Art of the city

Walking around places like Portland or San Francisco you get to see all kinds of talent.  Rather it’s paintings/murals on buildings, people street dancing, singing or playing instruments, or individuals selling a piece of themselves in their artwork.  There are many rich visuals in cities that embrace a more "bohemian" environment. 

Living in the Capital of California I am sad to say that, with the exception of a few days out of the month, our city streets aren't filled with the same beauty and life, but more filled with the hustle and bustle of business people and their need to get their next coffee fix, myself included.

I like to take the time to talk to the "local folk" of downtown once in a while, and have met some interesting people.  Yes, I have run into the guy waiting for his "mother-ship" to land and people who will pester you for money, but then there are people like Tony.

I met Tony while walking to get my coffee one morning.  He was standing at a corner greeting everyone that passed with a cheerful smile and warm salutation, even though it was probably 50 degrees outside.  Tony was selling the Homeward Street Journal newspapers to help the homeless, himself included.  I chatted with Tony whenever I went to get coffee for a few months, exchanging life stories, talking about daily events, the news, offering encouraging words when either one of us was having a bad day, and anything else you would discuss with your friends/co-workers.  I grew to expect to see him any time I went to get coffee.  One day I went on a run and Tony wasn't there, instead there was another homeless gentleman selling the newspaper.  I asked him where Tony was and he wasn't quite sure.  After a couple of weeks of asking around I found out that Tony had decided to move locations and started to sell some of his artwork across from the Capitol on L street.  I recently walked over to where he was so I could say hi to and old friend and check out his drawings (I never knew he was an artist before).  I must say, he is a talented man.  He has even made postcards and bookmarks out of some of his drawings of the State Capitol Building and other things.  Postcards are only $2 and bookmarks $1.  I chatted with him for a while and found that people had even commissioned artwork from him.  I loved to see someone else willing to share their craft with the world, and not just expect a handout like so many. 

On a rare occasion I have seen/heard people singing and playing the guitar or violin around downtown, but not enough.  I wish that our city could be more open to letting people share their gifts with us.  I mean, would you rather have people just asking you for money, or would you like to hear some beautiful music or see some wonderful artwork and donate to help them further their abilities and help them live? 

If anyone would like to check out Tony's artwork, he is usually either on L street across from the North Side of the Capitol Building or on the corner of 9^th and I street, from 8:30-11am.