It’s a small space with donated supplies, but the art room at The Lamb Center (TLC) in Fairfax City is yielding huge results for those who use it. Besides being a consistent and safe place for guests experiencing homelessness, it enables them to express their creativity and, at the same time, feel better about themselves.

TLC is a daytime, drop-in shelter providing food, clothing, showers and many much-needed supportive services – such as case management and job counseling – to help those seeking its aid better their circumstances. And its art program is a valuable piece.

“What started as a small, creative outlet has grown into something really special,” said TLC spokeswoman Sierra Scott. “It’s entirely volunteer-run and has grown a lot since it began in early 2023 under the leadership of Marcie Concepcion, who was named our 2025 Volunteer of the Year.

“Guests’ artwork was recently displayed at Mount Calvary Baptist Church and Truro Anglican Church. And

it was also showcased in the community as part of an art show featuring work from our guests and volunteer instructors, plus artists from our partner churches.” 

Concepcion has taught art for more than 30 years in public, private and virtual online schools, museum programs, homeschool co-ops and even the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh. She currently teaches art at The Potter’s School, an online international school based in Springfield and is the lead art volunteer at The Lamb Center. She calls her time there “one of the most rewarding and the most humbling.” 

“We make do with what we have, and sometimes use the conference room if it’s available, like for our monthly art workshop,” she said. “The life experiences of these guests mean they have much to process and, often, much to give that makes me think. We’re all just one or two big life experiences away from where many of these guests have found themselves. I’ve learned a few things in my time here:

1. To be seen is to heal. So many of these artists feel unseen and avoided within the greater community. It’s also a place where we’re all on equal footing; this isn’t a top-down, educator-to-student experience. Sometimes, I just need to be present and listen to them. 

2. Art speaks from the soul; creating feeds our souls. Even when we don’t know how to process what we’re going through, we still process it a little by creating. Afterward, many artists say they feel more positive about themselves. 

3. Art often connects them to younger healthier versions of themselves. Many of the artists create and remember creating when they were children or in school.

4. One thing that’s been repeated to me multiple times is that the art room is a safe space. It’s often the only place our guests feel like they can make a ‘mistake’ and not be punished for it. They can also relax and just be. 

5. Art helps them be OK with not knowing what’ll happen. Much of art doesn't go the way we plan. I constantly tell my high-school students that good art doesn't come from talent, contrary to popular belief. You can have loads of talent and not do anything with it. Good art comes from good choices and creative problem solving. Creative problem solving needs to happen when our choices aren’t good ones. Life can be the same way.”

Agreeing, TLC Executive Director Tara Ruszkowski said, “There’s something really special about the TLC art room. It’s a place where we sit side-by-side as equals – guests, volunteers and staff – simply creating together. It brings so much light and color to The Lamb Center; but more importantly, it gives us a beautiful window into our guests’ hearts.”