One of four hallways lined with art at The Stewpot.

Guest Blogger Tina Aguilar teaches Humanities at El Centro College.

The Stewpot’s 2nd Floor Gallery and art program artists will hold its first open gallery, studio and art sale on Saturday from 3-8 p.m. The range of artwork includes traditional methods and work from self-taught and outsider artists. At last count, the gallery has more than 900 artworks. Proceeds benefit these active artists and help replenish much needed art supplies for their studio.

“None of the places where we usually show the work are ever big enough to show more than a small selection,” art program director Cynthia Brannum says. “So we decided to open our studio and gallery space so people can come and see all the work.“

The Stewpot is an organization with a 35-year legacy of providing services to homeless and at-risk people. The organization provides meals at the Second Chance Café located at The Bridge.

At Saturday’s event, viewers can see the total body of work for several of these artists. As the preparations took shape, the artists were able to see their creative development over time.

“Many said they feel and think so differently about particular works looking at them now, than when they created them,” Brannum says. They have noticed things in their art that have always been constant and what in their work has come and gone.”

When I first explored the studio earlier this year, I felt the vitality and electricity that these artists represent. I bet you will, too.

Collectors can reach Cynthia Brannum at 214.746-2785 ext. 235 or via e-mail at [email protected].