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Shona Dockter has been involved with Art 4 Shelter since 2019, when she heard about the fundraiser from a friend. She works as a decorative finish artist for interiors and furniture. She’s been making art her entire life but recently found a renewed passion for creating when she became an empty nester.

Shona appreciates that Art 4 Shelter gives her a unique way to connect with marginalized people and to contribute to Simpson Housing Services’ mission.

“Affordable housing, and housing in general, is one of the biggest crises our nation faces. It can often feel overwhelming to figure out how to tackle a problem that seems insurmountable. The great thing about Art 4 Shelter is it gives us all a way to start thinking about and actively working to solve this crisis.”

“Connecting to others can be difficult when we move in different circles, but art can be a common bond. It speaks to everyone in various ways and brings beauty to the world.” 

“Creating artwork with secondhand materials led me away from traditional canvases and to discovering vinyl as a primary canvas. Who knows, perhaps by next year’s art show I’ll have run out of vinyl and will have a new favorite base to paint.”

To Gina, Art 4 Shelter is a tangible way to do something she loves for a great cause. She also believes that the direct connection to Simpson’s extended-stay shelter is very meaningful for the artist and for the buyers.  

“It’s really lovely—the one-to-one relationship that Art 4 Shelter keeps between the starting price of a painting ($35) being the exact same cost as providing a night of shelter for someone experiencing homelessness.” 

Agency reaches final phase of $45 million fundraising campaign goal JANUARY 18, 2023—MINNEAPOLIS, MN: Simpson Housing Services is thrilled to announce $2.5 million in federal, congressionally directed funding toward the […]

Jim’s watercolor and ink world is full of carefully sculpted bridges and museums, winding country roads, bobbing sailboats, and big, red trolleys gliding down steep city streets. Art 4 Shelter is just one of the causes that has benefited from the donation of his work, and the truly unique perspective he brings to his art. Read the full story.

Shawntel has fought long and hard for something a lot of folks take for granted: stability. But this mom of two says she’s stronger now than she’s ever been. Learn more by reading the full story.

“I have been so blessed with opportunities to collaborate in the creation of these treasures,” photographer Todd Wildenauer says. However he can give those blessings back to the community, he will. Read more about his art and his relationship to Art 4 Shelter.