p:ear

Specialties

p: ear builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives. Each year our programs serve almost 900 homeless and transitional young people ages 15 to 24.

The Trim/​Vojdani Gallery at p: ear is a key part of an innovative art program. Art is safe. Art builds bridges. Art is one of the primary ways in which p: ear actively engages homeless youth with healthy mentoring, as well as provide opportunities for them to show and sell their work in the on-​site gallery. With 10 annual Art Shows and six shows in the community, p: ear youth are positively engaging with over 2,500 art lovers each year! p: ear also gets tickets to local arts organizations (dance, music, theater) where youth get into the community, and learn to be part of the next generation of arts makers and patrons.

History

Established in 2002.

«Ten years ago we saw a need. There were thousands of homeless kids in Portland. For many, the very foundation of their lives had been stripped away. Using the tools of education, art and recreation — p: ear forms one-​one-​one relationships with these youth. These connections give them the opportunity to rebuild their lives.»

Beth Burns, Executive Director