Keith Artz

We, with roofs over our heads, "see" the homeless around us but don't "look" at them for a variety of reasons, whether guilt, shame, disgust, or just not wanting to get involved. This collection of art pieces was created to allow us to "look" and better appreciate the deplorable situations in which these individuals find themselves. My first reference photographs of the homeless were taken without their knowledge or permission, because I, too, did not feel comfortable approaching them. Later photographs were taken with full awareness and written permission of the models because my attitude and compassion had changed.

This collection of art will be presented as a traveling show to raise awareness and funds for the immediate and long-term homelessness problems. Three not-for-profit organizations are the recipients of any such funds: 'Facing Homelessness,' for attending to the immediate needs of survival; 'Mary's Place,' a shelter for mothers with their children escaping abusive homes, and 'Compass Housing Alliance,' builders of small affordable housing.

As the title of this collection indicates, "Homelessness is the Disgrace of a Wealthy Nation."