The Big Huge Canvas
A community-driven, collaborative piece
Big Huge Canvas. Photo credit: Neal Morell
The Big Huge Canvas, a 5x3ft collaborative multi-media art piece, hangs against the main wall of our Drop-In Center’s open work area. This space functions as the living room, where members can work independently on computers, meet with staff, read, study, listen to music, socialize, etc. It only feels right to perch this piece, that so many hands have touched, above the hypothetical mantle.
We spoke with Neal Morell, SPY’s Healing Arts Coordinator, about the conception of this project. While the true origin of the idea remains a mystery, someone at the Drop-In Center had an idea to purchase this large canvas for members to work on. Neal covered the canvas with a base of pastel blues, pinks, greens, and oranges. While the piece was already a statement after the initial paint, and some members wanted to leave it as is, he knew it could be more.
Neal purchased figurines of boats, critters, animals, sea creatures, fake stones, and any extra bits and bobs that could add texture to the piece. He figured, the more we had available, the easier it would be for our members to tangibly express themselves. It quickly snowballed, and for the next two and a half weeks, the canvas began teeming with our member’s personalities.
“It represents the fun and freedom we have in Healing Arts. It’s really about self-expression, play, and discovering new things – it’s that creative energy that makes the healing arts studio a fun place to be.” – Neal, Healing Arts Coordinator
Healing Arts Open Studio
Supported With Care
The Little Things Matter
We take pride in providing a space where our youth can be vulnerable, and take time with themselves to create something meaningful.
Our youth put passion and care into every piece they create, as each creation is a reflection of themselves.
When working with so many youth, all with unique backgrounds and experiences, you never know what you’re going to discover when creating a piece like this. Expansive emotions, the good and the troubling, come together in an amalgamation of vulnerability and strength.
“It’s a journey inside. No matter what, the hope is that at the end of the day, people get to express themselves, learn, grow, and mature. We’re here to create a space where they can do that — gain more self-confidence the more they dig in.” – Neal
On Community
There are several risk factors for the onset and duration of homelessness for youth ages 16 through 25. These years are crucial for developing a deeper understanding of financial literacy and the social steps needed to transition to independent living.
Youth facing homelessness are often more likely to lack familial and/or financial resources compared to youth with stable housing. Many cases of youth homelessness stem from “aging out” of multiple supportive systems all at once. SPY bridges this gap. We provide a myriad of services from retrieving basic documentation, to resume building and career support, to applying for college, to healing arts, and housing. We strive to be the resource-rich supportive social network our youth need to thrive. Community connection is at the heart of our work.
We met with two youth who participated in the project, Kevin and Joseline. We asked them about their involvement in our Healing Arts program, the importance of community work, and their contributions to the canvas.
Kevin expressed how important community is to him. He felt the most exciting part of working on this community project was seeing what others have contributed. He found it profound and beautiful to see those who are usually reserved become openly expressive, sharing their feelings in such a vulnerable way.
“I've realized community means a lot more than just people showing up for each other. It also means building a stronger network of people that actually care. It's made me realize that community means having a place that you can really be yourself in, building a network of people that really support you, and feeling warmth and connection.” — Kevin, SPY youth member
Though he stressed that his part of the canvas was small, he revealed something meaningful. “Neal mentioned that the flowers were dainty and gentle, and I thought that represented me in one way or another”, Kevin stated with a smile.
Kevin added dried, pressed flowers from another project he was working on with SPY’s Community Garden.
Joseline added manifestations to help uplift herself and other youth who may see the piece. Phrases such as, “We are loved”, “We are strong”, “We are enough”.
When Joseline first came to SPY she was quite reserved, coming into our space solely for necessities. As the years went on, she has become deeply involved in community work. She is now a youth advocate, uplifting the voices of her peers to policy-makers.
Joseline added positive manifestations/mantras to the canvas in hopes of inspiring or bringing positive change to other youth who see the piece.
“Reading something as small as ‘I’m amazing’ and ‘I am loved’, can change your mentality and how you feel about yourself. Shifting your mentality can change every single aspect of your life. I repeat these manifestations to myself and my baby repeats them to herself in the mirror.” — Joseline, SPY youth member
Learning More About Yourself
When we open ourselves up to those around us, and trust those who want to help us, we begin to learn that community is more than just showing up. It’s about being seen, heard, and supported, especially in moments when we’re unsure of our next step.
Through connection, we gain perspective on our own strengths, values, and resilience, discovering that growth often happens not in isolation, but alongside others who walk with us, encourage us, and remind us of what’s possible.
“Community is so essential, we as human beings need it. It’s in our bodies to need that human connection. SPY is a community, this is everyone’s safe place.” — Joseline