A-TEAM Artists Website

In February 2001 with the support of the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) Board of Trustees, a group of artists who regularly use the services of the soup kitchen formed an artists' cooperative known as the A-TEAM Artists of Trenton. The purpose of the group is fourfold:

1. to promote the work of TASK artists in all media;
2. to work together as a group to support and encourage each other's success;
3. to learn entrepreneurial skills by taking responsibility for developing and maintaining the A-TEAM as a business entity;
4. to generate good will and public support for the artists, the TASK community and the city of Trenton.

Studio space and basic supplies are generously provided to the A-TEAM artists by TASK, and the day-to-day workings of the group are coordinated by a longtime TASK volunteer. The artists and volunteer coordinator meet once a week in the multi-purpose room at TASK for about five hours, during which time the artists work on projects of their choice. All the A-TEAM artists are self-taught, and they work in a wide variety of media, including paint, pencil and ink, pastel, collage, and found-object construction. Their work is displayed throughout the year at TASK and at group and individual shows in area galleries and other such spaces when they are offered. The group is open to all members of the soup kitchen community, and the "price of admission" is a piece of artwork and participation, when possible, at A-TEAM meetings.

The A-TEAM artists hold biweekly meetings to plan exhibits and projects, make policy and budgetary decisions, show and discuss new artwork, host visits from local artists and other guests and arrange field trips. In addition to the individual artwork they create throughout the year, A-TEAM members, as a group, have designed and produced note cards and posters that are on sale at local art galleries and museums as well as at all A-TEAM exhibits and year-round at the soup kitchen. Proceeds from all sales, whether individual or group, go directly to the artists.

If you would like to attend a meeting, volunteer to work with the A-TEAM or find out more about the group, please leave a message at 609-695-5456 ext 129. The TASK artists would be grateful for any suggestions you might have and would like to thank the many members of the community who have expressed interest in the A-TEAM and offered encouragement to the artists.

Susan Darley, Arts Program Coordinator: sandarley@gmail.com