Hillyer Art Space in Dupont Circle exhibited photography by the men and women that sell Street Sense newspaper for one night only on July 12. The photos, which were also for sale, depicted portraits of other vendors and scenes of homelessness from the perspectives of those who have experienced it. The photographs were a product of the Street Sense Photography workshop, which meets weekly and provides donated cameras to any interested vendors that do not have one In three separate rooms, coexisting with the art that was already in the Hillyer Art Space, scenes from the streets came to light.
Ken Martin, a Street Sense vendor, had several photos on display. Much to his own surprise and delight, three of his pieces were purchased. “I was stupefied,” said Martin. “I don’t see the things that other people see in my work, but I’m glad. I’m very honored and flattered that people bought my art.”
The next Street Sense art show will be July 27, in collaboration with the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. Tickets will be free and are now available for reservation online.