New Canvases

What we do New Canvases uses the power of art to create a sense of home for families in transition. By partnering with artists worldwide and housing organizations, we provide original, meaningful artwork that supports healing, dignity, and belonging during life’s most vulnerable moments. "Crane" | Donated July 2024 Why we do it We believe that art boosts mental health, and that a beautiful home fosters comfort, positivity, & pride. When you finally have a place of your own after months in a shelter, it should feel like your own. The beautiful art on your wall isn’t just decor; it’s a reminder that this new chapter is yours to shape and enjoy. This is why we do it — everyone should have a space that feels like home!  "You do amazing work, which is much needed!  —Shelter Manager How it works 1. Producing the Art: We work with digital artists around the world to produce original artworks for our cause. While the styles and subjects vary, each piece has a positive, uplifting theme. 2. Printing & Framing: We print and frame the works using high-quality art paper and wooden 16x20" frames.  3. Distribution: We bring the works to homeless shelters throughout Miami, which match each piece to the right family. The families receive the pieces on move-out day, ready to display in their new homes. “Two clients moved out today and LOVED the artwork  for their new homes. They were so grateful!” —Shelter Staff

Gallery 

Each of these pieces has been printed, framed, and donated to a family in Miami. 

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Woman with Glasses Added a touch of beauty to a newly housed family's home

Calla Lilies  Brought hope to a young woman transitioning out of a shelter

Sunrise  Received with gratitude July 2024

Ways to Make a Difference!

Sponsor a piece of art today!	Your contribution can be tied directly to an artwork, donated to a family on your behalf. Simply fill out this form!
Know someone that would really love our mission?	Share this page and encourage them to support us!
Know any great digital artists?	Email David: david@newcanvases.org.  We'd love to meet them!
Could we be a good partner to your organization?	Email David: david@newcanvases.org.  We're always eager to collaborate and expand our impact.
Have any general ideas for us?	Email David: david@newcanvases.org

Use of Proceeds

Proceeds from Give Miami Day will support Art for Change, a project donating 500 pieces to families across Overtown, Allapattah, and Homestead. The program will also host a series of creative workshops and art exhibits for sheltered youth. 

Some more about New Canvases

The number of individuals housed in shelters in Miami increased by 13% from 2022 to 2023*, and shelters report that they are “at capacity.” That's why it's so important that, when families transition out, they find true stability. Sadly, about 15% of individuals return to homelessness within two years**. 

Many factors play a role in relapse: employment, financial literacy, food access, and more. At New Canvases, it's our firm belief that having a beautiful home — a space that families can be proud of — is an important part of achieving stability.

At these shelters, Move-Out Day is a big day! It's a celebration of the resilience these individuals have shown, emerging on their feet from their lowest point. And the art they receive on Move-Out Day will commemorate that, making it even more meaningful when displayed in the home. Just look at that smile :)

Why do "trauma-informed" and "wraparound care" matter? 

Since so many individuals experiencing homelessness have endured trauma, our art is designed with care, avoiding potential triggers and fostering a sense of positivity & hope. "Wraparound care" means families receive comprehensive support to rebuild their lives, including housing, clothing, and job support, and our art is a meaningful addition.

To date, we've donated 50+ pieces to three shelters in Miami, and are excited to 10x our impact in 2025. WITH YOUR HELP! 

*Miami-Dade Country Homeless Trust August 2023 Census  |  **US Department of Housing and Urban Development Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress: Part 2: Estimates of Homelessness in the United States. July 2023  |  ***Stranges, J. (2021, October 1). Meta-analysis: 90 percent of adults who are homeless experienced childhood trauma. Medical Xpress.

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