SEATTLE, WA — The Telling Our Stories exhibit is open to the public October 11 – December 15, 2017,
in the University of Washington School of Social Work Gallery (1st floor), 4101 15th Ave. NE (M-F,
8 AM – 6 PM). A public reception is scheduled for October 11, 6 – 8 PM.
Imagined and created by the LEAP Artist Collective, a growing group of 1811 Eastlake residents,
“Telling our Stories: Art and Homelessness” highlights the vision of resident artists living at the
Downtown Emergency Service Center’s 1811 Eastlake building. The art pieces speak to themes of hope,
healing, reconnection and finding home. The artists seek to show that their life stories are
defined by more than just the experience of homelessness, and to share how art continues to
facilitate healing, even after finding permanent housing.
The School of Social Work gallery will be hung with artwork created by 1811 residents over the
Collective’s nearly three years of vibrant life. The opening reception will include music by
community members and a brief presentation from some of the artists.
The LEAP Artist collective was born out of a collaboration between researchers at the University of
Washington’s Harm Reduction Research and Treatment Center, and residents, staff and management of
the Downtown Emergency Service Center. All parties came together in 2014 to identify ways to reduce
alcohol-related harm, improve quality of life, and create healing in their community. The LEAP
Artist collective has been an ongoing source of pride in the growing connection between residents.
As one 1811 resident and artist put it, “Every time I look at [my art work], I think, ‘Hey, I did
this. I accomplished this.’ And it represents all of us.”
(LEAP stands for the Life Enhancing Alcohol-management Program.)
Sponsoring Organizations:
The Harm Reduction Research and Treatment (HaRRT) Center is located at
the University of Washington–Harborview Medical Center. HaRRT Center researchers, clinicians and
trainees work collaboratively with substance users, community members and organizations to develop,
conduct, evaluate and disseminate evidence-based interventions that help reduce substance-related
harm and improve quality of life for affected
individuals and their communities.
The Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) is a nonprofit organization of 400 professional staff,
board members, and community volunteers who strive to fulfill DESC’s mission to end chronic
homelessness in the Pacific Northwest. Since opening its first shelter in 1979, DESC has grown to
become the largest Puget Sound provider of award-winning, harm-reduction oriented housing, clinical
and supportive services to chronically homeless adults with co-occurring psychiatric, medical and
substance-use disorders.
The University of Washington School of Social Work is a recognized leader in solving the most
demanding social issues of our day through rigorous research, academic innovation and public
service. Among the nation’s top-ranked schools of social work, we recruit the best and the
brightest, nurture groundbreaking ideas, and partner strategically to challenge limits, redress
inequities and strengthen communities. Our fundamental purpose is to educate tomorrow’s social work
leaders, discover solutions that work in the real world, and build human capacity for lasting
social change.
To request disability accommodation, contact the Disability Services Office at least 10 days in
advance at
206.543.6450/V, 206.543.6452/TTY, 206.685.7264 (FAX), or email dso@uw.edu
