heArt from the Streets

A beacon of opportunity for marginalized artists, particularly those experiencing homelessness in the Windsor-Essex, ON area.We aim to destigmatize homelessness while providing a secure and nurturing environment, equipping artists with the supplies and a safe space to express themselves creatively.

What we offer

heArt from the Streets is dedicated to enriching the community through creative expression and social impact.

01 — Safe and Supportive Environment

Ensure the physical host space is welcoming, safe, and conducive to creativity.

02 — Access to Art Supplies

Establish a system to provide artists with the necessary art supplies free of charge.

03 — Workshop and Training Programs

Provide mentorship opportunities with experienced artists to help build skills and confidence. Develop workshops and training programs that address the specific needs of individuals dealing with homelessness.

04 — Community Engagement

Foster a sense of community among the participating artists by organizing regular gatherings, meetings, or collaborative projects to encourage peer support and collaboration to create a network of artists who can inspire and uplift each other.

05 — Community Partnerships

Collaborate with local organizations, shelters, and mental health facilities to identify and reach out to potential artists.

06 — Documentation and Storytelling

Share the stories and experiences of the artists involved through various media channels to raise awareness about the challenges faced by marginalized individuals and the transformative power of art.

Current Projects

"1000 Burgers" Made in YQG Collaboration - 2024

Inspired by a local influencer's misrepresented donation claims (1000 burgers), this project aims to turn adversity into opportunity by supporting and empowering local artists experiencing homelessness.

Previous Projects

"Colors of Resilience" 2023

In its first year, Heart from the Streets (formerly Colors of Resilience) launched its inaugural exhibit, showcasing the talents of marginalized artists and raising nearly $3,000 entirely for the artists involved.

Meet the team

"Colors of Resilience" - 2023

With a successful debut exhibition that raised funds solely for the artists, heArt from the Streets demonstrated the transformative power of art in promoting inclusivity, equality, and creativity within the community.This initial success served as a learning opportunity, inspiring the program to expand and improve its offerings, with a focus on increasing community involvement, fostering artist development, and amplifying its impact.

"Colours of Resilience: a passion project helping the homeless" - Joelle Brassard, MediaPlex

