Artist Anita Groener recently wrapped up a successful exhibit at the Academy Art Museum in called “To the Edge of Your World.” Included amongst the sculptures, drawings, and paintings was a short film entitled “Shelter,” which Groener created with the help of documentarian Matt Kresling.
“Shelter” is a short, animated documentary that addresses the urgent social and political realities of homelessness while celebrating the transformative work of the Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS) in Easton, MD. The film tells the personal stories of individuals facing hardship as they navigate systemic challenges and strive to rebuild their lives. Through these narratives, “Shelter” reveals the strength of human resilience and the power of compassionate, community-based solutions.
The stories featured in the film are those of participants in Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s S4 Program – Shelter, Stability, Support, Success – told in their own voices and overlayed with Groener’s thought-provoking artwork.
The film was accepted into the 2025 Chesapeake Film Festival and was screened during opening day on October 10th – coinciding with World Homelessness Day – as part of the first shorts program. At the end of the Festival, “Shelter” was honored with the Spotlight on Maryland Award.
While the film is no longer available at the Academy Art Museum, Talbot Interfaith Shelter will be hosting a series of screenings at their new multi-use building at 133 Vine Street in Easton. The first screening will take place on November 13th at 5:30 pm as part of the shelter’s lineup of activities commemorating National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month. Following the screening, attendees will be invited to engage in a discussion about the growing poverty and homelessness crisis on the Mid-Shore and how TIS is helping local families and individuals to build lasting self-sufficiency.
Seating is still available, but space is limited. Those wishing to view the film should email Jesse Johnson at [email protected]. If you are unavailable on November 13th, but interested in watching the film and learning about Talbot Interfaith Shelter, contact Laura Richeson at 410-690-3120 or [email protected] to inquire about future screening dates or scheduling a private screening.
About Talbot Interfaith Shelter
Talbot Interfaith Shelter is dedicated to fighting homelessness on Maryland’s Mid-Shore by providing Shelter, Stability, Support, and a path to Success for local families and individuals in need. TIS’ innovative and comprehensive S4 Program is designed to guide guests step-by-step from homelessness to self-sufficiency. This is done by providing safe shelter, rigorous case management, connection with service providers, and life skills training. TIS also has 19 off-site transitional apartments, where those guests who need more time to reach full independence can continue to receive case management and attend life skills classes while incrementally working towards achieving Success.
Learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and how you can help at talbotinterfaithshelter.org or by contacting Julie Lowe at [email protected].