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A small room filled with donated supplies is making a significant difference for people experiencing homelessness in Fairfax City.

The art room at The Lamb Center offers guests a dependable place to create, reflect and rebuild confidence. It complements the daytime drop-in shelter’s food, clothing, showers, case management, job counseling and other support services.

The volunteer-run art program began in early 2023 under the leadership of Marcie Concepcion, who was named the center’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year.

“What started as a small, creative outlet has grown into something really special,” spokeswoman Sierra Scott said.

Guests’ work has since reached audiences beyond the shelter. Their art was recently displayed at Mount Calvary Baptist Church and Truro Anglican Church, as well as in a community exhibition featuring pieces by guests, volunteer instructors and artists from partner churches.

Concepcion has taught art for more than 30 years in public and private schools, online classrooms, museum programs and homeschool cooperatives. She has also taught at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh. She currently works at The Potter’s School, a Springfield-based international online school, while serving as The Lamb Center’s lead art volunteer.

She described her work at the shelter as both deeply rewarding and humbling.

The program uses whatever space and materials are available. Its monthly workshop may move into the conference room when that space is open, and Concepcion has even created artwork from leftover paint.

For guests carrying difficult life experiences, the creative process can provide a way to explore emotions that may be hard to express directly. Concepcion said many participants feel more positive about themselves after making art.

She has also seen art reconnect people with healthier, younger versions of themselves. Some guests remember drawing or painting as children or during their school years once they begin creating again.

Just as important, participants repeatedly describe the art room as a safe space. Concepcion said it may be the only place where some guests believe they can make a mistake without being punished. There, they can relax, experiment and simply be present.

The room also places guests, volunteers and staff on equal ground. Instead of a traditional teacher-and-student structure, Concepcion said the experience often calls for sitting beside someone, listening and allowing that person to feel seen.

Art can also teach comfort with uncertainty, she said. A project rarely unfolds exactly as planned, requiring the artist to make choices and solve problems along the way. Concepcion sees a parallel with life, where an unexpected turn can demand the same kind of flexibility.

Executive Director Tara Ruszkowski said that shared creative experience is what makes the room distinctive.

“It’s a place where we sit side-by-side as equals – guests, volunteers and staff – simply creating together,” Ruszkowski said. “It brings so much light and color to The Lamb Center; but more importantly, it gives us a beautiful window into our guests’ hearts.”