Store Showcases Works of Homeless and Low-Income Artists

A group of artists who are homeless or live in low-income housing celebrated the opening of a retail store featuring their art and handiwork.

The group, Skid Row Access, opened a store by the same name in the Westside Pavilion, featuring the work of about 30 artists, said Chuck McClain, one of the co-founders of the organization.

McClain said members of the downtown-based group also will staff the store, which features sculpture, painting, clothing and greeting cards.

Most items are sold for $5 to $20. Two-thirds of the proceeds go to the individual artist and the remainder for Skid Row Access’ operations, McClain said.

“This is a huge milestone to have this kind of access for people living on Skid Row or downtown, where the rest of Los Angeles would never expect residents of Skid Row to be able to make these things,” McClain said.

In the six years since its founding, McClain said, Skid Row Access has trained nearly 2,000 people in arts such as woodworking, screen printing and painting. The group also teaches the skills necessary for members to start small businesses, he said.