I Have an Idea
The other day I was writing some ideas in my journal and I wrote that it would be great to have an artist sanctuary in Santa Barbara. A place where people of all backgrounds are free to create, inspire and be inspired. Then I went walking this evening to take pictures at Stearn’s Wharf. There is a place in the sand as you walk onto the wharf where a homeless artist had made some art and sand sculptures. I had the thought what if the center could be a place where homeless artists can also come and develop their artistic talents. Then there could also be a gallery space for them to sell their work and help them to become empowered and independent.
I think I came up with this idea because I am an artist and I have had a very difficult time finding an affordable studio space in Santa Barbara. The cost of living is very high in Santa Barbara and many people are getting pushed out of the community because of the lack of affordable housing. Even though Santa Barbara is the home to some of the richest people in the world we have a large homeless population. The unemployment rate has just increased which is making life even more challenging for homeless, low income and middle class people here.
I went through a self-employment training program through Women’s Economic Ventures in Santa Barbara last year to help me plan my own creative arts business. I studied social entrepreneurship at CSU Channel Islands, but I had not really thought about starting a charitable organization until I thought about this idea. I think there is a huge need for this in my community. This idea is just in it’s beginning so let me know what you think! Also check out the gallery below of the pictures I took during my walk.
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