The A-Team
The A-Team
Trenton Community A-Team
When one arrives at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) site, the big metal doors, fenced off areas, and one window, it doesn’t seem like an inviting place. But, walk through those big metal doors, and you’ll be greeted with smiles and conversation.
The walls are decorated inch to inch with patrons’ artwork. All the artwork is created by the Trenton Community A-Team (TCAT) and is available for sale year round.
In February 2001, a group of artists who were patrons of TASK formed the artist’s cooperative called A-Team Artists of Trenton. The A-Team has grown in numbers. The local artists are self-taught and supported through the funds collected through the TCAT.
The mission of the Trenton Community A-Team is to “support develop, and promote self-taught, local artists because art can be transformative by refraining the artist’s connectedness to self and others and by enhancing community pride.”
The A-Team have participated in number of shows in diverse venues such as The New Jersey State Museum, Artworks, the Arts Council of Princeton, Trinity Church of Princeton, etc.
The artists of the A-Team lead monthly art workshops for residents of the Rescue Mission of Trenton and have hosted clients from the Trenton Psychiatric Hospital’s art therapy program.
Herman “Shorty” Rose, a patron of TASK for over 21 years, joined the A-Team and has painted over 9 paintings all for sale.
“I sign my artwork with Shorty, because no one knows me as Herman. One time I signed it with Herman and everybody was asking who that was,” said Shorty.
Shorty’s style of painting is unique to him. He experiments with different mediums such as using garbage bags and tape, sewing frames together, paint on glass, and printmaking.
Shorty Rose
http://trentoncommunityateam.org/Herman-Shorty-Rose
Charles Smith began exploring art in the 70s. His style of drawing and painting is unique usually of what he calls “ships” and “cities.” His paintings might remind one of a alternate universe, with space and dream like characteristics.
Charles Smith http://trentoncommunityateam.org/Charles-Smith
Charles and Shorty are just two of the many local artists that benefit from the A-Team’s education and support.
