On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Coos Art Museum (CAM) hosted an Art Talk with Willie Baronet whose ‘We Are All Homeless’ project is on display at the Museum through December 29, 2024. Baronet began this project in 1993 with a simple act of purchasing a sign from a homeless individual. From that first purchase, the sign collection has grown to over 2,400 signs and has toured throughout the United States and United Kingdom. The non-profit of the same name works tirelessly to join minds and hearts in a drive for social change. Change starts with an opportunity to rethink stereotypes around those experiencing homelessness, which ultimately inspires each of us to extend empathy.  Baronet was connected to CAM through Ashley Horath of the Coos County Homeless Response Office. Lydia Heins, CAM’s Director, took the lead in organizing the installation at the Museum. 

Baronet also produced a documentary film that examined the adjacent and delicately woven themes of home, homelessness, compassion, and humanity.  As a professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, Baronet and three filmmakers traveled the US interviewing homeless people and purchasing more than 280 signs. Signs of Humanity is the documentary showcasing this effort and is available for viewing on Amazon. He continues to expand this body of work as he explores a documentary series.

With more than 95 art installations of ‘We Are All Homeless’ since 2009,  Baronet shares some stories about the original owners of each sign, as well as how the signs, in their collective, evoke many emotions.

Check out the art installation at the opening reception at Coos Art Museum on Friday, October 11 from 5-7 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through the end of December. Learn more ‘We Are All Homeless’ here: https://www.weareallhomeless.org/.