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 Transient

In the dim light of pre-dawn, I spotted the silhouette of a young man. His heavy boots, backpack, and bedroll marked him, not as your average tourist, but as someone who spends a good deal of time outside.

I told him I was doing illustrations of homeless people and offered him a few dollars to take his picture. In broken English, far superior to my non-existent Spanish, he made it very clear that he was not homeless. “I live at the Shelter” he told me. Refusing my offer of cash, he just walked away, his dignity intact.

I realized that, all people who are experienced urban campers are not necessarily homeless. Some have homes and families and are just passing through…by whatever means and resources available.

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.