Unpacking Homelessness

A Path with Art & Pearl Jam Collaboration

LImited - Edition Poster Exhibition 

Path with Art Student Artists who have lived experience of homelessness are designing a limited-edition series of posters for partners of Pearl Jam’s The Home Shows. Only two students’ designs will be selected for distribution, but Path with Art will showcase all of the posters the students create starting Thursday, August 2nd at their gallery in Pioneer Square.

Mike McCready, the lead guitarist for Pearl Jam, shared his perspective: "I think it’s really important to recognize that people who have experienced homelessness have skills and talents. Art not only breaks down barriers, but can also be a means to heal the trauma that can be caused by experiencing homelessness."

The artists who designed the posters come from diverse backgrounds, but the majority have found themselves living on the street at some point in their lives, and all have found solace in the arts. One artist, Aaron, designed a poster around his beloved purple backpack, which was stolen a few years ago from where he was sleeping – under a bridge adjacent to Safeco Field, the site of the upcoming Pearl Jam Home Shows.

An artist whose current neighbors have no idea that she was once homeless said she wanted to convey the feeling of being indefinitely stuck, and designed a poster showing a sneaker stuck to the ground by a wad of gum. Another artist who goes by B. confided, “I saw this as an opportunity for giving a voice to those who couldn’t speak or are living in silence. I saw this opportunity where my voice, artwork, and experience would be respected.”

Path with Art transforms the lives of people in recovery from homelessness, addiction, and other trauma by harnessing the power of creative engagement as a bridge to community and a path to stability. Students are referred to Path with Art from over 30 social service partners in the greater Seattle area. Many of these social services work hard and directly on the issue of housing, but understand homelessness is a complex issue with many facets, and it requires a diverse range of support in response.

When asked about the connection between art and homelessness, Path with Art Student Artist Angela Michaelina shared, “Art can act as an anchor for humanity—when you’re homeless, you lose your humanity, but being able to create art during a time of homelessness can be restoring.” Another student confided, “I am not defined by being homeless. I am defined by my present, creating art.”

The posters will be on display August 2nd, 8th, and 10th, 5-7 PM, or by appointment through the month of August at Path with Art (312 2nd Avenue South, Seattle, 98104).

Special thanks to Teaching Artist Jennifer Dixon, and Creative Mentors Mimi Dixon-Shapiro and Celeste Osborne for facilitating this project.