New Program Coordinator Excited To Reimagine Social Justice as a Tool for Healing in the Arts

Your Investment in AHCH Creates Access to the Arts Strewn across the tables of ArtStreet were stacks of paper of various textures and weight, buckets of acrylic paint in tubes, paintbrushes with withered bristles, and piles of chromatic pencils and crayons for a workshop titled: "Mixed Media Tutorial.” Mixed Media art refers to a visual art form that combines a variety of materials in a single piece of artwork. For example, if you draw with ink, then paint over it with watercolors, then add some highlights in colored pencil - that's mixed media. ArtStreet’s Program Coordinator Christina Calderon is at the helm of ArtStreet’s vision to increase access to the arts to those least likely to access it while holding a space to build community connections and increase awareness of the issues of homelessness through the art-making process. Historically, ArtStreet serves approximately 1,000 unduplicated artists annually.

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As a licensed art therapist and counselor, Christina is also an accomplished artist. Recently, two of Christina's mixed media art pieces were exhibited during the 2021 Annual Dream Conference Art Show in Arizona where she was also a guest on a panel with fellow artists. On Wednesday, July 21, 2021, Michelle Korte, Owner and Operator of SMASH Studio Arts - The Shucker Bus in partnership with ArtStreet will host a printmaking class, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at ArtStreet, 1217 First Street, NW with a capacity of 10 people. Masks or face coverings and social distancing will be required during the class. The class will be accessible to everyone. SMASH Studio Arts -- The Shucker Bus is a mobile art studio offering workshops & classes with a focus on reusing reclaimed materials from urban and natural environments.

To see the last ArtStreet workshop that was conducted by Christina. Click here:

VIDEO: ArtStreet Mixed Media, 2021

Christina has also been facilitating Art Therapy groups at the West Side Emergency Housing Center every Monday from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for people who are experiencing homelessness. “The groups focus on trauma and managing symptoms of stress related to their individual trauma. Individuals are eager to share and support each other through art making. I’ve been impressed with their dedication to making their lives better and addressing issues,” said Christina. “The mediums most used are collage and colored pencils and markers. These supplies are more easily found and available.” Our partnerships with the City of Albuquerque and Heading Home are vital. It increases access to essential services such as behavioral health and referrals to medical or social services. The WEHC is funded by the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Family and Community Services and operated by Heading Home. ArtStreet Schedule Artists are required to wear masks, social distance, and wash hands frequently during program hours. Open Studio: Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Art Therapy at WEHC: Mondays from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Closed Therapy Groups: Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: 505-767-1167 ArtStreet gives community artists – homeless and housed – a common forum to share their experiences, coming together to make art. One component of the ArtStreet program is a community based open art studio. ArtStreet brings together people from diverse backgrounds, socioeconomic levels, and artistic abilities to share common experiences by making art in a safe and supportive environment. Historically, ArtStreet serves approximately 1,000 unduplicated artists annually. Follow AHCH on social media @abqhch or visit abqhch.org. AHCH Mission Our mission is to provide caring and comprehensive health and integrated supportive services, linking people experiencing homelessness to individual and collective solutions, and to be a leader in implementing innovative service models and a catalyst for solutions to homelessness and uphold a commitment to diversity and equity. AHCH Vision To live in a world that is just and without homelessness.