A newly-formed group called “The Peacemakers” held a painting party in Munn Park on Saturday. The group is made of local artists wishing to share their gifts.

  • Painting party in Lakeland to raise homeless awareness
  • Purpose was to get homeless, residents to share stories
  • Sponsored by a group called The Peacemakers

The goal was to bring the homeless and residents to share stories and foster more understanding.

“People don’t pay attention to them and it’s important for them to know that they’re a part of the community. For us to show them they’re a part of the community. They’re not strangers, “ said Chanique Davis, one of the organizers.

Davis is an art teacher. Her family was homeless when she was a teenager. 

During the event, she went to each canvas, set up in Munn Park and helped people get to know one another. Each canvas had a different theme, ranging from love to unity.

Pauline Gilmore, who is currently homeless, said painting made her feel like she was, “somewhere else.” Like many others, she spends her days in the park and nights in a homeless shelter. The art is therapy for them.

"I wish the people that are not homeless would maybe walk a mile in our shoes. Then they wouldn't put the people down and think so ill will of the homeless,” said Thomas Clinger, who painted “I am funny” on one of the canvases.

There was a mother who brought her kids. She said more dialogue is needed.

"I think it’s a great way to bring the community together and bring awareness to homelessness, and it’s definitely a problem we have here in Lakeland. Something people don't like to talk about or do anything about,” said Brittany Brown.

Others didn’t have time to paint, but they dropped off toiletries instead. Those items will be donated to the homeless.

"We wanted to show that Lakeland has heart. We have heart for our community, we have heart for one another,” said Chanique Davis.

The paintings will be on display in the ARTifact Studio in Lakeland in Nove​mber.

Learn more about The Peacemakers by going to the group's Facebook page.