“Shelter” Film Tells Stories of Homeless Neighbors

The latest exhibit at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, MD is drawing attention to the homelessness crisis
on the Mid-Shore. As part of her “To the Edge of Your World” exhibit, Dutch-Irish artist Anita Groener created a
short, animated film featuring compelling stories from guests at Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS). The film, made
in partnership with American documentarian Matt Kresling, shines a spotlight on the complex causes of
homelessness, and how TIS’ program works to address those root causes to help neighbors achieve regain
self-sufficiency.

Two “Shelter” screening events were held on the opening weekend of Groener’s exhibit. Each event was
attended by approximately 120 museum visitors.
On Saturday, August 16 th , the screening was preceded by remarks from Academy Art Museum Executive
Director Charlotte Kasic and Richard Marks, a supporter of both Talbot Interfaith Shelter and the documentary
project. After the screening, Groener and Kresling fielded questions about the film from the audience.

On Sunday, August 17 th , TIS Board Member and project champion Peter Woicke kicked off the introductions.
Woicke was followed by Cid Collins Walker, the Artistic Director of the Chesapeake Film Festival, which
recently accepted the film. Following the second screening, Groener joined TIS Executive Director Julie Lowe for an engaging discussion about homelessness, and how TIS harnesses the power of community to help its
guests achieve Success.

“This project has been two years in the making, and we are blown away by the film and the response to it,”
says Lowe. “Since Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s inception, our goal has not only been to help our neighbors
overcome homelessness, but to help our community overcome the stigma of homelessness. This film does
such a wonderful job of not only bringing awareness to the crisis in our community, but highlighting that the
causes of homelessness are multilayered, and unique to each individual. We are so grateful to Anita, Matt,
and the project’s supporters for helping spark such an important conversation here on the Mid-Shore.”

“Shelter” and the “To the Edge of Your World” exhibit will remain on display at the Academy Art Museum
through October 27 th . The film will also be featured during the Shorts Program on the opening night of the
Chesapeake Film Festival on October 10 th at the Ebenezer Theater in Easton, MD. Film festival tickets are
available at chesapeakefilmfestival.com.