‘Artful Solutions: Pathways From Homelessness’

The exhibition includes “Faces and Blobs,” created by Irwin McBride with watercolor and pencil. Works from “Artful Solutions” are for sale, with proceeds going directly to the participants.  (Anne Cusack/ Los Angeles Times)

“Blooming at Last,” acrylic on canvas, by Mary Nurrenbern. “Artful Solutions” is part of a broader initiative by the L.A. County Arts Commission to address the needs of the homeless.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

“Faces in the Crowd,” acrylic on canvas, by Ayers Baxter. The 24-week Armory art class was held Sunday afternoons and covered the basics of drawing, painting, screen art and stenciling.  (Anne Cusack/ Los Angeles Times)

Mary Nurrenbern gets help from Sergio Hernandez of the Armory Center in making a silk-screen. Nurrenbern was once an aspiring actress and executive assistant. She’s been temping for the last five years and has been homeless since July. “This program has helped me to see that I have some skills, that I can be an artist and may eventually do this full time,” she said.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Laura Rodriguez, left, Irwin McBride, 6, and Halcye McBride work on stencils. “Having a safe place to express their feelings and thoughts in nonverbal manners is a self-affirming way to help these people resolve certain issues,” says Laura Zucker, executive director of the L.A. County Arts Commission.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

An acrylic on canvas by Richard Sanchez. The works are on display through the end of December.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

“Flower Tree,” acrylic on canvas, by Tatiana Andreeva.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

“I Am Alive,” acrylic on canvas, by Esther Garcia.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

“Peace With a Determined Face,” acrylic on canvas, by Michelle La Valley.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Irwin McBride, 6, left, and Luis Dominguez, 7, take part in a workshop.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)