Hello friends!
Boy, am I glad that we are finally experiencing Spring weather here at MSU. I am sure ready to discard the snow days and get to the sunshine. Not only is this nice weather good for leisure, but also for those who live outside. I am specifically talking about those who are homeless here in Springfield, MO. I bring up this topic because artist Randy Bacon just had a show at our Brick City Galleries titled The Road I Call Home. This show was a series of portraits Randy took of local homeless people that were each accompanied with a statement telling their story.
Randy Bacon is a Missouri State Alumni who has become a well-respected and sought-after portrait photographer. He has literally traveled the world creating multiple portraiture series focused around promoting the fact that every “ONE” matters and that each of us have a story worth being told. Randy had a presentation at MSU’s Meyer Library where he highlighted The Road I Call Home and his non-profit organization 7 Billion Ones.
Missouri State Art and Design is partnering with The Gathering Tree, an organization helping the homeless here in downtown Springfield, to start collecting art supplies. If y’all have any art supplies from crayons, pastels, paper, tape-honestly anything that can be used to create-bring them to the Brick City galleries (I have listed their information below). When Randy’s show first went up in the Brick City galleries, there was a section full of artwork made by individuals who utilize The Gathering Tree’s services. The artwork was on sale and I actually purchased myself a pair of adorable handmade earrings!
Hearing Randy Bacon talk about his work and the message he is trying to spread really inspired me and I hope y’all look into his work and non-profit organization.
At the very least, Bears, I encourage y’all to get involved with volunteering opportunities here in Springfield. There are many organizations who are always accepting volunteers for various tasks. Like animals? The Humane Society of Southwest Missouri is a great place. Adore babies? Check out Newborns in Need. Love working with kiddos? Girls on the Run, Rare Breed and Boys and Girls Club are all great organizations. Whatever you enjoy, I guarantee there is some way you can put that enjoyment towards helping others.
Let’s make the world a little bit better, Bears!
Best,
Zoë
7 Billion Ones
Facebook: @7billionones
Instagram: @7billionones
The Gathering Tree
MSU Brick City Galleries
215 W. Mill St., Springfield, Mo.
Monday-Friday: 11am-6pm
Saturday: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Sunday: Closed
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