Lyndsay Belcoure, WYC
Since I was little, I struggled with depression. Around 12, I was put into my own world whe I picked up a pencil to sketch, I felt like I had a chance to escape. I like to include words in my painting, ones that are relevant to the piece itself, like “one day at a time,”
This piece is entitled “Lost/drifted” and is inspired by my mom, who passed away one year ago. “Lost/drifted” is a picture of my feelings since her passing, which is why there are a lot of different colours: yellow for happy, blue for sad, green for hope on the other side (green was my mom’s favourite colour, too).Miranda Duarte, WYC
I was born and raised in Leamington, I came to Windsor after I sold my house and made the decision to pursue sobriety here, in Windsor. I chose the slogan “one day at a time” to remind myself that I cannot rush through being sober. I have to take it easy, one day at a time. I want it to happen like yesterday, I want everything accomplished all at once but that's just not realistic.
Miranda wanted to remind everyone who sees themselves as an addict: it’s never too late to try to get sober, don’t give up - nobody gets shit done by giving up.
And to everyone, not just those in recovery: life is just one day at a time, that's all we really have. Whatever happens, happens.Anne Callaghan, WYC
“The Sin of the World”
My inspiration originally guided my piece to be the sacred heart of Jesus - his heart bursting into the blue sky, then it was turned into a sunflower, after coming back, this turned into a story about my life.
My life is a story of complex trauma. then turns back into the story of the sacred heart.
The sacred heart of Jesus is a belief in Catholicism which explains that the blood of Jesus is our salvation.
So now here I am down on earth, him as my savior, there is no way to live sin free because I am in human flesh and this human flesh wants what it wants, and it does not always desire holy things. So I repent, I am supposed to be righteous but when I can’t be Jesus carries my burdens.
Red for the heart, blue for the sky (as a form of ascension), orange as a burst of color.Jamie Plouffe, WYC
“Monarch the Patriarchy”
The central focus of the image is the butterfly, on top of the butterfly is blurred lines of paint. This highlights the beauty of being seen while also having the desire to blend in.
Butterflies are beautiful creatures who do not get to enjoy their own beauty, they cannot see themselves, they need constant reminders. This is how I see myself.
“Zombify me”
The prompt for this piece was to create ourselves in the style of Tim Burton. I figured that was fitting since he highlights ghostly and dead looking figures, and that reflected how I felt at the time.
Currently 29, Jamie is a trans person who was formerly experiencing homelessness and addiction at a young age, 23. They then worked towards stability in finding housing and sober recovery through the help of the Windsor Youth Centre.
“untitled” by Jamie Plouffe
Jamie started this painting at one of the workshops, during which they were explaining an emotion they felt stuck in. They were encouraged by one of the facilitators of the workshop to experiment with using color to convey emotion, as opposed to realism. Although it was something new for them to try, they pulled it off so well!!
“untitled” by Jamie PlouffeTyler McIntyre, WYC
“untitled”
the inspiration for the piece comes from my love for space and the depiction of a bonfire is from a video game called “dark souls”. This video game is inspired from the anime called “Bezerk” which has greatly impacted my art style.
“Windsor skyline”
This piece is to pay homage to the beautiful sunsets that often occur over the windsor skyline. This physical painting is inspired by a digital painting I have created.
“Landscape”Cookie, Ashley, Bree, Meaghan:
These paintings were done by the volunteers at the workshops hosted at the Windsor Youth Center. Cookie and Ashley mention that their favorite part about working at the WYC is getting to spend time and get to know the youth attending the program.
Their pieces will be auctioned off and all proceeds will be donated to the youth at the WYC to help meet their needs for hygiene supplies, food, snacks.Cody (Robber macs):
My nickname “Robber Mac’s” comes from a friend of mine. It comes from the nickname I got while in jail “Mac’s milk bandit”. When I became “Robber Macs,” the story wrote itself.
Cody is someone who fell into criminality out of need and ended up going to jail, but has since gotten out and now wants to make his mom proud with his art by telling his story.
“I want to take my biggest failure and turn it into my biggest success”
Fun fact: You can find a musical soundtrack to the comic by searching Robber Macs up on YouTube
@themacsmilkbandit on instagramoriginal comic pages not for saleYung Drilla, WYC
Yung Drilla, WYCMa’iingan, WYC:
“Walking Whales”
Coming out of a creative block, I turned to imagery that brings me comfort, which is reminiscent of the life I grew up around in BC. I used to watch the whales swim by over the shore as the boats passed. This is a very fond memory for me and I look to it when I need inspiration.Lenna Bodchon:
“trick or treat” The inspiration for this piece is Hallowe’en.
I brought together all of the aspects that I appreciate about Hallowe’en into one.
“Portrait of Inosuke Hashibira”
“The beauty in Anime”
“Portrait of Grelle Sutcliff from Black butler”
I’ve been watching anime since I was in the 7th grade and I connected to it because of the detail the artists put into animating the storyline. Anime has been a big influence on experimenting with different art styles for me.John Durnion, H4
“horse”
Previously living in Tennessee, John used to raise horses when he was younger. He lived on a farm when he was born and he used to feed and watch the horses. He reminisced of a time when a horse was coming down the path from the hill and it fell on its back with all 4 legs up in the air.
“Home” John Durnion, H4
“Honeybee” John Durnion, H4
Designs by Sav x WYC Trench Coat
Sav, the designer behind Windsors best dressed, volunteered their time through the month of July, and provided participating youth and volunteers with patches of raw canvas to paint on, which is what you see covering the trench coat here.
Half of the proceeds made from the sale of this piece will go to the artist behind it, as well as to the Windsor Youth Centre to assist with meeting basic needs of youth accessing the services provided by the WYC.Kim Graham, H4
“eclipse of the moon”
In the last 50 years, the moon has made more changes than it ever has before. It’s closer to earth than it’s ever been before.
One night I looked at the moon and thought to myself “holy crap how did I not notice that it’s been there all day!” The moon looked massive! The size of a building, and during the day, too!! I notice it a lot, it’s bright, on a dark night I look to it for light.
Dave McDonald, H4
I have been drawing since I was 5 years old, I pull inspiration from my mind and my story. I like to use art as a way to capture my feelings and thoughts as well as my surroundings. I am influenced by graffiti-style works and other artists.
Kyle Falk, H4
I made this piece at Waterworld. I wanted to commemorate the water. It was a rainy day so I wanted to have the sun peeking through, the blue as the main focus and the red to represent us as people. I’ve been spray painting since I was in the 8th grade, maybe you’ve seen some of my works…Ash Hart, H4
I want to be transparent about what has led me to pursue art: I have BPD and would love to say that it's been a coping mechanism, but really it's been more like a best friend. When I had nobody else to turn to, I knew that I could always turn to art. This specific collection was made from materials I had readily available to me - I wanted to give new life to the stuff that was tossed to the side of the road: unconventional materials like cayenne pepper, cake sparkles, other cooking materials, and childrens place mats. This era of my art was necessary for me to move on from my past and heal.
Artists note about this piece: When I made this piece, it was right after I stopped doing all drugs, and felt the need to humble myself before God. When I quit drugs, it made me see light in the darkness, through visions of these muscular, bald, angelic men I recognized to be Cherbum-level angels. This is about the time I adopted the belief that we are all one collective soul but we choose out disconnections.
For artist inquiries: unveiled741@gmail.com
Ann Reno, H4
Inspired by the works of Dali, Monet, and Picasso, I am a surrealist artist, who incorporates realistic elements into my drawings. I enjoy taking an idea and adding a twist to it to give it its own personality.
Reno served as the inspiration for this project's genesis; she had an entire portfolio of really well done drawings with original concepts that played with the viewer's mind. Being this talented, we thought that it was unfair that she couldn't connect with as many people as she should be able to, given her current living conditions. So we started the Colors of Resilience project to uplift her talent, giving her a proper sized audience for her proper sized artistic talent.
“Portrait of Inosuke Hashibira” Lenna Bodchen, WYC
“The beauty in Anime” Lenna Bodchen, WYC
“Portrait of Grelle Sutcliff from Black butler” Lenna Bodchen, WYC
“Let's not teach hate” Ma'iingan, WYC
“CUBA” Nereida Divera, WWC
Nereida is a Cuban woman, and reminisces on her time among so much color. She is one of the funniest, most creative people Windsor has. Nereida does not walk out without an outfit that meets her standards, and shades to match, and regularly makes her own clothes, and fabric dolls.Robin East, WWC
Lindsay Leniux, WWC
Chantal Ronson, WWC
Gigi Whitney, WWC
Rachel Richie, WWCAnne Enriquez, WWCAny piece without a name - all proceeds split among Homelessness Housing Help Hub, Womens Welcome Centre, Windsor Youth CentrePaige, H4Malik, H4
''Windsor Skyline'' Tyler McIntyre, WYC
''Landscape'' Tyler McIntyre,, WYC''Chapter 3'' Printed poster, 12''x18'' by Cody F, WYC
former Macs Milk Bandit
''Robber Macs Cover'' Collage poster, 18''x24'' by Cody F, WYC
formerly Macs Milk Bandit''Down the Rabbit Hole'' Ann Reno, H4
''Skulls Delight'' Ann Reno, H4
''African Caruing'' Ann Reno, H4
''Broken Spirit'' Ann Reno, H4
''Naked Truth'' Ann Reno, H4
''Real Reflections'' Ann Reno, H4
''Totems'' Ann Reno, H4
(from pictures of old totem poles on the internet)
''Cats Eye'' Ann Reno, H4

