Take one fine night of art featuring mediums of spray paint to kitting, add The Road Home homeless shelter and “A New Perspective: Submerged in Art” is formed. Weird Chief Pictures, Iosua Tai (Josh) and Adrienne Taeoalii, along with Sub-Visions, Utah Artists, worked to organize and hold this event on Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 in Salt Lake City. Artists were asked to display their work, allowing locals to “submerge” themselves, and also raised contributions for The Road Home. Donations at the door, tickets sold for prize drawings and each artist donating a portion of their sales contributed to the proceeds raised for the shelter. As noted by Sub-Visions founders, “The artist trade is often an impoverished one and it seems that our generosity to the homeless shelter is fitting.”
The exhibit featured all art forms including music, poetry, photographs, drawings and paintings, sculptures, tattoos and clothing. With focus aimed toward a fresh generation of artistic discipline and vision, Josh Taeoalii and his wife Adrienne, produced over six tables filled with their work for the night. Josh expressed excitement for the event, the chance for his fellow artist friends to share their work and time spent raising money for a great cause. When local artists come together with the community it says something about them and Josh Taeoalii agrees, “Are we hip people, more in touch with our feelings? Artists take notice and are aware of their surroundings. I think we tend to dig a little deeper.”
Joshua Sloan, 17, was selected as the special guest to display his pieces and also represented The Road Home. Joshua currently lives in the year-around shelter which provides more than 278,900 nights of shelter to over 5,300 individuals. Joshua has only been working on his art for about 2 years but has aspirations to become a fashion designer. With his drawings, design book and etchings on display he wanted everyone to appreciate his art more than he does.
Other contributing artists included, Mason Fetzer, a child of the digital revolution who paints to play with the eye and Troy Henderson who finds inspiration through urban landscapes and graffiti. Adrienne Taeoalli, Josh’s wife, began by selling her art on eBay and now makes a living from it. Kali Mellus, creates wearable art and Adrian Prazen’s latest vision includes disregarded toys that have some back to life in newly created forms. In all, the exhibit featured more than 12 amazingly driven and talented artists.
Expectations for the evening were set high. Josh Taeoalii hoped for a good experience for all and also wanted to create awareness for The Road Home. The prizes from sponsors along with the donations demonstrated generosity, but giving someone a chance for hope completed the evening. When asked about the night’s achievements, Josh Taeoalii said, “In a nut shell, I hope after tonight, that kid can leave here and say, I can be an artist.”
The Road Home helps families, men and women to find well-matched housing options after they have come to stay in the shelter. The main source of revenue for The Road Home comes from private contributions and the highest expense is running the shelter. Some families can stay an average of 65 days. They continue to help meet the needs of the increasing numbers coming to the shelter and due to the slow economy they expect to see even more staying this year. The Road Home is always in need of donations especially blankets, bedding, personal hygiene items, socks and clothing; for more information on how to help call, 801-359-4142.