Shutdown Showdown: The Art of Survival

When the government shuts down, the headlines balk at agencies, policies, and numbers. But for people like me — a disabled artist and SNAP recipient — the effects aren’t abstract. They show up in the gas tank, the grocery bag, and the hours spent waiting in line for  basic needs like food.

During this current shutdown, I found myself driving across Houston to food distribution sites. Each one meant hours in line — before day, surrounded by others doing their best to get through. We glanced, smiled quietly, and waited together. Every mile I drove and every hour I waited came at a cost. The gas I used could have gone toward fixing my brakes, getting an oil change, or keeping up with emissions repairs. Those things aren’t luxuries; they’re what keep me safe and mobile.

People often say to “budget better.” But for many of us, especially those living with disabilities, government benefits like SNAP are part of that budget. When those benefits are delayed or uncertain, it’s not just an inconvenience — it’s a domino effect that impacts every part of daily life. For some it means choosing between shelter, food and medicine.

Still, even in the middle of that uncertainty, I’ve been reminded that community is powerful. My small but mighty army of supporters online made sure my household didn’t go without. They reminded me that compassion and humanity still exist, and that my art can still make a difference.

That’s where the idea for Shutdown Showdown: The Art of Survival was born. This online art auction is more than just a way to make ends meet. It’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the determination to keep going — even when the system pauses.

Every painting I create carries pieces of my story: persistence, faith, and the colors of hope. When you bid on a piece, you’re not only supporting an artist; you’re helping ensure that art continues to thrive in the face of adversity.

The Shutdown Showdown isn’t about politics. It’s about your neighbors and the people you know. It’s about how we adapt, survive, and create beauty from struggle.

Thank you for being part of my journey — and for believing that living artists deserve to make a living.