Formerly Homeless Artist’s Work on Exhibit at Boston City Hall

Paintings later to be auctioned to benefit Hearth

Less than two years ago, Peter Phelps, 81, did not have walls of his own on which to hang his artwork. Now, thanks to Hearth, a non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of homelessness among the elderly, Phelps has his own apartment in which to create his masterpieces. Hiis art is on exhibit at Boston’s City Hall in a one-man show, A Life in Color: The Paintings of Peter Phelps.

Phelps was 79-years-old when he moved from Western Massachusetts to Boston to be treated for lung cancer. The treatment plan did not include housing and Phelps ended up in a Boston shelter. During the day, Phelps would receive chemotherapy and radiation treatment and at night, he would return to the shelter – not a very comfortable place for recovery. It was during this time when he met Stephanie Macgill, an outreach case manager for Hearth.

Macgill worked with Phelps, and ultimately, she found him a permanent apartment in a new housing development. With a roof over his head and private space to paint, Phelps returned to his love of art. In his three-room apartment, Phelps listens to local news radio and paints up to thirty hours a week using acrylics and ink-based paints.

Phelps scours trash bins, yard sales and second hand shops for frames, glass and anything else that may fit into his works of art. A gold napkin from a Chinatown grocery store became the backdrop for a work entitled “Golden Fortune" (left).

His work is eclectic, ranging from portraits to colorful abstracts. He sites Picasso among his favorite artists.

Living off a fixed, limited income, Phelps does his best to make ends meet and keep painting. “The quality of paint is important, but sometimes I just can’t afford to buy the supplies I’d like,” Phelps said.

Phelps is giving all of his artwork to Hearth to raise money for the organization. “Very simply, I believe in giving back,” Phelps said. “Hearth has been a great help to me.”

Phelps’ framed works of abstract acrylics and inks will be on display from Thursday, August 14 through Friday, Sept. 5 in City Hall’s Piemonte Room. Exhibit areas are open to the public Monday through Friday, except Labor Day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Sept. 21 and 22 a closing reception will be held at Hearth’s Anna Bissonnette House where 55 pieces of original artwork by Phelps will be on auction. All of the proceeds will benefit Hearth and its programs to end elder homelessness.

“Peter’s generosity is testament to the wonderful people Hearth works to help every day,” said Hearth President Mark Hinderlie. “We’re thrilled to be able to showcase his amazing work and to use the proceeds to further advance Hearth’s mission of ending elder homelessness.”