless and formerly homeless artists, is having its second birthday, and everyone’s invited. The Poverty & the Arts studio will be open for hangs with its artists all day — and the party will also happen online and via snail mail, where the organization is asking the public to chip in a few dollars in celebration. Artists earn money through the exhibition and sale of original artwork, prints and merchandise, and the proceeds from purchasing an artist’s piece of art or cash donations go toward art supplies, professional development and art workshops, as well as studio space that, according to director Nicole Brandt, “nourishes the soul, builds their confidence and reignites their dreams.” To Poverty & the Arts, creative expression is crucial to breaking the cycle of homelessness. While they’re working hard at that virtuous goal, the least you could do is show up to the party or buy them a birthday present.