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St. Petersburg artist sits with homeless for a chat and a sketch

John Curtis began sketching people experiencing homelessness in an effort to get to know them and tell their stories.
Artist John Curtis sits with people who come to the Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg for a meal for a conversation and a portrait sketch every Friday.
Artist John Curtis sits with people who come to the Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg for a meal for a conversation and a portrait sketch every Friday. [ AYA DIAB | Times ]
By
Published May 12|Updated May 13

Every Friday for the past 14 years, people at the Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg have offered warm meals to people experiencing homelessness.

In 2022, church member John Curtis, a retired psychiatrist and artist, started sitting with people for a conversation and a portrait sketch. He has produced 17 pieces so far, all mounted at the lobby of the church for an exhibit titled “Facing Homelessness.”

Artist John Curtis hopes the portrait sketches give individuals a voice and a visual presence, allowing their story to be told.
Artist John Curtis hopes the portrait sketches give individuals a voice and a visual presence, allowing their story to be told. [ AYA DIAB | Times ]

The exhibit features drawings Curtis has created. The people depicted in the drawings also receive a copy. The church is located at 100 Mirror Lake Drive N, and the exhibit will run through June. Visitors need to call the office at (727) 898-3294 and make an appointment.

Benny sits with John Curtis for a portrait sketch.
Benny sits with John Curtis for a portrait sketch. [ AYA DIAB | Times ]
Up next:This St. Petersburg artist’s dream? An entire museum dedicated to motherhood

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