Homeless artists are taking part in a unique fundraiser.
They are decorating white cowboy hats to be auctioned off during Stampede.
The idea was spearheaded by the city's Arts and Culture department as part of their year-long homeless project.
"We're trying to provide arts based engagement opportunities working in the homeless community as a conduit for artistic expression and also just to promote dialogue and have people talking about the issues around homelessness in Calgary," says Jody Williams.
Wyatt Heston is one of the artists decorating hats for the fundraiser. Heston says art helped him cope when he was homeless. "It helped with the stress level. I could come here and I could put all my anger on the canvas," says Heston.
One of the hats Heston is decorating features lyrics of a cowboy song he wrote. "I just hope the person that buys this hat will understand what it means to me. And if it sits on your mantle, or sits in a showcase, or it sits in your office, that's a good thing," says Heston.
About 24 hats are being decorated and local celebrities will pose in them to help raise money. The fundraiser helps support sustainable arts programs in the homeless community.
Photos of the hats will be displayed at Art Central between June 25th and July 5th.
The auction will take place July 9th.
