Our Work: 2026 Artist Roundup

Get to know the artists who will present their work at our Client Art Show on Thursday, April 30. 

RSVP to the show

Alkimerika Ramocan Ford

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At the day program I attend at Sheppard Pratt, we have opportunities every week to do paintings, singing for karaoke, line dancing and the arts in general.

I like jewelry making and painting. I assisted my mother on a special project, creating coloring books for children. She asked me to be the editor of the book. She is my hero.

It’s relaxing and therapeutic to paint because the brush is in my hands to be creative and artistic.

When people see my work, I hope that they will glorify God, who made the stars, the moon and the sunshine.

Anthony Holt

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"I’ve been drawing since I was in kindergarten. Volcanos, mountains, houses, trees…

I have fun drawing. I feel peaceful. Nice and quiet. 

When I see something, I just get a little jingle, and I say 'I’m gonna draw that.' Sometimes I see a person, and if they sit still long enough, I try to draw them. 

I start off in black and white. Then I look at it and add some color. I take my finger and blend. I just keep looking at it. I might erase one part and add in another part."

Calvin Thomas

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"I use anything—charcoal, mosaics, paint, silk screen, clay, photography. I started making art when I was a kid, in grade school. I’ve stuck with it, when I’ve had the money.

Art is an outlet. I’m a Black guy, how many outlets do I have? They make it available to people, and I try to take advantage of it.

I’m inspired by depth. Sometimes I just rip it."

Curtis McLaughlin

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"Everybody was telling me that they [Health Care for the Homeless] have art group. Once I had my place, I said, 'Ok.' And I’ve been coming to art group since 2017. I couldn’t do art when I was in the shelter.

I can have a blank paper in front of me and say, 'What are you? What am I drawing?' And it takes shape. When I wake up, I know how to expand on it. It will start out small and then it blows up! And when people ask, 'Are you finished?' I say, 'I am getting there!'

I am trying to not limit myself. As my health was declining, my projects got bigger. That helped me cope. It has always been my coping skill. And it’s not bothered by my physical ailments."

Damien Underwood

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"I was homeless last year. [Describing painting above] I painted it myself. I made a tent and someone made a fire for me. My heart was broken. I do paintings to keep myself motivated.

I used to paint in high school. Painting at Health Care for the Homeless makes me feel like I’m in art class.

I still need help to become a painter. I want people to teach me how to become a true painter."

Eugene Hudson

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"I’m inspired by realistic and cartoon images. My main thing is I like to challenge myself. I do a lot of portraits and nature. Then I make it abstract. I’m self-taught. I kept going and going until I finally got it right. 

I been through a lot in my life so when I’m painting it grounds me and makes me creative and I feel closer to God. It keeps me levelheaded and calm.

Sometimes I ask my friends, “What do you see when you look at this?” Everybody has a different point of view. 

Lately, I’ve been looking for another job, but I do art all day. I’ve got my supplies and I go to work. There’s no time to waste."

Frank Anderson

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"I haven’t always been artistic. I just popped into art group one of these days, and I was messing out with a pen and a ruler, and it turned into something abstract.

I’m creative. I just go with what’s in my mind. I sketch, take the tape measure, draw the lines and start filling it in. Making art makes me feel great."

Marie Menapace

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"When I was homeless, I was under so much stress. Making jewelry calms me down and keeps me grounded. It’s very relaxing. That’s probably why I do it.

I use all kinds of beads—glass, glass, crystal, wood. I look at them and that’s where the inspiration comes from. This picture comes into my head. I don’t follow patterns.

I like seeing people’s reactions. It’s validating. To have other people say that it looks nice, that’s where the joy comes in."

Ron Williams

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"Pastels and charcoals are my favorite mediums—they are neck and neck. I feel good when I see a person smile or look happy from the work I produce. You can tell me an idea or a memory from your past, and I can take it and put it into a picture. Not too many people can do that.

I remember being at Health Care for the Homeless, making art and hanging out. I’d leave the shelter, spend the day at Health Care for the Homeless like art was my job and then go back to the shelter.

Art has always been a part of my life. Sometimes I think I take it for granted. I just want to make people happy with my art."

Vincent White

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"I've done three previous art shows—2017, 2018, 2019. Making art is the most calm I am. It gives me a sense of accomplishment when I finish. It’s been helping my blood pressure. It’s meditation for me.

As long as a piece is in my possession, it’s not done. Sometimes I have to get them away from me or I will mess it up.

I like Basquiat and Banksy. Futura. Keith Harrington. When you see a Keith Harrington, from anywhere on the planet, you know it is a Keith Harrington. I haven’t found my style yet, where someone would know—that’s Vincent White’s work."

Join us Thursday, April 30!