Edward has always been an artist. A painter by profession, he earned a Fine Art degree with a focus in Painting from the Polytechnic, Ibadan in Nigeria in 2010. His passion for learning led him to further studies in English at the University of Memphis, followed by a Master of Divinity. With a deep love for both art and writing, he set out to build a career in New England, teaching English at Roxbury Community College and another community college.
But in 2019, his life took a difficult turn. His family broke apart, and his partner forced him out of their home. With nowhere to go, Edward found himself on the streets. He left Massachusetts for California, hoping for a fresh start, but the high cost of living and financial struggles made stability impossible. Seeking a new path, he moved to New York, where he stayed for two years before attempting to return to the West Coast before returning to Boston.
Though life had been unpredictable, one thing remained constant — his passion for art. Edward had already been featured in exhibitions across the country, with solo and collaborative shows in Massachusetts in 2013 and 2015, and an exhibition in New York in 2023. Still, it wasn’t until a fellow guest at an overnight shelter saw his sketches and insisted that he visit St. Francis House’s art studio that he found a true artistic home.
At SFH, Gurleen, the art therapist, quickly became one of his biggest supporters. “She gives a lot of encouragement to me,” Edward shares. “She’s a good leader, a good coordinator of excellence.” Since December 2023, the art studio has been his sanctuary. Every morning, he wakes up at Pine Street, showers, and makes his way to SFH, spending the day immersed in his craft. “This routine is helping me until I get back on schedule,” he says.
While working on his art, Edward is also focusing on rebuilding his life. His case manager is helping him renew his work permits, which expired while he was on the road. Though he doesn’t know exactly what the future holds, he is determined to keep creating. “I’ve always been drawing or writing,” he says. “I’m an artist to the core. This is my life!”
Edward dreams of exhibiting his work in multiple cities — Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and beyond. He envisions sharing his story and art with a wider audience, using his creativity to inspire others. Through it all, he credits St. Francis House and Gurleen for reigniting his artistic drive and giving him the space to thrive. “It’s about community,” he says. “A community of like-minded people.”