How to support heArt from the Streets/Upcoming Events

This is just the start of "1000 Burger Project"! We are beyond excited to share more about our upcoming mural in Ford City, apparel/print launch, art supply/can drive and final showing including a silent auction of original works in August 2024. Details coming soon.To stay up to date on our upcoming events, launches and project details please follow @madeinyqg @heartfromthestreets on instagramFor direct SMS updates,TEXT "heart" to 226-793-7733 for all updates regarding heArt from the Streets.
*std data/msg rates may apply - by texting you are agreeing to receive marketing messages by Made in YQG/heArt from the Streets

If you like what we are doing in the community, a share would mean the world to us!Please tag us and use #heartfromthestreets #madeinyqg if you visit our display!

"1000 Burgers" Made in YQG collab

The 1000 Burger Project is a collaboration with local creator Jake from Made in YQG, aimed at benefiting the Downtown Mission, heArt from the Streets and Artists involved.Inspired by a local influencer's misrepresented donation claims (1000 burgers) to charity, a figure which was “only used to clickbait the videos” (his own words) - This project is dedicated to turning the influencer's superficial gestures into an opportunity to genuinely support our homeless community.This collaboration not only provides vital support but also amplifies the voices of vulnerable individuals in the community who are actively subjected to exploitation (being filmed without their permission, monetizing their suffering, etc)After hearing about this incident, Made in YQG reached out to heArt from the Streets (formerly Colors of Resilience). Together, we commissioned local artists via heArt from the Streets art workshops taken place in local shelters, to create hamburger-themed artwork, with proceeds supporting the artists themselves, heArt from the Streets and the Downtown Mission.Following our community display in Art Windsor Essex - WFCU Eco Space from April 2 to April 21, 2024 to showcase our progress, we are are committed to continuing the mission of the 1000 Burger Project and plan to create merchandise, prints, and organize fundraising events with the ultimate goal of hosting a final showing and silent auction of the original artworks in August 2024.Through these ongoing efforts, we aim to continue raising awareness and funds to continue providing opportunities for artistic expression through art workshops and community engagement.To stay up to date on our upcoming events and launches, please follow @madeinyqg @heartfromthestreets on instagramFor direct SMS updates,TEXT "heart" to 226-793-7733 for all updates regarding heArt from the Streets.
*std data/msg rates may apply - by texting you are agreeing to receive marketing messages by Made in YQG/heArt from the Streets

Community Contributions

@ghawkart (top) and @fivefoottwopottery(bottom)
Thank you for believing in the project and contributing your work to be displayed and auctioned off to benefit Downtown Mission & heArt from the Streets.

