The artists built a mini-homeless shelter and invite you to occupy it, right on the sidewalk outside the gallery.
The organizer, St. Joseph artist Karen Fleak Hauser, and gallery operator Json Myers tell us more than a dozen local artists contributed, with art for the gallery space, and elbow grease for the construction of the mini shelter.
“I have a group of volunteers to help build it, said Fleak Hauser, “and we may be doing some dumpster diving for some of the construction materials.
“During the month, we’re going to offer people the opportunity to sit inside the shelter to see what it feels like.”
Proceeds will go to support the Winter Shelter and area food pantries. Organizers invited musicians and other performers to occupy the installation. Saturday morning, Newwave Dave regaled onlookers with guitar and vocals.
The exhibition “Room” features works from a variety of local artists. The Sculpture I class at Missouri Western State University unveiled their group project, an inflatable sculpture. Also on display is the startling “Family History” series by Neva Kidwell, which Myers called some of the most honest and courageous work he’s ever seen.