Harsh Reality Art Exhibit

The Jesse Tree

2622 Market Street Galveston, Texas 77550

(409) 621-2455 Fax (409) 621-2531

Toll Free (877) 621-2455 Email jessetree@aol.com

"A shoot will come up from the stem of Jesse;

from his roots a branch will bear fruit." Isaiah 11:1

Harsh Reality Art Exhibit

The Harsh Reality Series is a set of 22 pen and ink sketches depicting various views on homelessness and poverty.

Artist: Tom Gibson

Photographer: John Morello

The Shoe Tree

This huge elm tree, ancient and broken, stands just yards from the railroad tracks and two blocks from a large homeless shelter. Though split in half from lightning or age, both halves of the tree still live.

The ground was littered with bottles and trash. Many paths led through the weeds to this lone sentential. Burnt places marked past campfires and a well-worn tree trunk shown service as a bench. These were all indications that perhaps the tree was not at all lonely, but an often-used gathering place for those seeking friendship and fellowship.

I counted at least a half-dozen pairs of shoes; shoestrings tied together bolo style, hanging high up in the branches. I pondered whether this was just some sort of prank. Perhaps it was some individual’s way of marking their own existence or memorializing the passing of others.

This art exhibit is prepared for loan to qualified organizations. For more information about shipping fees and ways to donate to the Jesse Tree, call (409) 621-2455 or if you live out of the Galveston, Texas (409) area code, call toll free (877) 621-2455.