Thank you to Allan @criticaldesigns for your contribution and help with last minute print media to help decorate and advertise our community display!

During our last burger workshop at h4 before our first display, @whamburg.yqg donated 25 burgers for our artists to enjoy a delicious lunch while they created!

The "1000 Burger Project" plans to allocate proceeds from its silent auction in August and merchandise/print sales to support the Downtown Mission, heArt from the Streets and the artists involved.This approach ensures that the project supports not only the homeless community and artists through heArt from the streets initiatves but also contributes to vital shelter services provided by the DTM.

Batool - Founder - heArt from the Streets

Batoolio is a Palestinian-Canadian, Windsor-based, self-taught artist, and 2023 recipient of the City of Windsor’s ACHF grant, which she used to put on Windsor’s first Colors of Resilience gallery of curated works. Batoolio’s work has been exhibited in both group and solo shows at Phog Lounge, Artspeak Gallery, and as Artcite’s 2023 BIPOC Artist in Residence. Her work can also be seen on Spotify as cover art for Windsor-based musicians Dagobah Green, Dig Samples, under their music, as well as logo designs for local brand Designs by Sav, and CJAM 99.1 to develop a sticker for their 2023 Charity Drive. Batoolio draws inspiration from classic painters Freida Khalo, Vincent Van Gogh, and more recent works by Jean-Michael Basquiat, and Keith Harring, and uses their philosophies to teach workshops in Windsor.

Jake (@madeinyqg) - heArt from the Streets (1000 Burger Project) - Project Coordinator

Jake is the chaotic good behind Made in YQG - a passion project dedicated to supporting local Windsor Essex.Jake’s willingness to think outside the box and challenge the status quo through unconventional approaches to supporting local initiatives and addressing community challenges has recently made waves throughout YQG. His bold approach has not only garnered attention but has also inspired others to take action and get involved in making a difference in Windsor-Essex.As a content creator, Jake leverages his platform to shine a spotlight on local businesses, artists, and initiatives, amplifying their voices and helping them reach a wider audience. Through his engaging and authentic content, he connects with the community and showcases the talent that thrives in Windsor-Essex, while encouraging his community to support local.

Emma C - heArt from the Streets - Social Media Manager

Emma (she/they) is a versatile freelance social media manager currently in her final semester of the Advertising and Marketing Communications Management program at St. Clair College, complementing her earlier academic achievement of a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Windsor. Emma's leadership and teamwork skills shone through when her team secured first place in the Fall 2023 Purdue University Digital Marketing Competition.Growing up as a dancer, poet, and musician, Emma's deep connection to the arts is evident in her diverse creative pursuits, including recent ventures into sculpting and collaging. Beyond her creative endeavors, Emma previously worked on a contract basis with Arts Council Windsor and Region (ACWR). During the first exhibition of the project, Emma connected with curator Batoolio and embraced the role of social media manager for the initiative.Emma's commitment to destigmatizing vulnerable sectors through the arts aligns seamlessly with her passion and values. Since joining the initiative, she has not only contributed her social media expertise but has also become more deeply immersed in the local arts community, gaining valuable insights into the intricacies of the downtown core. In navigating the intersection of marketing, arts, and community engagement, Emma continues to make meaningful contributions to projects that resonate with her commitment to social impact.

Kenz/Mackenzie - Volunteer Coordinator
heArt from the Streets

Meet Mackenzie, our Volunteer Coordinator at "HeART of the Streets" in Windsor, Ontario. With a heart rooted in Social Work, Mackenzie jumped into working with those experiencing homelessness in 2017, before completing her Bachelor of Social Work in 2020. As an artist herself, Mackenzie speaks the language of creativity, recognizing its unique power in fostering resilience. In her role, Mackenzie is instrumental in orchestrating a network of amazing volunteers who contribute to the organization's mission of providing creative outlets for our community members experiencing homelessness. It’s more than just coordinating volunteers; it's about weaving a tight-knit community where art is a lifeline that can also be an income assisting those experiencing homelessness in finding their way through tough times.Mackenzie's vision for Volunteer Coordinator is not just about mobilizing volunteers; it's about creating a space where the vibrant hues of art blend with all realities of life, even the harsh ones. She's all about hands on and down to earth support, ensuring that every participant, every volunteer, and every piece of art, contributes to a tapestry of hope and empowerment for our community facing homelessness in Windsor.

Nahin K - Financial Coordinator
heArt from the Streets

Nahin is a Tax Professional by day and Musician by night. You could say he like playing with numbers and sounds."I came across this program through Batool when heArt from the Streets was looking for someone who could help manage their finances. I had some past experience working in the financial sector, so I gladly volunteered. And the best part was that I was trying to help out fellow artists."