SPOKANE, Wash. -- A Spokane artist gives back to the community by giving away his art. But all he asks for in return is a food donation to help others.
It is not every day you find artists willing to give their work away for free, but at the downtown branch of the Spokane Public Library, Anthony Stevenson is doing just that.
Anthony is a acrylic painter and said his latest installment at the library is about getting noticed.
"Art for me is spiritual," said Stevenson. "For me to be able to create this is a spiritual thing. And I just can't think of a better way to use this than to help people."
Dozens of Stevenson's paintings are on display and every single one of them, he is giving away. All he asks for in return, is a bag of food that he can give to local organizations to help those down on their luck and get back on their feet.
"I've been homeless," Stevenson said, "and agencies here in Spokane helped me get off the streets."
"This is my way of paying it forward."
Stevenson said all the food he gets will be given to the Martin Lither King Community Center, Volunteers of America, and Healthcare for Homeless Veterans.
Eva Silverstone of the Spokane Public Library said they love having art in the downtown core and that it gives opportunity to people.
"That's what the library's all about, leveling the playing field so everyone has opportunity," Silverstone said.
The art has only been hanging since Monday, but people are already taking notice. They are in love with the artwork, but especially the motivation behind it.
"It made me feel like crying," said Alexandra Montague who exchanged food for a painting. "Because I think he's a wonderful human being. I just wanted to be part of that. Plus, I like art."
Noah Montague also exchanged food for a painting.
"Nothing about it's cheap," Montague said. "And it takes a lot of time and effort. So, it's very impressive what he's doing," he said.
Stevenson said there are plenty more paintings and he will bring more every week.
The artwork will be on display the entire month of February and if you are interested exchanging a painting for a food donation, you can reach Anthony Stevenson at 509-294-3473.
