The Stewpot, a Dallas-based homeless services organization, is helping people who have experienced homelessness be seen in a new light. 

During a special art exhibit Thursday night, paintings filled the walls, but it was artists like Darrell Plunkett who were the real focus.  

When Plunkett first discovered The Stewpot’s art program more than a decade ago, he was at one of the lowest points in his life. He was struggling with alcoholism. 

 “I was staying in a shelter and I was waiting for them to take us back downtown, and I saw a gentleman with sketches and a bag full of art supplies,” he said. 

Immediately, he wanted to learn more. 

“He told me about the program, and back then, there was an interview process to get in, and so I went through that,” he said. 

Plunkett was accepted and quickly discovered a love for painting, especially sunflowers and roosters. More importantly, he found an escape from the struggles he was facing.

“It kept me out of trouble and give me a safe place to come and create instead of running the streets,” he said. 

He said many artists in the program have found that same sense of purpose.

 “It gives me peace and quiet and comfort,” Luis Arispe said. “People who buy my work love the way I talk to them and speak to them.” 

Every painting sold directly benefits the artists. They receive 90% of each sale, while the remaining 10% goes back into the program to help pay for art supplies.”

 “It’s a nice little boost if you get a little more pocket change.. to get paid for your work and to be acknowledged as an artist,” The Stewpot Director of Enrichment Programs, Betty Heckman, said. 

 “The recognition that someone actually likes what I created it just gives me joy,” Plunkett said. 

Since joining the program, Plunkett has remained sober. He now has his own apartment and works at the Dallas Arboretum, where he finds constant inspiration. 

“I’ll just stop and take a quick snapshot and go home and create,” he said. 

He estimates he’s created hundreds of paintings over the years, and some of his work has even been featured in murals across Dallas. 

Looking back, he says he’s forever grateful for this program that changed the course of his life. 

“I don’t know what I would do without it,” he said. “It’s been a blessing.”

The Miami Dolphins will have new starters at their cornerback positions since both Jack Jones and Rasul Douglas are not back with the team. The team drafted Chris Johnson in the first round and it’s pretty likely he’ll have a large role and should claim the one starting spot. The other starting spot should be up for grabs among the rest of the group. Jason Marshall is one of those players who has a better chance of claiming that starting spot after showing some flashes his rookie season. Jeff Hafley has already said he envision Marshall playing on the outside and the second-year corner should get plenty of chances to prove himself during the preseason.

You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.

Phinsider News You May Have Missed

ATLANTA – Atlanta police are asking for the public’s help locating 11-year-old Omari James, who has been classified as critically missing.

What we know:

Investigators said Omari ran away from his home around 9:30 p.m. Thursday after getting into an argument with his parents over his cell phone.

Police said Omari was last seen wearing a black shirt, red, white and blue shorts, black Nike slides and a Nike ski hat.

What you can do:

Anyone who has seen Omari or knows where he may be is asked to call 911 or contact the Atlanta Police Department’s Special Victims Unit. The investigation remains ongoing.