Something Better for your Money

As a college student, I inevitably see many dorm rooms and student apartments. Some shabbier, some nicer, but all alike in one aspect: they are all decorated in some fashion.

Typically, I find movie or entertainment-related posters are the choice of ornamentation, and while I'm not opposed to "Pulp Fiction" or Andy Warhol's many many works, I can't help but feel a substitution for the $20 or so paid for each poster could be better spent elsewhere.

Luckily for you, I have some suggestions!

The first was started by a couple of inspired women here in Austin who decided to address the growing problem of homeless people in the city. Fifteen years ago, they began a program called "Art From the Streets" (AFTS).

This two-day event, sponsored by the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH), features an art sale that completely benefits the homeless individuals who submit artwork. Last year alone, the sale grossed $73,148, enough to get many artists off the streets and into homes.

Now, wouldn't you feel much better buying original artwork that you knew was directly helping better someone's life than buying another Gustav Klimt print from a random poster sale, the profits of which you had no idea were benefiting?

The artwork found at these sales is actually pretty impressive as well. Take a look at some of these original pieces:

John MonBelly (artfromthestreets.com)



Sam Cole (artfromthestreets.com)

So, yes, I strongly advise readers to invest their money in this show. It's right here in Austin, has something for everyone, and really makes a difference. The artists themselves are present at this show as well to share in the event and relate their experiences to those interested. If you don't have the money to contribute, you could also volunteer.

Another set of remarkable artists is one that, to me, is even more relatable. I take trips every so often to Guatemala, seeing as how the entirety of my family is originally from there. In the short travels I have made to various cities within the country, I have come across what are some of the most awe-inspiring works I have yet to see elsewhere.

Besides boasting a style all of its own, what I find remarkable about this artwork is the producers of it: the most humble, pleasant people I have ever met in my life. Most of them

A scene of Guatemalan Landscape
Feliciano Bal
(www.stony-hill-madison.com)

originating from remote villages that survive entirely on what little agriculture they manage to produce, they paint for the sheer pleasure of painting, and it is strongly evident in their work.

In one particular village called San Juan, accessible only by taking a twenty-minute ride across a deep blue lake surrounded by volcanoes,
I was highly distressed to find that not only had I forgotten a camera to take pictures of the astounding work I found there, but I had little money left to buy artwork. Or else, I would post pictures to substantiate
my claim that it truly was some of the most amazing work I have ever seen.
There were paintings measuring at least 5' x 3', depicting the most vivid scenes with illustrious colors of prismatic blues, greens, sunset pinks and

An Everyday Mayan Market Sale
(highroadprintcatalog.com)

oranges. You'd have to see it yourself to truly understand, but take my word for it: they are almost worth going to Guatemala solely for the reason of finding some good decoration for your home.

The best thing about them is they cost only 300 Quetzales, which in American currency is the equivalence of about $40. And to think of all the money people spend on what I term, "talentless trash."

An artist at work
(static.flickr.com)

Anyways, all this babbling does have a point: if you're going to spend money on such non-essentials, try to at least assure that it is benefiting something worthwhile. Because not only will you have a beautiful place, but a beautiful soul. You know what I'm getting at; just do it.