For the past few weeks, the Lexington Catholic art club has been going to the Preakness Apartments to take part in what has turned out to be an amazing experience. After the success of the Empty Bowls project last year, the art club decided to do another project to help the community in a similar way. This time, we worked with many of the same people to paint coats.  These pieces of artwork, once completed, would then be placed in churches around Lexington, as markers for others to donate coats for the needy.  On top of that, the coats would eventually be purchased through a silent auction, which would also benefit the community. 

                When we arrived at the apartments, where we had previously worked on the Empty Bowls project, we were all delighted to see many of the same faces and friends that we had not seen since last year.  Each day that we came, we met up with our same groups and, after eating a delicious meal made by the Lexington Catholic culinary club, began our artwork.  We all enjoyed painting the coats, and they turned out to be beautiful pieces of art, but what made the experience really special to all of us, was meeting the people from the "From the Streets to a Home" project, hearing their stories, and sharing their joy.  Each night, after sharing a meal and sharing our art, we would have a group prayer where we stood in a circle.  One by one, we went around and said “Put your hand in my hand, and together we can make it," until eventually we were all linked. 

                I think any art club member would agree that doing something to help those in need is a pretty special experience, but helping a friend by doing something you love is even more inspiring.  I know that we all had a lot of fun, and we all felt that we were living out the mission of Lexington Catholic through our creativity. Overall, the Lexington Catholic art club had an awesome experience, building friendships, making art, and helping those in need.   - Anna Fedorchuk, Art Club Vice President

Art Club Members and participants “From the Streets to a Home” collaborated to glaze bowls that were sold to raise money to feed the hungry in Lexington.  Bowls were also donated by Mary Queen and Ann Seaton students to assist in this effort.