Covenant House youth create sneaker tree for ArtPrize

In a powerful display of creativity and resilience, homeless youth from Covenant House Michigan have come together to share their hopes, dreams, and experiences through an ArtPrize exhibit titled "A Mile in Our Sneakers." This innovative project aims to raise awareness about youth homelessness by transforming personal stories into visually striking hand-painted sneakers.

The Initiative

"A Mile in Our Sneakers" is an initiative by Covenant House Michigan, an organization dedicated to assisting individuals aged 18 to 24 who are facing homelessness. The exhibit features 40 pairs of uniquely hand-painted Keds sneakers designed by young people currently experiencing homelessness. These shoes are more than just art; they are tangible representations of the struggles and triumphs of these individuals.

Stacy Datena, the senior philanthropy and engagement manager at Covenant House Michigan, outlined the goal of the exhibit. "Our goal is to eliminate homelessness as we currently understand it. There shouldn't be a single person sleeping outside or in an unsafe environment." Datena emphasized that young individuals are often labeled as 'the invisible homeless,' and the exhibit aims to bring their stories to the forefront.

The Artistic Journey

Each pair of sneakers conveys a unique message, reflecting the artist's personal experiences. Wilhelmina Poortenga, one of the youth artists, chose to illustrate the concept of 'better foot forward and a foot behind.' The 'foot behind' shoe represents the struggles of anxiety, depression, and overwhelming negative thoughts. This shoe features words such as 'HOMELESS' and 'LIED TO,' encapsulating the artist's feelings of being a mistake or failure.

In contrast, the 'better foot forward' shoe conveys an uplifting message. It reflects hope and resilience, symbolizing the journey towards healing and growth. These sneakers are not just artworks; they are narratives of hope, telling stories that are often difficult to put into words.

The Story Behind the Shoes

One of the residents, Desiariyah, designed her sneaker to open up about her experience as a transgender woman. "My shoe is really based upon my experience as a transgender female, like how I am as a person also. Not just being transgender, but also as a human being, figuring out who I really am," she said.

Tysia, another resident, used her sneaker to express her mental health journey. "I put, 'No matter what emotions you felt, you always are and will be strong.' And on this side, I put 'nobody's perfect. Nobody's worthless. We are all unique.' It helps me realize and know that I'm not alone, and I'm not perfect, but I am unique," she explained.

These stories highlight the diversity of experiences among the youth. Each shoe is a testament to their strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

The Exhibition

The sneakers will all come together at once to be displayed on a tree that represents the artists' healing journey by getting back to their roots. This tree symbolizes structure, shelter, and growth, providing a solid foundation for their stories.

The exhibition is set to go live at ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, one of Michigan's biggest stages. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with the sneakers by leaving personal messages of support for the artists who contributed to it. This interactive aspect aims to foster a sense of community and understanding between the artists and the audience.

The Impact

Covenant House Michigan has been working for nearly three decades to provide housing for young people in Detroit and Grand Rapids. The organization's commitment to eliminating homelessness is evident in its efforts to raise awareness through this unique exhibit.

"We have many exhibits and many shoes," said Meagan Dunn, CEO of Covenant House Michigan. "There will be four specific stories that a guest will be able to see. It will have the resident talking about their art, talking about their journey, and what this experience meant for them." Dunn emphasized the importance of sharing these stories, highlighting that each night, she returns home grateful to be part of an organization that supports these remarkable youths and their stories.

Conclusion

"A Mile in Our Sneakers" is more than just an exhibit; it is a powerful tool for raising awareness about youth homelessness. The hand-painted sneakers serve as tangible representations of the artists' hopes, dreams, and experiences. This project underscores the resilience and creativity of the young individuals involved and encourages empathy and understanding from the broader community.

By engaging with this exhibit, visitors can transform statistics into persons, making a deeper connection with the stories being shared. As Poortenga noted, "We've all faced our own life journeys," and this exhibit invites everyone to reflect on their own experiences while appreciating the struggles and triumphs of others.

For more information about "A Mile in Our Sneakers" and how to support Covenant House Michigan, visit their official website or interact with the exhibit during ArtPrize in Grand Rapids.

References

• https://www.yahoo.com/news/artprize-entry-aims-raise-awareness-120000692.html
• https://wwmt.com/news/local/a-mile-in-our-sneakers-covenant-house-highlights-youth-homelessness-in-artprize-entry
• https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/detroit-youth-tell-stories-in-new-artprize-installation/